Air Force plans to release GPS III Follow-on RFP next week

The Air Force today announced it plans to release a request for proposals for the second phase of GPS III Follow-On satellite production "on or about" Feb. 13.

The RFP was expected in December 2017, but was held up as officials worked to solidify requirements. The solicitation is expected to result in a contract for up to 22 GPS III Follow-On satellites in the 2019 time frame.

During the first phase of competition, the service awarded contracts to three companies to propose satellite and payload options.

Lockheed Martin is on contract to build the first 10 GPS III satellites, the first of which is slated to launch later this year.