Contracts · Naval aviation
Navy explores added Super Hornet and Growler service life modification capacity
The Navy is assessing whether to add a qualified source for work starting in fiscal 2029 or retain its arrangement with Boeing and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest.
The Navy is exploring supplemental or secondary capacity to perform service life modification (SLM) on Super Hornets and Growlers starting in fiscal 2029. Naval Air Systems Command posted the request for information on Nov. 10 on behalf of the aircraft program office.1
Responses will inform acquisition strategy through 2038
supplemental or secondary Service Life Modification (SLM) turnkey capacity for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft starting in FY29
The Government currently executes the requirements through Boeing as OEM and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest under a public private partnership with the OEM
Responses will inform acquisition strategy through 2038, including whether to establish an additional qualified source to supplement current capacity or maintain the current hybrid framework
The RFI is for market research and planning only, not a solicitation or commitment to award or reimburse
Source: Naval Air Systems Command, SAM.gov
Sources
Boeing and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest currently perform the work through a public-private partnership. The responses will inform whether the Navy adds a qualified source or retains its current arrangement as part of its acquisition strategy through 2038.1
The Navy seeks operational facilities and capabilities, excluding conceptual or developmental proposals requiring substantial new construction, extensive infrastructure development or years of implementation before becoming operational.1
The program office anticipates a maximum induction profile of up to 47 aircraft annually across the industrial base. Allocation among sources may vary with fleet requirements, aircraft availability, demonstrated performance, schedule and available capacity.1
The work includes installing structural technical directives and advanced capability modifications such as Block III upgrade kits. Firms able to handle only part of the work or a limited annual quantity can respond, and the Navy encourages potential teaming arrangements.1
The inquiry also asks firms to identify throughput constraints, including workforce, facilities, supply chain, engineering support and tooling. This is market research, with no commitment to award a contract or reimburse response costs.1
For prospective entrants, financing is part of the Navy's capacity assessment: firms must identify whether they anticipate using their own capital for stand-up costs and describe any government support or reimbursement required.1
Sources (1)
- sam.gov sam.gov