CUI – Department of the Air Force Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (CUI document) dated March 2026, justifying a sole-source award to L3Harris for Warfighter Data Link Tactical Multi-band equipment in support of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) operations. The acquisition value is less than $10 million, and the contracting officer is Susana Dryer at AFTC/PZZF, Edwards AFB, California. The award is structured as a Firm Fixed Priced Purchase Order on a sole-source/brand-name basis to a single responsible source.

The justification cites statutory authority under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), establishing that only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements. The required equipment comprises an Amplified Kit and T-Case system with 16 specific components (including RF radio systems, cables, amplifiers, power supplies, speakers, and transit cases). The rationale emphasizes that L3Harris is the exclusive source possessing required Key Performance Parameters (KPPs), proprietary technology, and source code; competitors such as General Dynamics, Silvus Technologies, and REDCOM cannot meet mandatory security requirements (ICD 705, DoD 5105.21, DAFI 17-130) for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), interoperability with existing DoD architecture, NSA certification, or stringent military standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461). The document notes that requiring a non-interoperable vendor would necessitate costly re-engineering, reverse-engineering, and testing, resulting in unacceptable delays to critical warfighter fielding schedules. Market research identified no viable alternative sources. The Contracting Officer is responsible for determining fair and reasonable pricing per FAR Subpart 15.4.