Move Could Mean Problems For Ramp-Up Of F-35 Production

A pre-solicitation notice posted by the U.S. Navy for 36 additional Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters could mean a slower production ramp-up schedule for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, according to a report from USNI News.

The notice was posted October 17th on the FedBizOpps.gov website. It indicates that "The Naval Air Systems Command intends to solicit and negotiate a Fixed Price Incentive Firm, sole source contract with the Boeing Company, for the procurement of up to 36 FY15 (Lot 39) F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft. This sole source procurement will also include Ancillary Mission Equipment, and technical data. This acquisition is being pursued on a sole source basis under the statutory authority 10 USC 2304 (C)(1) as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements."

NAVAIR said in an email to the paper that there are no current of future requirements for additional F/A-18E/Fs or EA-18Gs. Navy officials say they are "committed" to the F-35C. But analysts in Washington, D.C. indicate that acquiring additional Super Hornets would allow the service to replace older F/A-18A-D models, while delaying the purchase of F-35C airplanes that will require upgrades in the future.

The Navy was supposed to suspend Super Hornet procurement in the FY2014 budget, but an analyst with the Teal Group told USNI News that the notice would allow negotiations in the event that Congress appropriates additional money to keep the Super Hornet production line open past 2016.

(Super Hornet image provided by  Boeing)

FMI: Pre-Solicitation Notice