Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of AN/SSQ-101B sonobuoys

1. Description of Requirement

The Naval Air Systems Command, (NAVAIR) Patuxent River, Maryland, Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems (ASW) Program Office (PMA-264) intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract to Sparton DeLeon Springs LLC (Sparton), 5612 Johnson Lake Road, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, on an other than full and open competition basis. This contract will be for the effort, materials, and supplies required to manufacture, assemble, and deliver an estimated 4,100 AN/SSQ-101B production sonobuoys for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. These sonobuoys are critical sensors required by the United States Navy (USN) Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) forces to detect, classify, and localize adversary submarines during peacetime and combat operations. The anticipated award date is in FY 2027.

2. Noncompetitive Justification

The authority permitting other than full and open competition is provided in 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(3) as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.103-3, Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services. A Sources Sought Notice (N00019-25-RFPREQ-APM264-0445) was issued on 24 March 2026 and closed 08 April 2026. Based on the results of the Sources Sought Notice, a total or partial small business set-aside or a local area set-aside will not be used.

3. Qualification Requirements

In order to be eligible for award, an offeror's product must meet general performance requirements for the AN/SSQ-101B. Offerors must possess or acquire fully qualified production-ready design(s) or present a plan to achieve qualified production-ready design(s) for all of the products listed above within 6 months after contract award. A Government qualified design is defined as either a design that has been or currently is being delivered to the Government OR a design that has received a letter from the Procurement Contracting Officer declaring the design as qualified.

4. Submission Information

This Pre-Solicitation Notice is published for informational purposes. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This Pre-Solicitation Notice does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this Pre-Solicitation Notice.

However, all responsible sources may submit a quotation, bid, or proposal, as appropriate, which will be considered by the agency. A determination by the Government not to open this requirement to competition based upon response(s) to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Responses must be received within 15 days of publication of this Pre-Solicitation Notice. No telephone responses will be accepted. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from interested vendors as a result of this Pre-Solicitation Notice.

5. Subcontracting Opportunities

Vendors interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact Ms. Lori Clayton at lori.clayton@sparton.com; Sparton DeLeon Springs LLC, 5612 Johnson Lake Road, De Leon Springs, FL 32130.