Triton MQ-4C Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 7

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded a modification to contract N00019-19-C-0008 on March 13, 2025, for the Triton MQ-4C Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 7. This hybrid contract utilizes Fixed Price Incentive Firm, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, and Firm Fixed Price structures. The award was made on a sole-source basis to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC) under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, as NGSC is the sole designer and manufacturer of the system. The justification for avoiding competition cites NGSC's proprietary technical data and unique expertise, noting that transitioning to another source would result in an estimated 11-year delivery delay and 4.8 billion dollars in additional costs. The scope of work includes the production and delivery of four unmanned aircraft and one Main Operating Base (MOB) for the U.S. Navy, as well as three unmanned aircraft and one MOB for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Key deliverables encompass the air vehicles, MOBs, production and test support equipment, integrated logistics support, spares, and technical data packages. Performance is centered in San Diego, California, with administrative oversight from Patuxent River, Maryland. The established delivery schedule requires the Main Operating Bases to be available by Fiscal Year 2026, with the unmanned aircraft fielded by Fiscal Year 2028.