Sole Source to Northrop Grumman - Generalized Automatic Target Recognition (GATR) Software Development Kit

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, operating under the Department of the Navy Naval Sea Systems Command, seeks to procure the Generalized Automatic Target Recognition (GATR) Software Development Kit through a sole source firm fixed price purchase order. The procurement involves software development services to enable seamless integration with the AN/AQS-20 Sonar System, requiring technical enhancements and modifications to upgrade system performance and operability. This is being pursued as a sole source procurement because GATR is proprietary closed-source software developed exclusively by Northrop Grumman, which possesses the unique in-house resident knowledge of the source code, message definitions, tools, libraries, and documentation necessary to make the required modifications. Award will be based on best value considering price, delivery, quality, and past performance, with the Contracting Officer determining that sole source award represents the lowest overall cost alternative. The solicitation was posted on February 12, 2026, with a response deadline of March 2, 2026, and questions or clarifications should be directed to Contract Specialist Ryan Hodges at ryan.t.hodges.civ@us.navy.mil or 850-624-8548.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and will be awarded exclusively to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, the sole incumbent and current developer of the GATR platform. The estimated contract value does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000.00 and will be funded with 2026 Operation and Maintenance (OMN) Navy funds, with a small business size standard set at $47 million under NAICS Code 513210. All upgrades and modifications must be completed and delivered no later than one year after award, with delivery restricted to Monday through Friday between 0830 and 1500 local time. The place of performance is Panama City Beach, Florida, with deliveries going to Naval Support Activity Panama City, Receiving Office Building 100, 100 Vernon Ave., Panama City, FL 32407. The contract will incorporate standard FAR and DFARS clauses, including cybersecurity requirements under NIST SP 800-171, and require invoicing with cost segregation at the SLIN or CLIN level with detailed labor and other direct cost breakdowns.