A June 4 FedBizOpps post by the Air Force encourages contractors to submit ideas on production methods for 22 succeeding GPS III space vehicles and associated navigation payloads.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is contracted to build eight satellites under the program and collaborates with Exelis (NYSE: XLS) on the satellite navigation system.
The Air Force intends to award two new GPS III technology design and evaluation contracts worth up to $200 million each next year.
According to the solicitation notice, the branch also seeks a contractor to build two to three GPS III spacecraft a year and support satellite liftoff in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
The contractor would also develop a nuclear detonation tracking system, laser retroreflector array, dual-band transponders and secondary payloads for civilian use through the satellite program.