Joint Precision Approach and Landing System

The Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway, with an Acquisition Category IC designation. The program focuses on precision approach and landing capabilities for military aircraft, including systems that enable precision approaches during low visibility conditions. JPALS encompasses various radio, antenna, and receiving equipment components that form part of a comprehensive landing system infrastructure.

Contract awards for JPALS range from small purchase orders of under $10,000 to large delivery orders exceeding $17 million, with performance periods typically spanning 6 months to 2 years. Major contractors include Advanced Navigation & Positioning Corporation, which was awarded a $7.95 million contract for Transponder Landing Systems in Antarctica, and Raytheon Company's Air & Space Defense Systems division. The program consistently procures radio receivers, antennas, and specialized equipment such as the RT-1625 receiver transmitter and AS-4880 antenna systems. Primary contracting agencies include the Department of the Navy Information Warfare Systems Command, Air Force Sustainment Center, and Defense Logistics Agency. None of the reviewed contracts utilized small business set-asides. Program support services are frequently procured through various IDIQ vehicles including SeaPort-e and the Professional Engineering Services (PES) Schedule, with a mix of firm-fixed-price and time-and-materials contract types.