F-35 sustainment business case analysis expected this summer

摘要

The Defense Department is conducting a business case assessment to better understand its options for long-term sustainment of the F-35 and plans to release its findings this summer. The F-35 joint program office is currently negotiating a three-year sustainment contract with prime contractor Lockheed Martin that includes annual options for fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Program Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Eric Fick said during an April 22 joint hearing of the House Armed Services tactical air and land forces and readiness subcommittees he expects the program will release a request for proposals for a performance-based logistics contract once it reaches a price agreement with Lockheed for the three-year sustainment deal. At the same time, the program is working with the Air Force and Navy to determine its long-term sustainment strategy across the enterprise. As part of that business case assessment, the department is considering what contract structure makes sense and whether the services should carry more of the maintenance load.