The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced its intent to award a sole-source contract to Collins Aerospace, a division of Rockwell Collins, Inc., to integrate a Wideband High Frequency (WBHF) radio suite onto the E-6B Mercury aircraft.
The project, managed by the Airborne Strategic Command,
Control and Communications Program Office, will be executed as a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee delivery order under an existing Basic Ordering Agreement.
The effort is designed to enhance the E-6B's communication
capabilities, which serve as a critical link in the U.S. military’s strategic
communications infrastructure. The scope of the contract includes the
development of a comprehensive integration technical data package, risk
reduction through System Integration Lab testing, and validation and
verification installations. Additionally, the agreement covers the procurement
of necessary A-kits, B-kits, and spare components, as well as the implementation of
maintenance and operator training programs.
NAVAIR justified the sole source designation by citing the
unique status of Collins Aerospace as the Original Equipment Manufacturer of
the WBHF system. According to the official contract notice released Friday,
Collins Aerospace is the only entity possessing proprietary technical data,
specialized testing equipment, and requisite laboratory facilities necessary to
modify and support the integration of the WBHF suite onto the E-6B platform.
Industry entities interested in potential subcontracting
opportunities for this integration effort have been directed to contact Collins
Aerospace.
The E-6B Mercury is a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s
Take Charge and Move Out mission, providing survivable, endurable, and reliable
airborne command, control, and communications between the National Command
Authority and the nation’s nuclear triad. The integration of WBHF technology
represents a continued investment in modernizing this aging but essential fleet,
the Navy said in contract documents.

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