What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking information on Advanced Emission Suppression Missiles (AESM) through a Sources Sought notice. This opportunity falls under NAICS code 336414, which pertains to guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing. Small businesses in the defense sector, particularly those with capabilities in missile technology, may find this relevant. Since it is a Sources Sought notice, interested parties should focus on providing capability statements rather than submitting formal bids at this stage.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research to identify potential sources capable of providing an AARGM-ER equivalent missile system which consists of the All-Up-Round (AUR) missile to include hardware and software, as well as any unique logistics elements, trainers, AARGM-ER equivalent flyout model, and all system verification elements.
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY AS A MARKET SURVEY TOOL AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN INVITATION FOR BIDS, A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, A SOLICITATION, A REQUEST FOR QUOTES, OR AN INDICATION THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTRACT FOR THE ITEMS CONTAINED IN THIS NOTICE. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT REIMBURSE RESPONDENTS FOR ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBMISSION OF THE INFORMATION BEING REQUESTED OR REIMBURSE EXPENSES INCURRED TO INTERESTED PARTIES FOR RESPONSES. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND TO AWARD A CONTRACT ON THE BASIS OF THIS RFI OR TO OTHERWISE PAY FOR THE INFORMATION SOLICITED.
The Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-242) is responsible for Navy acquisition, development, and sustainment of direct and time sensitive strike weapons. The purpose of this RFI is to conduct market research to identify potential sources capable of providing a mature design (TRL >6) missile system which consists of the All-Up-Round (AUR) missile to include hardware and software, as well as any unique logistics elements, trainers, flyout model, and all system verification elements. This AUR must be compatible with existing launch platforms.
BACKGROUND/REQUIREMENT
The US Navy is seeking to enhance its capabilities to suppress and neutralize enemy air defenses in contested environments. This effort aims to identify and potentially acquire a weapon system focusing on extended range, advanced targeting, counter-countermeasures, and integration with existing and future platforms.
Required Capabilities
Interested vendors are requested to provide information regarding their capabilities to provide a weapon system (or key subsystems) with the following characteristics (at a minimum):
Extended Range : Weapon system capable of engaging targets at significant standoff distances.
Targeting :
Advanced anti-radiation seeker with broad frequency coverage
Ability to target modern and advanced radar systems
Lethality: High probability of kill against a wide range of targets.
Platform Integration:
Compatibility with F-35 (both internal and external carriage), F/A-18E/F and EA-18G
MIL-STD-1760 and Universal Armament Interface (Rev6) compliance (or equivalent) for aircraft integration
Common Flexible Weapon Interface Control Document compliance highly desired
Open Systems Architecture:
Preference is for systems employing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that facilitates rapid capability insertion, technology refresh, interoperability and lifecycle sustainment.
Modular hardware and software design with clearly defined subsystem boundaries and interfaces
Well-documented Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and data models sufficient to enable third party integration and future upgrades
Use of widely adopted, non-proprietary, and consensus-based standards where practical
Ability to integrate future sensors, effectors, navigation systems, communications systems, and mission processing capabilities with minimal redesign
Reliability and Maintainability: High operational availability and minimal maintenance requirements with ability to meet a 15-year service life, over 500 Captive Carriage Flight Hours, and ability to operate in a Carrier environment.
Logistics Support: Comprehensive logistics support package, including training, maintenance manuals, spare parts, technical assistance, transportation and shipping at AUR and section level and missile compatibility with both CMBRE + and CMBRE+ CE.
Cybersecurity: Compliant with current cybersecurity standards for weapon systems IAW DoDI 8500.01, DoDI 5200.44, NIST SP 800-53, and CNSSI 1253.
Exportability: Expected to be open and modular such that future exportability and potential partner compatibility is not restricted.
Affordability & Producibility: Capabilities should be affordable and producible in support of delivering quantities of up to 600 production AURs per year.
Security: Expected to already have facilities and personnel to support classified requirements
Current ability to handle and process SECRET data and materials
ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The anticipated period of performance is expected to run for approximately 48 months from Contract award.
ELIGIBILITY
The applicable NAICS code is 336414 Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing. The Product Service Code (PSC) is 1410 Guided Missiles. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to respond; however, each respondent must clearly identify their business size in their capabilities statement.
SUBMITTAL INFORMATION
Interested parties may submit a Capability Statement package identifying their interest and capability in response to this notice. Only Capability Statements received on or before 31 July 2026 at 5:00 EST will be considered by the Government. The requested information is to assist the Government in conducting market research to determine potential business sources that have the assets, skills, experience, financial stability, qualifications, rights to technical data, and requisite knowledge required to support the requirement. A determination not to compete this proposed contract action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.
It is requested that interested businesses submit to the contracting office a capabilities statement package (no more than 20 pages in length on 8.5 x 11-inch paper with one-inch margins, single-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font minimum) demonstrating ability to perform the tasking list…
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.