The RFP calls for a single- or two-award contract that will
cover engineering, manufacturing, and development of the UJTS solution; the
procurement of the first lot of low‑rate initial production aircraft;
a limited quantity of ground‑based training systems; and
interim contractor logistics services. Proposals must be submitted by June 29.
Current Airframe
The Navy’s current platform for intermediate and advanced
jet instruction, the T‑45 Goshawk, will be phased out under the UJTS
initiative. While the RFP does not specify an airframe, the solicitation
is expected to attract major defense contractors with demonstrated capabilities
in high‑performance
trainer design, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Saab, and Leonardo, as well as
emerging providers of advanced simulation and logistics solutions.
The UJTS effort builds on a parallel modernization drive, such
as the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's 2022 Request for
Information, seeking industry input on replacing the aging T‑38CTalon fleet used by the Naval Test Pilot School. The T‑38, first
built in 1961, is slated to be succeeded by a yet‑unnamed “Test
Advanced Jet” under that separate program.
Contractor Selection
Under the new UJTS RFP, the Navy will evaluate proposals
based on “best value” to the government. However, the procurement authority
retains the option to award contracts to the two highest-technically-rated
offerors if funding permits and doing so delivers greater overall value for the
warfighter. If two contracts are awarded, the Navy plans to issue a subsequent
solicitation before the initial contracts terminate to conduct a down-selection
between the awardees.
