September 17, 2018 | International, Aerospace
Air Force awards next GPS satellite contract
By: Valerie Insinna WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin has scooped up a contract, worth up to $7.2 billion, for the latest batch of next-generation GPS satellites. The award decision comes as little surprise, as Lockheed Martin is the incumbent on the GPS III program responsible for manufacturing the first 10 satellites. It was also the sole bidder on the most recent contracting vehicle, which will span an additional 22 satellites. “The world is dependent on GPS, from getting directions to getting cash from an ATM machine or trading on the stock exchange,” said Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson in a statement. “These satellites will provide greater accuracy and improved anti-jamming capabilities, making them more resilient.” Three companies — Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman —won Phase 1 contracts for the follow-one program in 2016 to perform feasibility studies, but the Boeing and Northrop Grumman dropped out of the competition. Boeing in April 2018 confirmed that it did not bid on the opportunity, stating that the solicitation “emphasized mature production to current GPS requirements and did not value lower cost, payload performance or flexibility.” Full article: https://www.c4isrnet.com/space/2018/09/14/air-force-awards-next-gps-satellite-contract