APPI-ESTECO-JA-Redacted_Redacted.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document for a software license purchase by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (LCMC) Information Technology Contracting (PZITA) office. The acquisition is for ESTECO's modeFRONTIER and VOLTA tools to support the AFRL/RQ Airframe-Propulsion-PTMS-Integration (APPI) portfolio's Creo program for airframe, propulsion, power, and thermal management integrated design. The contracting officer determined on January 22, 2026, that only a single source is reasonably available, citing FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

The justification emphasizes that ESTECO software is essential and unique for the APPI portfolio's MDAO (Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization) capabilities, enabling integration of multiple design disciplines including simulations for air vehicle, propulsion, and thermal management systems. ESTECO's modeFrontier MDAO client is available across Linux, Windows, and MacOS platforms, providing advantages that alternative brands cannot match without causing unacceptable delays and duplicating computing resources. The VOLTA Server provides distributed computing capabilities critical for DoD HPC utilization. The document notes that substantial market research confirmed ESTECO's uniqueness in meeting portfolio requirements, and ESTECO provided a statement of exclusivity regarding their products. The government asserts that procurement of alternative brands would result in substantial cost duplication estimated at hardware costs of approximately $[redacted], plus facility and labor costs for administration and provision. To preclude future single-source awards, AFRL/RQ personnel will continue monitoring the marketplace through catalogues, internet searches, industry events, trade journals, and other resources.