Navy planning on issuing COBRA Block II request for proposals

The Navy announced its plan to procure Block II of its Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) airborne mine detection system and released a statement of work for the program Tuesday.

COBRA detects minefields and obstacles when flown over a beach zone and can be integrated with the Navy’s unmanned MQ-8 Fire Scout. The program reached initial operational capability in 2017, according to a Navy press release.

The Navy issued Arete Associates a $40.4 million contract, with options for up to $93 million, in Sept. 2018 for COBRA Block 1 systems, COBRA systems support and spares.

The Navy plans on releasing the request for proposals for the program in the second quarter of fiscal year 2022. The service is seeking to issue a contract for the development of three engineering and manufacturing development models and up to five low-rate initial production units.

COBRA Block II will conduct aerial tactical reconnaissance in littorals for detection and localization of mines and obstacles in the surf zone, the service’s announcement states.

The Navy issued a sources-sought notice for COBRA Block II in July, and “identified broad interest from numerous responsible industry partners.”

“Based on this research, the government has decided there is a potential for two or more small business concerns capable of competing for the requirement as a Small Business Set-Aside,” the Navy’s announcement states. “As a result, the government intends to release Solicitation N00024-22-R-6402 for limited competition and on a Small Business Set-Aside basis.”