59--ACOUSITC RAPID COMMERCIAL OFF-THE-SHELF (COTS) INSERTION (A-RCI)PRODUCTION AND ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT MODIFICATION

The Naval Sea Systems Command plans to issue a sole source solicitation for a Cost Plus Award Fee contract modification aimed at acquiring additional engineering services and post-installation support for the Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off-the-Shelf (A-RCI) systems, Executive Work Station, and Virginia Class Architecture system installed on various submarine classes including SSN688, SSN688I, SSN21, SSBN, SSGN, and Virginia Class submarines. The A-RCI system is a sonar technology that enhances and integrates multiple sensor arrays through the rapid incorporation of commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software, improving submarine sensor processing capabilities. The contract modification covers a period of nine months and will be awarded exclusively to Lockheed Martin Corporation's Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems division in Manassas, Virginia, as they are the sole developer and producer of the A-RCI system with the necessary technical knowledge and resources. Lockheed Martin NE&SS initially developed the A-RCI technology under a prior contract and remains the only supplier capable of fulfilling the government's requirements efficiently and on schedule. This sole source approach ensures continuity and leverages the contractor’s expertise with the system's design, hardware, and support infrastructure. Subcontracting opportunities may be available through Lockheed Martin directly. The notice serves as an informational announcement for interested parties and highlights the criticality of relying on the original equipment manufacturer to maintain and advance these complex sonar systems pivotal to submarine operations.