What Happened
GAO Supports Decision to Maintain Second Qualified Submarine Equipment Manufacturer
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has upheld the Department of the Navy’s decision to award a sole-source contract to Mustang Survival Manufacturing, Inc. for submarine escape and surface survival personnel equipment suits. The contract aims to preserve a second qualified manufacturer of critical submarine equipment, reducing reliance on single-source suppliers. The decision was based on the Navy’s use of industrial mobilization authority under 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(3)(A), which allows for exceptions to full and open competition to maintain essential manufacturing capabilities. This was first reported by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.