AN/APX-123A(V) Common Transponder Technical Refresh

The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded a sole-source contract to BAE Systems for the AN/APX-123A(V) Common Transponder Technical Refresh. This effort, managed under a Basic Ordering Agreement for FY2022 through FY2027, focuses on the sustainment and modernization of Combat Identification systems, including the Common Digital Transponder, Digital Interrogator Set, Combined Interrogator/Transponder, and OE-120 Antenna Group. The primary objective is to transition lab-built prototypes into a production environment to address obsolescence and ensure compliance with NSA Cryptographic Modernization 2 requirements. The scope includes engineering change proposals and system integration across various platforms such as the CH-53K, P-8A, DDG, LCS, and SSN. The award was made on a sole-source basis under FAR 6.302-1 because BAE Systems is the original designer and manufacturer and the exclusive holder of the Technical Data Package. The government determined that competition would result in substantial duplication of costs and unacceptable program delays. Performance is primarily centered in Greenlawn, New York, with inspection and acceptance managed by NAVAIR in Patuxent River, Maryland. Key milestones include a Critical Design Review scheduled for completion by May 2025, with the overall authority for the justification and approval expiring on March 30, 2027.