Targets Lock

Lockheed Martin has submitted its final proposal revision for the Medium-range Ballistic Missile Targets contract competition, the company announced today. According to a Lockheed statement:

The contract will provide Medium-range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) Targets to support Ballistic Missile Defense System element and system flight tests. Requirements include development and manufacturing of MRBMs, integrated logistics support to include inventory storage and maintenance, pre- and post-mission analysis, launch preparation and execution and engineering services.

The final proposal revision responds to amendments to the request for proposals made by the MDA following Lockheed Martin's submission of its proposal in June. The MDA anticipates contract award in 2012.

According to the original Federal Business Opportunities notice posted in January:

The core MRBM capability is a 2,000km target with a 600kg payload. MRBM requirements include development and manufacturing of MRBMs, integrated logistics support to include inventory storage and maintenance, pre and post mission analysis, launch preparation and execution, and engineering services. The requirement is for targets under a contract including cost-reimbursement and fixed priced contract line items. Modified Ballistic Re-entry Vehicles (MBRVs) and Associated Objects (AOs) will be government furnished and the prime contractor will be required to integrate onto their solution. The anticipated need is for 6 with options for additional targets. The targets will be air and ground launch capable.

Inside Missile Defense reported in March that the Pentagon's inspector general had launched an audit to determine whether officials testing U.S. defenses against ballistic missiles are using realistic targets that simulate the latest, most deadly versions of these high-tech weapons:

Alice Carey, assistant inspector general for readiness, operations and support, announced the audit in a Feb. 10 memo to senior defense officials. Inside the Pentagon obtained a copy of the memo, which states the IG will "evaluate whether the Ballistic Missile Defense System targets provides realistic operational conditions for identified threats and if the Target Program adapts to emerging threats." The memo also notes the IG would consider suggestions from management on additional or revised objectives.

DOD IG is performing the audit at the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville, AL; U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, NE; and the U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Greely, AK, according to the memo.

Missile Defense Agency spokeswoman Pamela Rogers declined to comment on whether the BMDS targets are realistic and whether the target effort has adapted to emerging threats.

"Since the audit is under way, the Missile Defense Agency will not provide a response to your questions at this time," Rogers said.