Language Included In The House Version Of The National Defense Authorization Act

Language proposed in the Chairman's Mark of the House Version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would allow the U.S. Air Force to sole source a contract for the helicopter that would replace the UH-1N Huey.

If it survives the legislative process, it could allow the USAF to select a platform and bypass an ongoing competition for the aircraft, according to a report from Defense News.

The Air Force had initially wanted to sole source the contract to Sikorsky for UH-60 Black Hawks as the replacement for the Huey, but it reversed course when lawmakers recommended that they hold an open competition for the aircraft.

It is not known whether the USAF would change its acquisition strategy at this point.

In May, appropriators added $75 million to the Huey replacement program in an effort to expedite the process, bringing the total to $93 million. The increase came after the Air Force issued a second draft RFP to industry for the contract.

(Image from file)

FMI: armedservices.house.gov