Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for a sole-source procurement by the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk to award a firm, fixed-price contract to Kpler Inc. for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) services and enterprise-designated licenses.

Requirement and Scope

The procurement covers 17 enterprise-designated licenses supporting the Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) organization (15 licenses) and United States Fleet Forces Maritime Domain Awareness Civilian Team (2 licenses). Services include web-based access to maritime intelligence data, real-time intelligence on global energy, cargo, and critical materials flows, unique ship-tracking data, logistics intelligence, and AI-powered analytical tools. Kpler Maritime & Logistics Intelligence provides integrated MDA, commercial trade intelligence, cargo logistics, and pattern-of-life analysis capabilities required by USFF and NCAGS for operational decision-making, risk mitigation, and deconfliction. The contract includes a 12-month base period and four 12-month option years, running from 30 September 2026 through 29 September 2031.

Sole-Source Justification and Competition Analysis

The procurement is justified under 41 U.S.C. 1901 (Acquisition of Commercial Products and Services) on a sole-source basis, as Kpler is the only responsible source capable of meeting integrated requirements for historical trade and vessel data depth (15+ years), proprietary commodity cargo attribution methodology, trade-focused logistics intelligence, AI-enabled integrated operational analysis, Reserve-compatible training availability, Maven Smart Systems interoperability, and immediate operational continuity. Market research conducted in August 2026 through a Sources Sought Notice posted to SAM.gov on 21 August 2026 (response date 27 August 2026) resulted in 16 vendor responses; however, all respondents except Kpler (one large business) were determined incapable of meeting the Government's minimum requirements. Alternative vendors evaluated either lacked commodity-level attribution capability, real-time vessel-level granularity, or sufficient global coverage and update frequency necessary for operational requirements. The Government has no current plans to compete future similar requirements, though market research will be conducted case-by-case if other potential sources emerge.