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Navy Awards Multiyear Contract for 124 F/A-18, EA-18 Aircraft

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100929-12
9/29/2010

From Naval Air Systems Command Public Affairs

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- The Naval Air Systems Command's F/A-18 and EA-18G program office (PMA-265) in Patuxent River, Md., announced Sept. 28 that the Navy is purchasing 124 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft during the next four years based on the award of a multiyear procurement contract.

"This contract award was possible due to the hard work of our government team with strong support and engagement from our senior acquisition leadership," said Capt. Mark Darrah, PMA-265 program manager.

The Super Hornet provides aircrew the capability and performance necessary to face 21st century threats and is scheduled to remain in service beyond 2035. In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, its open architecture design allows it to perform new combinations of varied and distinct missions.

Similarly, the Growler is the latest variant of the F/A-18. This electronic attack aircraft combines the newly developed jamming capability upgrades of the EA-6B Prowler with the tactical versatility, advancements and capabilities of the Block II Super Hornet.

"This contract provides 600 million dollars in taxpayer savings over the next four years and is an example of how the U.S. Navy is finding ways to be more efficient with our budget," said Darrah.

With this multiyear procurement contract in place, the Navy will acquire the remaining program of record for 515 Super Hornets and 114 Growlers by the end of fiscal year 2013.

"The program is very pleased with the terms of this contract and the savings that were generated by implementing unique and flexible thinking by industry," said Darrah. "As an example, the contract provides a variation in quantity provision that allows the Navy to increase the number of aircraft purchased in any year to meet warfighter needs. Additionally, the provision could realize additional savings for the Navy through potential quantity increases for foreign military sales."

According to Lisa Nyalko, acting Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, this award is a result of the ongoing relationship between the Navy and Boeing.

"The outstanding teamwork that exists between the Navy and Boeing has resulted in the multiyear procurement of 124 Super Hornets and Growlers at greater than 10 percent savings to the taxpayers, compared to a single-year procurement strategy," said Nyalko. "Since the first multiyear, in fiscal year 2000, this team has ensured fly-away costs for each subsequent lot was executed at a lower unit price than the proceeding lot. This is a great accomplishment for all involved."