14 -- GQM-163A High Diver Upgrade

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) plans to issue a sole-source delivery order under the existing Basic Ordering Agreement with Orbital Science Corporation for an upgrade to the GQM-163 Supersonic Sea Skimming Target (SSST). The upgrade involves incorporating a High Diver capability with minimal design changes to the existing target. Orbital Science Corporation, based in Chandler, Arizona, is uniquely qualified for this task as the sole designer, developer, and manufacturer of the SSST, possessing the exclusive technical knowledge and data necessary to implement this enhancement. This procurement will be conducted under the sole-source authority outlined in FAR 6.302-1, acknowledging that no other sources can meet the agency’s requirements. The contract action is categorized as a presolicitation with no set-aside provisions specified. The Naval Air Systems Command office managing this effort is located in Patuxent River, Maryland, with designated points of contact including the Contract Specialist Kevin H Faughnan and the Contracting Officer Michael J McLoughlin. This targeted upgrade is critical for maintaining and enhancing the operational capabilities of the SSST, and therefore the Navy is proceeding directly with Orbital Science Corporation, leveraging their unmatched expertise and proprietary data to meet mission needs effectively.