Cooperative Engagement Capability

The Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) is a major defense acquisition program that enables integrated fire control and sensor networking across naval platforms. This Department of Defense program provides real-time sharing of sensor data between ships, aircraft, and land-based systems to enhance strike group air and missile defense capabilities. CEC represents a critical component of the U.S. Navy's integrated air and missile defense architecture, supporting multiple combat systems including AEGIS, Ship Self Defense System, and the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

The program's contract awards from 1997-2028 typically range from $5 million to $450 million in value, with performance periods commonly spanning 3-5 years. Primary contractors include Raytheon Company, L3 Technologies, DRS Laurel Technologies, and Digital System Resources, delivering hardware such as signal data processors, planar array antenna assemblies, and compact solid state antennas, along with associated engineering services and repairs. The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the predominant contracting authority, with most work performed in Florida, California, and Virginia. The majority of contracts are awarded without set-aside designations, though occasional small business set-asides appear for component manufacturing. Contract types are typically firm-fixed-price or cost-plus-fixed-fee, with some cost-plus-award-fee arrangements for development work.