{"id":22054,"date":"2019-09-22T23:00:03","date_gmt":"2019-09-22T23:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2019\/09\/22\/boeings-withdrawal-from-the-ground-based-strategic-deterrent-program-must-not-cause-delays\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T21:57:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T21:57:54","slug":"boeings-withdrawal-from-the-ground-based-strategic-deterrent-program-must-not-cause-delays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/commentary\/2019\/09\/22\/boeings-withdrawal-from-the-ground-based-strategic-deterrent-program-must-not-cause-delays\/","title":{"rendered":"Boeing\u2019s withdrawal from the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program must not cause delays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Boeing sent seismic shock waves through the defense acquisition system this past July when it announced it would not compete for the U.S. Air Force\u2019s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, or GBSD, program<\/a>, a major defense effort worth at least $63 billion. Boeing stated that the program\u2019s structure did not provide a level playing field on which Boeing could compete for the award. Specifically, Boeing complained<\/a> that the 2018 acquisition of Orbital ATK by Northrop Grumman \u2014 the other prime bidding for the program \u2014 placed it at a competitive disadvantage because of Northrop\u2019s control of the production of solid-fueled rocket motors, or SRM, an essential component of the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boeing\u2019s complaints are hard to swallow. They certainly merit consideration and evaluation by Defense Department and Air Force acquisition authorities, but such a review must not be allowed to delay the development and deployment of this vital system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GBSD is the replacement for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile fleet that has provided a key leg of the nation\u2019s strategic deterrent for 45 years. Successive nuclear posture reviews in multiple administrations have called for retaining the ICBM capability alongside the other two legs (ballistic missile submarines and bombers) of the nuclear triad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving forward on GBSD has been the Air Force\u2019s priority for several years. In 2017, it awarded large contracts to Boeing and Northrop Grumman to explore concepts for replacing the Minuteman fleet. These technology maturation and risk reduction contracts were intended to run three years and lead to the development of a new system that would begin fielding in 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In September 2017, Northrop announced it would acquire Orbital ATK, one of two major providers of SRMs. Although reservations were raised with the Federal Trade Commission regarding vertical integration in this market segment, the FTC \u2014 presumably with support from the Pentagon \u2014 approved the acquisition with two conditions: first, that Northrop offer SRMs on a nondiscriminatory basis to other vendors competing for prime contracts; and second, that the Pentagon designate a compliance officer to oversee Northrop\u2019s adherence to the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In essence, Boeing is arguing that Northrop has not met its obligations under the FTC consent agreement and that the Defense Department is allowing it to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\t