PRESOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: F-35 JPO IFED Modification

The Naval Air Systems Command, under the Department of Defense, is issuing a presolicitation notice for a sole source procurement targeting the modification of the In-Line File Encryption Device software for the F-35 Joint Program Office. The primary objective is to update the IFED software to implement government-mandated quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms to ensure the integrity and authenticity of all signed code within the device. Contractors are expected to develop, test, and integrate the modified software while ensuring that the update can be deployed in the field without physical access to the device enclosure. The solicitation number is N00019-26-RFPREQ-JSFCDS-0049, with a response deadline of July 24, 2026, following an amendment that changed the Product Service Code from 7G21 to AC13. The point of contact for inquiries is Jonathan Chen, with Colin McCarthy as the secondary contact, both reachable through official F-35 JPO email addresses. The place of performance is identified as Fort Worth, Texas, while the contracting office is located in Patuxent River, Maryland. No details are available regarding pricing, evaluation criteria, delivery schedules, inspection standards, packaging requirements, or specific contract clauses, as these sections are either not provided or incomplete in the solicitation documentation. The estimated contract value and supporting socioeconomic information are also not disclosed.