NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXERCISE SOLE SOURCE OPTION - Legacy AN/ALQ-184 System/Software Sustainment and AN/ALQ-131 Hardware Sustaining Engineering
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
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 War (DoW), AFLCMC/ESKY, intends to exercise Option Period V on a sole-source basis with Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for Legacy AN/ALQ-184 System/Software Sustainment and AN/ALQ-131 Hardware Sustaining Engineering. This action continues critical engineering services for Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) systems. While not a request for competitive proposals, other responsible sources may submit capability statements for consideration. Capability statements are due by June 2, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
This option provides Sustaining Engineering Services (SES), encompassing:
- AN/ALQ-184 ECM Software Support: Includes Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) testing, Operational Flight Program (OFP) support, code/documentation reviews, and test tool updates.
- AN/ALQ-131 ECM Hardware Sustainment: Involves specialized engineering for system-level deficiency analysis, obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing source (DMS) resolution at the component/Shop Replaceable Unit (SRU) level, lab test support, and continued support for the Electronic Warfare Avionics Integration Support Facility (EWAISF).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Exercise Sole Source Option under existing IDIQ contract FA8523-21-D-0006.
- Duration: Option Period V, from June 7, 2026, through June 6, 2027.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source).
- Capability Statement Due: June 2, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.
- Published: May 18, 2026.
- PSC: R425 - Engineering And Technical Services.
- Place of Performance: Warner Robins, GA.
Rationale for Sole Source
The action is justified under FAR 6.302-1 ("Only One Responsible Source") due to the unique and highly specialized nature of the services. The requirement builds on critical, proprietary information from a foundational FY18 sole-source effort. Northrop Grumman is deemed the only contractor capable of providing the required quality for these complex ECM systems, and competition would result in substantial cost duplication and unacceptable delays for critical DoW missions.
Contestability & Public Response
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation for agency consideration. The Government retains sole discretion on whether to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses. Information received will primarily determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
Contact Information
Capability statements must be submitted electronically to Cindy Courson at cindy.courson@us.af.mil.