2025.07.08 TS Travel Kit JA Other than Full and Open_Redacted.pdf
PDF 156 KB Posted
- Attached to
- FY25 TCCC Travel Kit Enclosures
- Solicitation number
- HTC71125QE156
About this file
This Justification and Approval (J&A) document supports a non-competitive procurement by United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) for two Shield Enclosure Air Frame TFBS-Systems, a specialized secure communications equipment. The Shield is a proprietary portable Faraday cage designed to create an electromagnetic and radio frequency interference-free environment for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) mobile communications, critical for enabling secure real-time communication for the USTRANSCOM Commander with the National Command Authority.
The procurement is being conducted under FAR subpart 13.5 using 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(5) authority for a brand-name commercial product, with a firm-fixed-price contract anticipated. The estimated delivery is 14 days after award, with the government publishing a combined synopsis and solicitation on SAM.gov. Market research identified three potential sources (Intelligent Devices LLC, InTech Defense LLC, and Transformational Security LLC), but no vendors were found that could fully meet the technical integration and compatibility requirements. The government commits to monitoring emerging technologies and conducting regular market research to foster future competition.
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| Solicitation - HTC71125QE156.pdf |
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Text version
CUI
SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104
CUI 1
SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104
JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A)
FOR
USE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN COMPETITIVE PROCEDURES (ONLY ONE
RESPONSIBLE SOURCE)
TS Travel Kits Control Number: 25-63
1. CONTRACTING ACTIVITY.
United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), IT Programs and Support Services Division (TCAQ-D), 508 Scott Drive, Building 1900W Scott AFB IL 62225-5357
2. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF ACTION BEING APPROVED.
USTRANSCOM Command, Control, Communications & Cyber Systems Directorate (TCJ6) requires the procurement of a brand name Shield Enclosure Air Frame TFBS-System (Shield) to support the USTRANSCOM Commander.
The Government anticipates awarding a new firm-fixed price contract to the original equipment manufacturer or its authorized resellers for the required brand name Shields. The simplified acquisition procedures at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 13.5 will be used in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1901.
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE
AGENCY’S NEEDS.
USTRANSCOM TCJ6 on behalf of the USTRANSCOM Commander requires the procurement of two Shields, which are critical for creating secure communications in sensitive and mobile operations. The Shield is vital for enabling secure, portable environments that are free from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. The brand name Shield is specifically designed to ensure operational security, environmental control, and secure communication in sensitive and mobile operations. The unique capability makes the Shield indispensable for protecting classified information and maintaining mission-critical functionality in dynamic and unpredictable environments. The USTRANSCOM Commander requires Top Secret (TS)/ Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) secure mobile communication services, including voice, video, and data, to enable real-time communication at TS/SCI level, regardless of time, location, or schedule. A TS/SCI Shield is essential for operating the TS/SCI Travel Kit, which provides the Commander with the ability to communicate securely with the National Command Authority. The capability is critical for executing the Unified Command Plan (UCP), assigned
Controlled by: USTRANSCOM Controlled by: Directorate of Acquisition CUI Category/ies: SSEL Limited Dissemination Control: FED ONLY POC: Contracting Officer Name & Phone Number:
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CUI 2
SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104 missions, and other national priorities directed by President of the United States (POTUS)/ Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). Without the Shield, the Commander's ability to fulfill his responsibilities would be severely compromised, jeopardizing national security and operational effectiveness. The estimated cost of this brand name acquisition is The Shields are expected to be delivered 14 days after award. The Shield will ensure the agency's ability to maintain secure communication and operational readiness in any location or situation.
4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN
COMPETITION.
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(5), the agency’s need is for a brand-name commercial product for authorized resale.
5. DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE
QUALIFICATIONS OR THE NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES USE OF
THE AUTHORITY CITED.
The proposed Shield possesses unique qualifications and capabilities that are essential for meeting the Government’s requirements for this acquisition. The following facts support the use of the authority cited:
o Proprietary Design: The Shield is the only known portable Faraday cage capable of establishing a secure, isolated environment that is completely free from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Its proprietary design provides the highest level of security for sensitive operations and is uniquely compatible with the Defense Information System Agency’s Top Secret Enterprise, making it the only system specifically engineered for seamless integration with this platform.
o Integration and Compatibility: The Shield is compatible with various accessories, such as SECAIR-O4 Environmental System, MS99-MX-2C Maxwell Two Talker System, and MX-T8-VS1 Maxine Speech Masking System that are specifically engineered to integrate seamlessly with the Shield Enclosure Air Frame TFBS-System. There are no other products available with equivalent compatibility and functionality.
o Mission-Critical Requirements: The USTRANSCOM Commander’s ability to communicate securely at the TS/SCI level with the National Command Authority is essential for executing the UCP, assigned missions, and other national priorities directed by the POTUS/SECDEF. The Shield is indispensable for enabling this capability.
o Operational Security: The nature of the acquisition requires a solution that guarantees operational security in mobile and sensitive environments. The Shield is uniquely qualified to meet this requirement.
6. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE
SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS PRACTICAL.
Due to the proprietary nature of the Shield and the need for approved components, market research indicated that the TS Travel Kit is only available through the OEM and its authorized resellers. The Government will publish a combined synopsis and solicitation on SAM.gov to the
CUI 3
SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104
OEM and its authorized resellers that are capable of providing the Shield and its compatible components.
7. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE
ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE.
The Contracting Officer will determine the contract represents the best value using proposal analysis techniques at FAR 15.404-1(b) to establish a fair and reasonable price, such as comparison of proposed prices to historical prices paid and published price lists. Based on this approach, the Contracting Officer anticipates a fair and reasonable price will be obtained.
8. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE
RESULTS OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASONS MARKET RESERACH WAS NOT
CONDUCTED.
Comprehensive market research was conducted via federal procurement platforms such as the DoD Enterprise Software Initiative, General Services Administration, and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement. The platforms were reviewed to identify vendors offering products that could meet the technical and operational requirements. No vendors were identified that could provide all required items or meet the integration and compatibility requirements
9. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND
OPEN COMPETITION.
The following additional facts support the use of other than full and open competition for this requirement:
o Time-Sensitive Requirement: The delivery of these items is required as soon as possible to meet mission-critical deadlines. Delays in procurement would negatively impact the Government’s ability to maintain operational readiness and fulfill its responsibilities under the UCP.
This fact and the ones stated in Section 5 collectively demonstrate that the Shield is compatible with USTRANSCOM Commander’s TS/SCI kit. The use of other than full and open competition is justified to ensure mission success, operational security, and the protection of national interests.
10. A LISTING OF SOURCES, IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN THE
ACQUISITION.
The following potential sources were identified during the market research process for providing the Shield and its compatible components:
o Intelligent Devices, LLC o InTech Defense, LLC o Transformational Security, LLC
CUI 4
SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104
11. A STATEMENT OF ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE
OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE MAKING ANY
SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION FOR THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED.
The Government is committed to fostering competition and ensuring that future acquisitions for similar supplies or services are conducted in a manner that maximizes participation. To remove or overcome barriers to competition, the following actions will be taken:
o Monitor Emerging Technologies: The Government will continuously monitor advancements in shielding technologies, secure communication systems, and portable environmental control solutions to identify new vendors and solutions that may meet future requirements.
o Conduct Regular Market Research: Comprehensive market research will be conducted on an ongoing basis to identify new entrants in the market and assess their capabilities.
This will ensure that the Government remains informed about potential sources and emerging solutions.
The Government recognizes the importance of competition in achieving the best value and fostering innovation. By implementing these actions, the agency aims to remove barriers to competition and ensure that future acquisitions for similar supplies or services are conducted in a manner that maximizes participation from potential sources.
12. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION.
I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
_________________________________ _8 July 2025________
MEGGAN A. DEBROBANDER DATE
Contracting Officer
13. TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION.
I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
_ ____________________________ _8 July 2025_______
DATE
Chief, Enterprise IT Division
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