BAE Systems has lodged a protest challenging the Navy’s awarding of a $279.4 million contract to Raytheon [RTN] for the next generation jammer that will be installed on electronic attack aircraft.
BAE filed the protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Thursday, prompting a review of the case that should be completed by Oct. 28, Ralph White, the head of the GAO’s protest office said.
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| The EA-18G in foreground. Photo by Boeing |
The next generation jammer, or NGJ, is planned to be deployed on the Navy’s fleet of EA-18G Growlers, with the first set to arrive in 2020. The value of the contract, which was awarded earlier this month, could climb into the billions over the development of the program.
Northrop Grumman [NOC], the incumbent firm on the program whose proposal also fell short, would not comment on whether it plans to file a protest as well.
The jammer is to replace the ALQ-99 operating on EA-18Gs and the legacy EA-6B Prowlers that are being replaced by the EA-18Gs.
BAE said it was challenging the Navy’s evaluation of its proposal.
“The solution we put forward would provide the U.S. Navy with an affordable and effective way to significantly enhance current capabilities and protect our aircraft, ships, and armed forces,” the company said. “We protested the award based on concerns with the Navy’s evaluation of our offering.”