The Department of Defense has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) a 10-year contract worth up to $1.9 billion to continue providing training and support under the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System program.
Structured as a sole-source, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, the award authorizes the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to procure aircrew and maintenance training devices along with associated support services for C-130J aircrews and maintainers. The scope of the contract explicitly includes courseware development, operations, interim and contractor logistics support, and engineering services.
Todd Morar, vice president of Air and Commercial Solutions at the company, commented that the contract continues the C-130J franchise that has been in place for nearly 30 years and reflects ongoing collaboration among the U.S. Government, Lockheed Martin and industry partners.
The current C-130J MATS program supports multiple U.S. military commands and units: U.S. Air Mobility Command, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Education and Training Command. Under the terms of the new contract, aircrew support will be expanded to cover the U.S. Navy Reserve and the U.S. Coast Guard as well.
Lockheed Martin's C-130J Super Hercules is in operation with customers in 28 nations. According to the information in the contract notice, more than 560 C-130J aircraft have been delivered and certified by over 20 airworthiness authorities, and the global fleet has exceeded 3 million flight hours.
Program context and contract mechanics
The award is a sole-source IDIQ arrangement that allows the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to acquire training systems and services on an as-needed basis over a decade. The contract’s language names specific deliverables including courseware, logistical support and engineering work, but does not specify fixed quantities or a guaranteed sum beyond the stated ceiling of up to $1.9 billion.
What the award covers
- Aircrew and maintenance training devices for the C-130J fleet
- Courseware and operational support
- Interim and contractor logistics support
- Engineering services tied to training and sustainment
The contract continues participation by a wide range of U.S. military commands and, with the expansion, adds the U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Coast Guard to the list of aircrew customers served by the MATS program.