The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) looking for sources capable of performing Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon systems advanced capability development, according to a FedBizOpps solicitation posted this week.

The agency said this is for the THAAD “development contract in the same configuration and employing the same logistics support concept as is currently being performed” by incumbent Lockheed Martin [LMT] under a current contract.

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery fires an interceptor missile. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the THAAD program and conducting final assembly of the interceptor missiles (Defense Daily, Aug. 12).

THAAD interceptors target ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere during the terminal or last phase of flight, destroying them by physically colliding with missiles.

MDA said it is conducting market research to determine industry interest and capability to provide “development, support flight and ground test programs, and provide responsive support to requirements identified by the warfighter for the fielded THAAD Weapon System.”

This covers the THAAD launcher, fire control and communications, the interceptor, peculiar support equipment, and the integration of these components into an element of the ballistic missile defense system.

The future contract is expected to perform from 2021 to 2026 and includes program management; systems engineering; system test and evaluation; and quality, safety and mission assurance.

The solicitation said the RFI hopes to help MDA make informed acquisition decisions to assess the current marketplace and industry to fulfill the capabilities, identify and assess major risks to the acquisition and mitigate and potential barriers to competition, determine industry data and information needs, outline program cost and cost drivers, and gain recommendations from industry on the contract duration/period of performance as well as acquisition strategies and approaches.

Respondents must submit information by Aug. 30.