E-2D Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems (HITS-V) Contract Award

Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions LLC has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the E-2D Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems (HITS-V) program, designed to modernize and sustain the U.S. Navy’s E-2D Hawkeye training infrastructure through technical refreshes and capability enhancements. The contract covers a broad range of upgrades including cockpit technical refreshes, integration of new systems for E-2D Block II and future configurations, enhancements to distributed mission trainers, Special Projects Advanced Readiness Trainers Afloat/Ashore, virtual maintenance training tools, instructor and operator training programs, and associated technical documentation. These upgrades are critical to maintaining fleet readiness by ensuring training devices remain concurrent with evolving aircraft systems, addressing hardware and software obsolescence, implementing cybersecurity improvements, and integrating new third-party applications within the HITS architecture. The program spans a period of performance from fiscal year 2026 through September 30, 2034, with initial training device deliveries expected to begin in fiscal year 2028 and a required Technical Data Package delivery by the same timeframe. This acquisition was conducted on a sole-source basis under 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(1), justified by the contractor’s unique possession of proprietary technical data, system design knowledge, and historical role as the sole provider of the HITS family from HITS-I through HITS-IV. No competition was pursued due to the absence of alternative vendors capable of meeting the Navy’s readiness timeline without unacceptable delay. The contract value is estimated at $1.2 billion, encompassing all technical refreshes, integration efforts, interim contractor support, logistics, spares provisioning, and training for instructors, operators, cyber personnel, and maintenance teams. Performance is focused in Virginia, with the contractor based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and administrative oversight handled by the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in Orlando, Florida. No pricing line items, packaging specifications, inspection criteria, or formal contract clauses were disclosed in the available documentation, and no socioeconomic or size status information for the contractor was provided. The contract implicitly relies on long-term continuity with the contractor, with no intention to compete future phases, and includes obligations for sustained technical support and modernization throughout the multi-year life cycle of the system.