Sole_Source_Letter_AAS_Radios_v1_Redacted.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

158TH FIGHTER WING (ACC)

SOUTH BURLINGTON VERMONT

15 August 2017

MEMORANDUM FOR FILE

FROM: 158FW/158CES

SUBJECT: Justification For Other Than Full and Open Competition

1. Pursuant to the requirements of the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) as implemented by FAR 6.3 and in accordance with the requirements of FAR 6.303-1, the justification for the use of other than full and open competition is justified under FAR 6.303-2 as follows:

(a) Agency and contracting activity.

The Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) Contracting Office proposes to enter into a contract on a basis other than full and open competition.

(b) Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

VTANG has a requirement on a sole source basis to replace the radio systems for the Aircraft

Arresting System (AAS) along with the equipment used to communicate with these radios located in the Control Tower, Barrier Maintenance Shop, Fire Unit and Command Post Tower.

The estimate cost of the purchase and replacement is The system is used to activate the AAS cable used to stop aircraft in the event of an emergency. The name and address of the proposed contractor is:

Global Data Specialists

1815 W First Ave

Suite 110

Mesa, AZ 85202

(c) Description of supplies/services.

The contractor shall remove the current radio system from the AAS, Control Tower, Barrier

Maintenance Shop and the Fire Station. The new BAK-H AAS operates on the Motorola

ACE3600 radio system. All materials, labor, parts, tools, facilities and transportation required will be supplied and installed in each area by the contractor.

(d) Identification of statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

(e) Demonstration that the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

The current Aircraft Arresting System MOSCAD radio is outdated and no longer supported for parts/service by the National Guard Bureau or the original manufacturer. Replacement of this system is critical because the current radio system is no longer supported and if it breaks, there will be no communication between the AAS and the critical agencies. The BAK-H AAS radio system is a proprietary product of Global Data Specialists (GDS). GDS is the only authorized partner certified by the United States Air Force Aircraft Arresting System program office to perform upgrade installation. The use of any other system would require re-certification by

USAF engineers who have Operational, Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E) authority, at a significant additional cost to the government as well as adding significant delays to the existing flying mission.

(f) Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

Notice of this proposed contract action will be publicized on the Government-Wide Point of

Entry in the form of a Sole Source Justification and Approval.

(g) Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer will request data other than certified cost or pricing data from the contractor. This data will be used determine a fair and reasonable price in accordance with FAR

15.403-3(a).

(h) Description of market research.

Market research was conducted by contacting Motorola to find authorized resellers of the

Motorola ACE3600 RTU system. An internet search revealed 35 authorized partners for the

ACE3600 RTU, however Global Data Specialists, Inc. is the only distributor of the modified version of this system used by the USAF. Further, it is the only Motorola partner certified to install Mission Critical Radio Systems and approved for use by the USAF. This information is validated in a memorandum dated 17 February 2017 from the Air Force Life Cycle Management

Center Aircraft Arresting System program office.

(i) Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Aircraft Arresting System program office would be required to test and certify other firms through the Operational, Safety, Suitability, and

Effectiveness OSS&E process in order to increase competition on future requirements. There is no timetable on if/when this may occur.

(j) A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

If any additional sources were discovered or showed interest, explain why they cannot fulfill the requirement.

There are no other known sources for this purchase; Motorola is the sole manufacturer of the system and GDS is the only authorized distributor/installer of this critical system.

(k) A statement of the actions, if any, the Agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for required supplies or services.

At the end of the life cycle of the BAK-H the Government may have the opportunity to compete for a new aircraft arresting system that may solicit more competition. In addition, the salient characteristics for any future requirements as described herein will be shared/publicly posted to encourage industry innovation and healthy competition amongst businesses providing compatible AAS components.

(l) Contracting Officer’s Certification.

I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(m) Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification.

I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

ANDREW D. ANDERSON, MSgt, VTANG

Contracting Officer