Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition – SPE7L126Q0628

This document is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (FAR 6.302-1) for a limited source acquisition by the Defense Logistics Agency, DLA Weapons Support Columbus.

The acquisition concerns battery cells (NSN 6140-015218584) for the C-17A Airlifter aircraft, with a quantity of 1,377 units. The contract is firm-fixed price with fixed quantity and 100% options. The Government restricts supply to MarathonNorco Aerospace, Inc. (CAGE 74025) as the sole approved source based on statutory authority under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), citing AMSC 3 (acquire directly from manufacturer) and AMSC D (data unavailable for competitive solicitation). The justification documents that spare parts must be form, fit, and functionally interchangeable with currently supported items, and only MarathonNorco Aerospace possesses the capability to furnish the required supplies and is currently approved by the design control activity. The solicitation SPE7L126Q0628 was synopsized for one day on SAM.GOV and posted to the DLA Internet Bid Board System for 15 days. Dealers of the approved source were solicited. Market research conducted on 12/30/2025 and followed up on 1/8/2026 confirmed MarathonNorco Aerospace as a commercial distributor with an acceptable FOB origin and delivery terms. The last procurement from this source was 08/26/2025 at $837.00 per unit for 543 units. An alternate source, IPT (CAGE 4K0V2), expressed interest. The justification includes provisions for price analysis based on proposed prices and historical comparisons, with fair and reasonable pricing to be established. The Competition Advocate approved this justification, which exceeds $900,000 and requires Competition Advocate approval authority.