Attachment 1 - Brand Name Justification and Approval.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document for a brand-name commercial procurement. The 90th Contract Squadron is acquiring an Ascent AeroSystems Spirit small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) with integrated payloads to support real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and target identification training for the 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron (GCTS), an Air Force Global Strike Command formal training unit. The specific acquisition includes two Spirit Base Kits, each containing the core aircraft, GPS module, two blade sets, two flight batteries, charger, and protective case, plus two Gremsy VIO F1 payload modules featuring 4K electro-optical/infrared camera, radiometric thermal imager, and laser rangefinder capabilities. The procurement is structured as a Firm-Fixed-Price commercial item acquisition and will be posted as a 100 percent small business set-aside on SAM.gov to maximize competition among authorized Spirit system resellers.

The justification restricts the procurement to the Ascent Aerosystems Spirit brand based on four mission-critical technical requirements: the unique coaxial, contra-rotating airframe configuration required for FTU training across various airframe classes; the open and modular payload architecture supporting student-led configuration and troubleshooting; complementary fleet capability to existing conventional quadcopters; and minimum operational environment thresholds requiring sustained wind capability of 40+ mph and severe moisture resistance (IP55 rating). Market research identified alternative DIU-cleared platforms but concluded none possess the required combination of coaxial configuration and open-architecture design. To preclude future single-source awards, the Air Force will continuously monitor the commercial market and engage industry stakeholders to stimulate development of competing coaxial, modular sUAS solutions meeting formal training requirements.