GQM-163A Aerial Target Operation
Awarded Limited / Sole Source Justification Posted
- Solicitation number
- N6893625R0005
- Agency
-
Naval Air Warfare Center
Naval Air Systems Command, Department of Defense
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Contract number
- N6893626D5002 Federal IDV award
- NAICS code
- 541330 Engineering Services
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of the Navy Naval Air Warfare Center has awarded a sole-source IDIQ contract (N6893626D5002) to Northrop Grumman Corporation for engineering services supporting operations and maintenance of the GQM-163A Ground Launch Drone Missile system, valued at $99 million for fiscal years 2026-2030.
The justification cites FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source. Orbital ATK originally designed and developed the GQM-163A; Northrop Grumman acquired Orbital ATK in June 2018, making it the sole entity with requisite knowledge of the system's operational architecture, expertise to configure and operate the target, and required data rights. The government lacks the expertise, data rights, and ability to conduct competitive procurement or perform necessary operations and maintenance activities. Three Sources Sought announcements (October 24, 2024; November 12, 2024; April 22, 2025) yielded no responses. Market research identified no other supersonic targets meeting U.S. Navy Fleet customer requirements.
The contract scope includes delivery of flight trajectories and technical data packages for GQM-163A launches, as well as operation, maintenance, and loading of targets onto launchers. The GQM-163A comprises the vehicle, MK70 Mod 1 booster, MK7 Mod 1 or 4K3 launcher, and ground support equipment; it is a supersonic sea-skimming target system capable of low and high altitude operations, serving both Department of Defense and Foreign Military Sales customers. Place of performance is Chandler, Arizona (Northrop Grumman location); administrative oversight is at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Point Mugu, California. This award follows a previously approved sole-source contract (J&A 17-0020) awarded in February 2018. No plans exist to compete future contracts unless another capable source emerges.
Notice text
- As required by FAR 6.301 this J&A is hereby posted for the aforementioned contract award.
Awarded contract N6893626D5002 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2026-06-01.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Red 25-0119_Redacted.pdf |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| This notice | Limited / Sole Source Justification | |
| GQM-163A Aerial Target Operation | Award Notice | |
| GQM-163A Aerial Target Operation | Solicitation | |
| GQM-163A Aerial Target Operation | Pre-Solicitation |
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