# Navy plans sole-source Northrop contract for MK 45 projectile bodies The planned production contract follows Northrop’s completion of competitively awarded prototype work. Other suppliers can submit capability statements by Nov. 18. Published 2026-11-03 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/11/03/navy-plans-sole-source-northrop-contract-for-mk-45/ The Navy plans a sole-source contract with Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation to develop and produce new 5-inch projectile bodies compatible with the MK 45 Gun Weapon System.[1] The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division intends a firm-fixed-price contract for the austempered ductile iron bodies.[1] The competition took place at the prototype stage: the other transaction agreement for projectile body development and qualification was competitively awarded, and Northrop completed the prototype projects.[1] The underlying Naval Energetic Systems and Technologies request for prototype projects included provisions for a follow-on production contract.[1] The Navy says those conditions allow production to proceed without further competition under the prototype follow-on authority in 10 USC 4022(f)(1).[1] The notice’s description gives no quantity, dollar value or delivery schedule for the planned contract.[1] The Navy published the notice Nov. 3 and updated it the same day, changing the response date from Nov. 13 to Nov. 18.[1][2] ## Why it matters Other suppliers still have an opportunity to submit capability summaries, with responses due by 4 p.m. EST Nov. 18, 2026.[1] The Navy will consider all responses, but the notice is not a request for proposals.[1] The decision whether to compete the requirement remains with the Navy, and the notice makes no government commitment.[1] ## Sources 1. sam.gov 2. sam.gov