# 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. Published 2026-11-10 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/11/10/navy-explores-added-super-hornet-and-growler-service-life/ The Navy is exploring supplemental or secondary capacity to perform service life modification (SLM) on Super Hornets and Growlers starting in fiscal 2029.[1] Naval Air Systems Command posted the request for information on Nov. 10 on behalf of the aircraft program office.[1] Boeing and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest currently perform the work through a public-private partnership.[1] 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.[1] 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.[1] 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.[1] This is market research, with no commitment to award a contract or reimburse response costs.[1] ## Why it matters 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