UPDATE - We received our 'Next Generation' passports within 10 days.
The State Department 'silently' launched a Pilot Program to Renew US Passport Online. During the month of August, they will accept 25,000 online renewal applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
We chanced upon it August 2. My husband and I applied the very next day. (There is a 24-hr wait after you register online)
Checked our status today. Both my husband's and mine have been shipped!! SO IMPRESSED!!
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html
Hurry!! :))