Mary-Louise Hoffman
The Air Force‘s Space and Missile Systems Center is seeking contractors to demonstrate methods for production of Global Positioning System III space vehicles.
The Air Force on Friday published a request for proposals for its phase 1 GPS III satellite production readiness feasibility assessment initiative and said it will accept responses to the RFP through Feb. 23.
Mike Gruss of Space News reported the military service could award up to three contracts this spring and each contract carries a maximum value of $6 million over a 38-month performance period.
Selected vendors will have a chance to compete in 2017 or 2018 to develop an 11th GPS III satellite for the Air Force, the report said.
Lockheed Martin is contracted to build eight satellites under the program.
Northrop Grumman and Boeing have responded to the Air Force’s request for information on potential industry sources of 22 succeeding GPS III spacecraft and related navigation payloads, Gruss reports.
