Best-available information indicates that USAF, (which oversees F-35 Joint Program Office), and LMT, are nearing imminent agreement-in-principle on final FPIF pricing for 2010 F-35 LRIP 4 of 32 Aircraft. It has been characterized this morning as “just-percentage-points-apart”. Additionally, USD(AT&L) Carter has been intimately & personally involved in F-35 negotiations with LMT. These actions suggests that DoD contract announcement is imminent.
However, Dr. Carter is currently touring Afghanistan Logistics from July 4th through early week of July 12th . While unconfirmed, this suggests that DoD could still withhold final agreement-in-principle between USAF/JPO/LMT, until Dr. Carter returns to brief OSD Leadership, and makes final public announcement. Regardless, there is strong appearance that agreement-in-principle on F-35 LRIP 4 contract for 32 Aircraft in 2010 Funding, is indeed imminent.