GBSD Scheduled to Enter Milestone B in Fiscal 2020

The Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent is expected to enter Milestone B, the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of Defense Department acquisition, in fiscal 2020, then the Air Force is expected to down-select from two to one contract for the program’s procurement phase expected to begin in fiscal 2024, according to the service’s proposed acquisition schedule obtained by NS&D Monitor. The program is expected to enter Milestone A, the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction phase of DoD acquisition in fiscal 2017, as NS&D Monitor has previously reported. In addition to one general GBSD contract, the schedule also appears to outline a separate contract for EMD and procurement of the weapon system’s rocket boosters, expecting to begin Milestone B for that program in fiscal 2020 as well. GBSD boosters are expected to enter low-rate initial production in fiscal 2026.