GBU-40 Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II)
Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) is a joint interest program providing the warfighter a capability to attack mobile targets from stand-off in weather. SDB II addresses the following warfighter requirements: attack mobile targets, adverse weather operations, multiple kills per pass, multiple ordnance carriage, near-precision munitions capability, capability against fixed targets, reduced munitions footprint, increased weapons effectiveness, minimized potential for collateral damage, and provides a migration path to net-centric ops capability. Threshold aircraft are the F-15E for the US Air Force and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) for the US Navy (RAA TBD). Objective aircraft include: F-22A, B-1, B-2, F-117, F-16, B-52, and the Predator B.
SDB II begins Technology Development/Risk Reduction in FY06 and Milestone B is scheduled in FY10. Milestone C is planned for FY13 followed by RAA on the F-15E in FY14. SDB will continue incremental development to pursue network Centric interoperability. SDB is a key component of the Air Force's Global Strike Task Force CONOP. All major contracts within this Program Element will be awarded through full and open competition. Up to two contractors will be selected for the 42 month Risk Reduction phase using Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts. Downselect to one contractor will occur prior to System Development and Demonstration (SDD). SDD will be a Cost Plus Fixed Fee with performance incentives. This approach allows higher risk, less mature technologies to be fielded in an evolutionary fashion. Limited US Navy funding and resources may support the Risk Reduction phase.
The Government is buying the SDB II based on contractor-developed, Government-approved System Performance Specification (SPS) which will become contractually binding at downselect. The contractor will be accountable for system performance as defined in the SPS may include a system warranty. Accordingly, the contractor is responsible not only for the design of the weapon system, but also for planning and executing the Development Test and Evaluation (DT&E) program to verify the system performance. The Government formally arranges and funds the use of Government flight test support for DT&E. Although funded by the Government, flight test support funds are part of the negotiated commitment between the contractor and the Government ensuring the contractor is able to execute the DT&E Program according to the scope of the RR/SDD contract.
The small diameter bomb program initially contemplated an evaluation of offerors' capabilities against both fixed and moving targets; early in the procurement process (during the first few months of 2002), Lockheed Martin was perceived as having a "strength" with regard to the moving target requirements and Boeing was considered "weak" in this area; in May 2002, most of the requirements associated with moving targets and the associated evaluation factors were deleted; thereafter, Boeing was selected for award without consideration of its capabilities regarding the deleted moving target requirements.
Darlene Druyun, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and Management, was convicted of violating a conflict of interest statute, admitted to bias in favor of The Boeing Company on various procurements. Lockheed Martin Corporation was the only competitor for this effort, and following the October 2004 disclosure of Druyun's bias, filed a protest alleging that Druyun improperly manipulated certain program requirements and the related evaluation factors in a manner that favored Boeing. Druyun was significantly involved in the decisionmaking process that culminated in the May 2002 changes to the technical requirements and deletion of the related evaluation criteria. Druyun was the de facto lead acquisition official during the period in which the changes were made. Accordingly, GAO sustained Lockheed's protest.
Increment II began the competitive bidding process in response to GAO recommendation. Solicitations began December 2005 and negotiations were complete in March 2006. On 17 April 2006 McDonnell Douglas, St. Louis, Mo., and Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., were awarded a $289,672,936 ($145,782,374 to McDonnell Douglas & $143,890,562 to Raytheon) cost plus fixed fee contracts. This action provides for Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) Increment II, 42-month Risk Reduction Phase. The objective of the SDB II program is to develop, test, and field a 250-lb class miniature munition capable of destroying mobile/relocatable targets in adverse weather from standoff ranges. SDB II is the next evolution of miniature munition weapons development. The purpose of the Risk Reduction phase is to define and validate a system concept that meets the performance requirements outlined in the SDB II System Performance Specification. At this time, $15,890,000 ($8,200,000 & $7,690,000) has been obligated. This work will be complete October 2009. Headquarters Air-To-Ground Munitions Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (FA8681-06-C-0151 & FA8681-06-C-0152)
Boeing and Lockheed Martin announced their teaming agreement to produce SDB Increment II in October 2005. As the prime contractor, Boeing will supply the air vehicle -- a derivative of SDB Increment I -- as well as the data link system. Lockheed Martin, the principal supplier, will provide the multi-mode seeker that fulfills the U.S. Air Force and Navy requirement of hitting moving targets. This solution integrates Lockheed Martin's multi-mode seeker technology with Boeing's extremely capable SDB system. The Boeing SDB Weapon system family, to which the all-weather, 250-pound SDB II will be added, quadruples the weapon load on every U.S. fighter and bomber aircraft. The SDB system, with its GBU-39 weapon, will be deployed on the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle later this year. As the prime contractor, Boeing will have responsibility for the overall weapon system, including the air vehicle, based on SDB Increment I, which entered low-rate initial production in April 2005. Lockheed Martin has total sub-system responsibility for the seeker system. Lockheed Martin's multi-mode seeker enables all-weather attack and classification of moving targets, a critical requirement of SDB II. The seeker has completed extensive work and testing as part of the Joint Common Missile program, making it a low-risk approach. The terminal guidance provided by the seeker will enable aircrews to attack more targets with fewer sorties.
SDB II program Acquisition Strategy and funding adjusted to incorporate GAO recommendation (B295402, 18 Feb 05). The U.S. Air Force is expected to award a sole source contract for the SDB II system design and development phase by late 2009.
