Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract to Collins Aerospace for Production of SubHDR Block VI

The purpose of this notice is to inform all parties that in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1) (FAR 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements), the United States Navy, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM) intends to award a Sole Source contract to Collins Aerospace (formally known as Raytheon Company) located in Marlborough, MA 01752. SubHDR Antenna System will be procured on a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) basis.

The Government has identified the need for an Extremely High Frequency/Super High Frequency/Global Broadcast Service capable antenna for the upcoming procurement of Virginia Block VI and Columbia class II submarines.

The SubHDR is currently the only submarine antenna system that provides high-capacity communications to submarines in the EHF and SHF spectrums and is considered to be highly specialized equipment that utilizes unique technology to provide an antenna that meets the Navy's operational requirements for high bandwidth communications in the adverse environment of a Navy submarine.

In order to support the VA Block VI and Columbia Class II programs, as well as Allied Partner requirements for EHF/SHF/GBS capable antenna systems, NAVWAR intends to procure 47 (27 US and 20 FMS) SubHDR antenna systems in FY 2026 as a sole source follow-on acquisition. This procurement will also include three Installation and Check Out (INCO) kits for the FMS customers.

Collins is the only responsible source that possesses the detailed knowledge and technical expertise to produce additional quantities without the Navy incurring a substantial duplication of costs in meeting VA Block VI and Columbia Class II requirements without unacceptable delay to the Government. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals nor a solicitation of offers. The NAICS for this procurement is 334220 (with a Small Business Size Standard of 750 employees).

Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in its solicitation for the described supplies or services. However, interested persons may identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses to this notice should be directed to Heidi Radaford heidi.radaford@navy.mil. This notice is also posted on the NAVWAR e-commerce website at https://e-commerce.sscno.nmci.navy.mil.