C1.5 Att (2) JNCP APPROVED_Redacted.pdf

1 Template March 2019

JUSTIFICATION FOR NON-COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT (JNCP)

FOR ACTIONS < SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD (SAT)

JNCP#:

PR/Solicitation Number:

Code:

1) Agency, Contracting Activity and Purpose: Naval Information Warfare Center - Pacific, Justification for

Other than Full and Open Competition.

2) Description of the Supply or Service being procured, its intended use and anticipated/estimated value

a. Items to be procured are:

1) Brand-name Skydio drone kit (“Skydio X10D Starter Solution”), P/N: DR4DSBN3IZA1000NA, It includes the aircraft, radio controller, sensors, batteries, charges, case, spare propellers, SD card.

2) Skydio drone spare batteries ("150W Skydio Battery for X10"), P/N: DR4ACCBAT,

b. This unmanned aerial system (UAS) will be utilized during various UAS projects that involve first-person flights and training events.

c.

3) Possible Authority for Non-Competitive Procurement

Brand Name Requirement ((Brand Name: Only one manufacturer with multiple distributors (this justification covers only the portion of the acquisition which is brand name).

4) Reason for Non-Competitive Procurement

Unique or highly specialized requirement/Only one source reasonable available

5) Provide rationale and justification regarding the above selection.

The Skydio brand, “X10D” model is the only Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capable of achieving obstacle avoidance with the required ease of operation and camera quality for the subject action per the

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Cleared List, located at https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas-cleared-list. The Blue UAS Cleared List is a list of DoD approved drones providing options for the evolving mission needs of government users. These drones are compliant with section 848 of the FY20 NDAA , section 817 of the FY23 NDAA, and the American Security Drone Act, validated as cyber-secure and safe to fly, and are available for government purchase and operation.

Further, advanced collision avoidance capability is necessary while performing UAS flights at very close distance from critical infrastructure, like radio towers, and is a primary requirement for this purchase. The

Skydio model being purchased offers the best built-in capability in a standard package UAS. The requiring technical activity compared all drones on the Blue UAS Cleared List within the desired UAS category and found that of those drones only the Skydio X10D is capable of obstacle avoidance in all

2 Template March 2019 directions (360 degrees). Other brands require purchase and integration of additional equipment at a cost in excess of + to reach the level of collision avoidance needed. While the secondary minimum specification requirements of “ease of use” and “camera quality” are roughly equivalent amongst all brands considered, no brand-name item other than the Skydio X10D on the approved Blue UAS Cleared

List can provide the required combination of ease of use, camera quality, AND superior collision avoidance at any cost rivaling the cost of the desired Skydio X10D.

6) Describe the Market Research conducted.

In the period from October 2024 to January 2025, similar UAS were assessed by reviewing current specifications and performance information online, contacting and conferring with representatives from each manufacturer, and consulting with current NIWC UAS operators experienced with UAS in this category and used for this purpose. When asked directly about collision avoidance capability, Companies stated “We don’t have collision avoidance as a standard offer” (Ascent Aerosystems) and “we don’t have any autonomy sensors onboard for collision avoidance” (Freefly Systems). Skydio has 360-degree collision avoidance as standard and was recommended by experienced NIWC UAS users.

7) Any other information of facts supporting the justification to limit competition not described elsewhere on this form (i.e. international agreement).

The Skydio X10D is listed on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Cleared List. The Skydio X10D meets the minimum flight time requirements of 35 minutes. The Skydio X10D is capable of integrating several attachments such as NIghtSense Visible/IR light, RTK GPS, Radios, EMF Meters, Droppers, etc. Which are all options provided by the manufacturer. These attachments could be required in future efforts.

8) Provide a statement of actions that will be taken to remove or overcome any barriers to competition prior to any future procurements for this Supply or Service.

The commercial UAS industry, and DoD targeted system development are rapidly evolving. Should follow-on work be conducted from this project, all manufacturers will once again be considered based on their offerings at that time.

3 Template March 2019

Technical Cognizance Branch Head or Above

Print Name / Signature Title Code Date

FOR COMPLETION and SIGNATURE BY CONTRACTING OFFICE:

Contracting Officer Certification:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Print Name / Signature Title Code Date