DTRA FFT Sole Source Determination_redacted_Redacted.pdf

Inc.(NAL). The Nano Shout is a handheld, global two-way satellite messaging and personal tracking device, which require firmware and software to be fully functional. As the manufacturer NAL only equips their devices with basic functionality; therefore, an integrator is required to equip the devices with any unique software and firmware specific to the device and the network the device will be communicating on.

Trailblazer Innovation, Inc.(TBI) a SDVOSB, the developer of proprietary firmware and software which allows the FFT devices to communicate within DoD’s domain, networks, & infrastructure. This critical functionality is needed for DTRA personnel to effectively support their customers and partners located across the different AORs, particularly in areas where continuous and escalating conflicts exist, such as AFRICOM and CENTCOM. During COVID and the extended period of halted deployments and significantly reduced mission, DTRA was not deploying in support of the AOR and thus the FFT devices were not needed. As operations have returned to a pre-COVID tempo and AFRICOM has issued USAFRICOM Instruction 3200.15A mandating the use of FFT devices for personnel deployed in the AOR, DTRA requires maintenance, lifecycle support and technical reach-back support for the current inventory of FFT devices.

Market Research conducted in early 2024 determined, TBI is the only source capable of providing the required support services for DTRA’s FFT device inventory due to the proprietary nature of the firmware and software required for integrated communications within the DoD networks they operate on. TBI provides/manages situational awareness tools throughout North America, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM which provides US NORTHCOM and DTRA with real-time situational awareness, tactical level secure command and control messaging, and 24/7-365 emergency alerting notifications for DTRA personnel.

TBI systems utilize proprietary configurations, unique encryption keys, and firmware that ensure the US NORTHCOM and DTRA devices are interoperable with US NORTHCOM Situational Awareness Geospatial Enterprise (SAGE); Guardian; Geospatial Environment Command and Control Operations (GEC2O); and with the existing / other DoD systems. TBI is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and sole integrator of the various systems used by ARNORTH, DTRA, US NORTHCOM in support of many operations that require integration and visibility though GUARDIAN, GEC2O, and SAGE systems. These critical functions are often a matter of life or death for personnel operating in highly volatile locations.

OI PMO’s market research also analyzed alternative solutions for fulfilling this requirement.

One of these options included purchasing new devices or changing brands but determined the cost of replacement devices was considerably more expensive in comparison to the estimated cost of $71,000.00 for five years of support which would include replacing older, non-functioning devices throughout the period of performance. As stated above, market research did not identify a suitable alternative in terms of other vendors who possessed the capabilities needed to operate within the DoD systems, nor was a COTs solution feasible to meet the specialized needs of this user community.

Based on the results of market research, a direct award to TBI is the most cost-effective course of action to prevent unacceptable mission delays and protentional duplication of cost related to testing and validating alternative products. Furthermore, TBI’s status as a SDVOSB, supports