1202SA26R9801 - Freefly - JOFOC.pdf

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE (USFS)

INCIDENT PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS (IPO)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

FREEFLY SYSTEMS, INC.

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a ‘Justification for other than full and open competition’:

This document is a JOFOC prepared by the USFS, IPO.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This justification provides rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition for the purchase of Freefly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including current and future versions of the Alta X, Astro, and successor platforms, from Freefly Systems, Inc., UEI GFMENWNGBTJ7, 16650 Woodinville Redmond RD NE Bldg D, Woodinville, Washington 98072-9067, on a sole source basis.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value):

Current and future versions of Freefly UAS platforms (Alta X, Astro, and successors) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations. These platforms are USFS-approved airframes capable of integrating the IGNIS Aerial Ignition payload and EO/IR sensors for prescribed burns and wildfire management. They meet or exceed USFS standards for payload capacity, flight duration, wind resistance, command-and-control range, secure encrypted data links, cybersecurity (including lock-out of unauthorized telemetry/data sharing), Buy American Act, applicable Executive Orders, and NDAA/DIU Blue requirements.

The systems enhance safety, efficiency, and control in fire management operations by enabling aerial ignition and reconnaissance in terrain and conditions that would otherwise require higher-risk manned aircraft or ground crews. The contract will also acquire integration, testing, parts, repair services, batteries, chargers, spare parts, and related equipment needed to maintain and modify systems for mission requirements. Freefly Systems, Inc., is the manufacturer and sole source for these platforms.

The estimated total potential contract value is $25,000,000.00.

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

Pursuant to FAR 6.103, other than full and open competition may be used when the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The statutory authority is 41 U.S.C.

3304(a)(1). This requirement meets the definition of a commercial product in accordance with

FAR 2.101.

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

Freefly Systems, Inc., is the manufacturer and sole source for the Alta X and Astro UAS platforms that have been tested, approved, and fielded by the USFS for integration with the IGNIS aerial ignition system and other required payloads. The USFS already owns multiple Freefly UAS platforms. It is the intent of the USFS to acquire current and future UAS fleet with commonality. This is due to the economical and logistical benefits of operating a standardized fleet of UAS that share common maintenance, parts, training, airworthiness approvals, ground control stations, and support equipment.

The USFS desires uniform fleets for several reasons. One of high importance is expediting system swaps for maintenance events. This is especially important for fire and aviation, where turnaround times are critical. Fleet commonality aides in streamlining maintenance procedures.

This can be a cost savings, as well as allowing maintenance operations to become more proficient (one system causes less maintenance training and more proficient maintainers). The cost of maintenance also decreases when operating a common fleet. Support of an additional system would require a separate inventory of parts and additional storage, increasing costs to support any new system.

The USFS also trusts in pilot standardization, enabling pilots to fly a common system with the same training. This increases efficiency and reduces training costs, reduces risk of learning and flying multiple systems, thus increasing pilot effectiveness.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5 and, if not, which exception under 5 applies:

Notice of Intent to Sole Source, with this justification, will be publicized in accordance with FAR Part 5.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

It is anticipated that the Contracting Officer will find the price fair and reasonable pursuant to

FAR 15.4.

8. The market research conducted (see Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.:

Reviewed System for Award Management, the Federal Procurement Data System, and the Small Business Administration's Dynamic Small Business Search. Knowledgeable individuals were contacted in Government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements. The Interagency Contract Directory (ICD) of contracts and other procurement instruments was queried. Notice of Intent to Sole Source will also be posted in accordance with Part 5.

9. Any other facts supporting using other than full and open competition:

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/05.htm#P55_9235 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/05.htm#P55_9235 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/05.htm#P66_10348

Freefly Systems, Inc., is the manufacturer, sole source, and provider of the USFS-approved UAS platforms that meet agency technical, airworthiness, cybersecurity, and payload-integration requirements for current and future fleet operations.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in the acquisition in writing:

Freefly Systems, Inc., has expressed interest in this requirement.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

Market research will continue to be conducted to determine if any other vendors have the capability to meet future requirements of the USFS.

Technical Officer: I certify that the supporting data presented in this justification is accurate and complete.

Daniel M. Matthews National UAS Fleet Specialist

Contracting Officer: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Steven B. Peterson Contracting Officer

CONCUR: I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Matthew Olson Branch Chief, Aviation Contracting