PRESOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: F-35 JPO IFED Modification

SOL #: N00019-26-RFPREQ-JSFCDS-0049Pre-SolicitationSole Source

Overview

Buyer

Dept Of Defense
Dept Of The Navy
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND
PATUXENT RIVER, MD, 20670-5000, United States

Place of Performance

Fort Worth, TX

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)

PSC

Digital Network Communications Hardware, Software, And Other Equipment Used Within The Core Data Centers And Work Areas, Connecting End Users To The Organization's Local Area Network (Lan). Wide Area Network (Wan) Digital Transmission Equipment, Supporting Hardware And Software Directly Connecting Data Centers, Offices And Third Parties. Includes 1) External Digital Network Transport Equipment (Outside Plant) Physical Communications Infrastructure Connecting To Lan/Wan End Points 2) Copper And Fiber Communications Systems, And 3) Cellular Infrastructure Such As Towers, Repeaters, Switching Systems Dedicated For Cellular Communication. Products And Tools That Enable Or Distribute Voice Services Through On Premise Digital Equipment Including Pbx, Vo Ip, Voicemail And Handsets. (7G21)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
May 5, 2026
2
Response Deadline
May 21, 2026, 9:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons
  • NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
  • Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
  • Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
  • Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The Department of the Navy / NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND has issued a Presolicitation Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the F-35 JPO In-Line File Encryption Device (IFED) Modification. The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) intends to award a sole source contract to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (LM Aero) to modify the IFED software with government-mandated Quantum Resistant algorithms. Responsible sources may submit capability statements by May 21, 2026.

Scope of Work

This requirement involves:

  • Modifying the IFED software to incorporate Quantum Resistant algorithms.
  • Facilitating the verification of all signed code within the IFED equipment.
  • Testing and integration of the modified code.
  • Verifying that the software update can be applied in the field without opening the enclosure.

Contract & Timeline

  • Type: Presolicitation / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
  • Set-Aside: None (Sole Source to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics)
  • Response Due: May 21, 2026, 05:00 PM EDT
  • Published: May 05, 2026
  • NAICS: 336411, Aircraft Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,500 employees)
  • Place of Performance: Fort Worth, TX, United States

Evaluation & Eligibility

This contract will be awarded under the authority of FAR 6.103-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements." LM Aero is identified as the only known qualified source due to their role as the designer, developer, and integrator of the F-35 aircraft and IFED software.

Responsible sources who believe they can meet the requirement may submit a capability statement within fifteen (15) days after the publication date of this notice (by May 21, 2026). Potential offerors must possess a secret security clearance to be eligible for award. Relevant DD Form 254 information will be provided if a solicitation is released.

Points of Contact

People

Points of Contact

Jonathan ChenPRIMARY
Jonathan.Chen@jsf.mil
Colin McCarthySECONDARY
colin.mccarthy@jsf.mil

Files

Files

Download

Versions

Version 1Viewing
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: May 5, 2026
PRESOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: F-35 JPO IFED Modification | GovScope