BNO JA for AE Comms Kits.Redacted.pdf

This document is a Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity or Use Brand-Name Restriction filed by the 763d Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (ESS) at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois in May 2026.

The contracting activity seeks to procure eight Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) Tactical Communications Kits through a new brand-name-only delivery order via the NASA Solutions and Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) contract vehicle. Each kit comprises two components: the TUCK-19 Mobile Tactical Networking Platform with MANTLE automation and the SpaceX Starshield Mini Terminal. The contracting officer determined that a brand-name restriction is justified under RFO 16.505(a)(4) due to the highly specialized technical specifications and unique level of hardware/software integration required to support en-route patient care during AE operations. The requirement is a bona fide need for FY26 with support required in FY26; however, due to extended lead times, items will not be received until FY27, triggering the lead-time exception under IAW 31 USC, Section 1502. The procurement falls under NAICS code 541519 (Group B, C, and D) and supports Headquarters Air Mobility Command (HQ AMC/A3) and the Office of the Command Surgeon (HQ AMC/SG).

The justification emphasizes that the TUCK-19 is the only ruggedized mobile tactical networking platform delivering fully integrated, automated PACE dynamic failover across multi-carrier 5G, Wi-Fi, and LEO transport systems with the embedded NextTech Solutions MANTLE Automation Suite. The contracting officer concluded that two or more small business proposals would be received and determined anticipated costs to be fair and reasonable. The government plans to monitor emerging market alternatives and has established a technology transition milestone schedule for FY27 and FY28 to foster competition as alternative commercial technologies mature.