As part of the five-month contract, Boeing will work with partner Argon ST to help define program requirements and develop initial system concepts for the EPX multi-intelligence system. Argon ST, based in Fairfax, Va., is a leading designer and developer of SIGINT sensors and information operations systems.

"We're happy for the opportunity to work on the EPX program and believe Boeing is well qualified to help the Navy define a capable and cost-effective solution that capitalizes on existing investments," said Paul Summers, Boeing director of airborne SIGINT campaigns. "The EPX will operate in concert with the P-8A Poseidon, and as the prime contractor for that program we can leverage logistics, maintenance, support, training and other relevant data."

During the concept refinement phase Boeing and Argon also will review requirements and determine potential cost, schedule and technical risks; analyze operational scenarios and assess achievability; develop risk mitigation plans; identify opportunities to leverage investments in Navy, DoD or other non-developmental item programs; and identify opportunities to reduce system life-cycle costs.

Following completion of concept refinement, the Navy will solicit proposals and select contractors for the technology development phase of the program. The Navy is expected to downselect to one contractor for the EPX system development and demonstration phase in late 2011 or early 2012.

related report
Northrop Grumman and L-3 to Study New Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting Aircraft for U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy has awarded a study contract to Northrop Grumman, working with L-3 Communications, for the Navy's EPX aircraft program. EPX is envisioned as a shore-based, manned aircraft providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) support to carrier strike groups and theater, combatant and national commanders. The contract is valued at $1.25 million.

The Navy initiated a competition in November 2007 to study the replacement of its EP-3E signals intelligence aircraft fleet and the expansion of its mission capability. This contract, the first step in the Navy's multiyear selection process for the EPX system, calls for development of a preferred system concept and analysis of the associated risks and requirements.

"This competition is about more than replacing an aircraft," said Patricia McMahon, vice president of Information Operations and Electronic Attack for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "It's about transforming Navy warfighters' ability to perform the ISR&T mission and share that information with joint and allied forces. EPX will develop the capability to execute an evolving set of missions, and no one understands those missions better than Northrop Grumman and L-3."

"It's exciting that we can approach this program from the standpoint of what works best for the mission," said Mike Holmes, vice president of Federal Programs for L-3's Integrated Systems. "This is an important program as the Navy recapitalizes its fleet, and the systems integration experience offered by L-3 and Northrop Grumman will help transform its ISR&T capability."

The companies will perform the work under this contract in Bethpage, N.Y., and Waco, Texas. The results of the study will be delivered in five months.

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