RT-2159/APX IFF Transponder Production

The Naval Air Systems Command is seeking information from potential contractors to support the production of the RT-2159/APX IFF Transponder, a critical Combat Identification System used across U.S. Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and Foreign Military Sales platforms through FY2027 to FY2031. This sources-sought notice is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The government intends to issue a sole-source, fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to BAE Systems, the original equipment manufacturer, due to the lack of technical data and software rights needed for production. The anticipated contract value ranges between $50 million and $90 million, with work to be performed at the contractor’s U.S.-based facilities, requiring a minimum production capability of 18 units per month and supporting activities such as engineering changes, obsolescence mitigation, certification testing, and logistics sustainment. Interested parties, including small businesses, are encouraged to submit capability statements no longer than ten pages detailing their ability to meet the technical and production requirements, even as non-OEMs. Responses must demonstrate familiarity with Mark XIIB IFF Mode 5, Mode S, and ADS-B capabilities, confirm immediate performance readiness by FY2027, and address whether they can obtain or independently replicate the necessary technical data and data rights without relying on proprietary OEM information. Submissions must include company profiles, relevant experience, management plans, risk assessments, and proof of SAM.gov registration, and must be submitted electronically in PDF or Word format by July 9, 2026, to the designated point of contact. The government will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing responses, and all submissions are voluntary and treated as unclassified, with proprietary information protected under applicable regulations.