SSS for RQ-4 IDIQ Contract_01 May 2025.pdf

FA8578-25-R-RQ4GH - Sources Sought Synopsis for Global Hawk RQ-4 Program Support and Services

CAUTION:

The Global Hawk Program Office is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the repair data, expertise, capabilities, engineering, software development, maintenance, and experience to meet qualification requirements to sustain and maintain the Global Hawk RQ-4 aircraft to cover the entire lifecycle. The level of security clearance and amount of overseas continental united states participation in this requirement has not been determined. The Government does not own or have access to the data for RQ-4 aircraft. The Government has determined that this system is a noncommercial item.

The contractor will be required to provide all necessary supplies, services and personnel to complete Global Hawk mission and support tasks. The contractor is responsible for providing, maintaining, and calibrating all support equipment required at their facility or a subcontractor’s facility. Contractor furnished material or parts used for replacement shall equal or exceed the quality of the original material or parts.

Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The document below contains a description of the RQ-4 requirement and a Contractor Capability Survey.

The Survey allows Contractors to provide their company’s capability.

2. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the market research, you should provide documentation that supports your company’s capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities.

3. ATTENTION: SMALL BUSINESS RESPONDENTS who are interested in participation for this effort:

a. No set aside decision has been made; however, the Government will determine the final strategy after thorough analysis of the small business responses and other market research available, considering the demonstrated interest and capability. Please ensure that you provide a thorough response to each question. If your company does not currently possess the full capability required to fulfill the entire requirement, what teaming/partnership/joint venture/subcontracting arrangement do you have in place to fulfill the government needs? Providing evidence of this arrangement, e.g., emails, letter, etc. that demonstrates a united response to this RFI is highly encouraged but not required. The evidence should state the type of arrangement and the role each member will fulfill.

If you are only interested in being a subcontractor to the future awardee, state the portion of the work that your organization has capability of fulfilling.

b. Identify any areas of work that your organization believes should be broken out exclusively for Small Business.

4. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research. Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

5. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to the PCO.

PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION:

The Government anticipates soliciting a Support and Sustainment 5-year Contract from a sole source to cover the entire lifecycle for support of the Global Hawk RQ-4 aircraft. The work is currently being performed by Northrop Grumman. The Government does not own data rights or system specifications to the RQ-4 aircraft.

The Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial System is a high altitude, long endurance unmanned air vehicle with integrated sensor systems and ground segment that provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to joint warfighters. Northrop Grumman is currently the prime contractor for the development, manufacture, modernization and sustainment of the Global Hawk system.

The Global Hawk system consists of the air vehicle, ground segment, communications segment, payload, and support systems. The Global Hawk Program Office anticipates follow-on modernization and sustainment efforts. Modernization activities could include, but are not limited to, development for future modifications and/or upgrades to the Global Hawk air vehicle, ground segment, communications segment, payload, Enterprise Service’s System Integration Lab (SIL), Mission Planning, and support systems. Modernization may also include associated systems engineering, platform integration, program management, SIL test infrastructure, SIL test and evaluation activities, production, product support, retrofit, depot activation planning and/or partnering, sustainment (organizational and depot level), inventory control point, as well as studies and analyses efforts. Additionally, the potential exists for a requirement to produce Global Hawk systems assuming the necessary direction/authorization is provided.

REQUESTED INFORMATION:

Information is being collected from all potential sources. Contractors interested in this effort must complete the attached Capabilities Matrix and submit a brief and concise six (6) page Capabilities Document (not including .xlsx Capabilities Matrix) which clearly explains how they intend to meet the Global Hawk requirements. The capabilities document shall detail: (1) Scope of the experience; (2) Teaming and/or subcontracting arrangements, which should be clearly delineated, indicating previous experience in teaming, particularly with proposed teammates, and (3) Whether it was in support of a Government or commercial contract. Interested contractors will clearly explain how they intend to meet the stated requirements via teaming/subcontracting while maximizing opportunities for small business participation in accordance with FAR Part 19.

Respondents shall indicate whether they are interested in either prime or subcontracting opportunities.

Additionally, firms responding to this announcement as the "prime contractor" should indicate whether they are large or small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, or women-owned small business concerns. in relation to National American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330, size standard $47M.

If the contractor can perform a self-contained major component subsystem such as a payload without deficiencies in any other interdependent capabilities area (such as necessary data to accomplish the specific portion of work), please submit a capabilities package for that portion of work.

All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded any DoD contract. Prospective contractors are cautioned to ensure that the proper NAICS code appears in SAM. Respondents shall include their Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, if possible.

The capabilities of the contractor team must recognize that Northrop Grumman has been the sole designer, manufacturer and integrator of the Global Hawk system since the program's inception. Data the Air Force has procured as of this date are technical orders and operating manuals. The Government has minimal data rights or system specifications for the RQ-4 GH. Consequently, the contractor must possess a complete technical knowledge and understanding of the Global Hawk system. If the contractor cannot provide the required support without technical documentation, the contractor shall identify a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost and time to produce Level Ill technical data packages in accordance with MIL-DTL-31000B or equivalent. For the purposes of the ROM, respondents should advise of any proprietary markings. The ROM shall not exceed 10 pages.

Please submit one (1) electronic copy of the Capabilities Package (includes Capabilities Document and, if applicable, ROM) in MS Word format, Times New Roman 12 point font, AND (1) electronic copy of completed Capabilities Matrix in MS Excel (.xlsx) format to Wendy M. Creager, Contracting Officer, at wendy.creager@us.af.mil. Documents should be submitted no later than 30 May 2025.

mailto:wendy.creager@us.af.mil