Redacted_JA_TALC+_Kits.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

March 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 3

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: 763 SCONS/PKP

Project/Program Name: Tanker Airborne Long-Range Communication Plus (TALC+) Kits

Purchase Request/Identification Number:

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

Headquarters Air Mobility Command ( ) has a requirement for 6 each TALC+ kits for delivery to Scott AFB, IL. The TALC+ kits provide secure, global, reliable voice and text command and control (C2) capability aboard the KC-135 aircraft. Under the contemplated contract, NAL Research Corporation will provide the TALC+ kits required for use aboard the KC-135 aircraft.

HQ The total estimated dollar value of this acquisition is based on the requirement owner's Independent Government Estimate (IGCE). FY18 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funds will be used to fund the requirement. These items are a bona fide need of FY18 with delivery required Sep 2018, even though the normal production lead time for NAL's TALC+ kit is 90-days after receipt of the order (ARO). Anticipated contract award date is 01 Sep 2018.

The TALC+ system architecture consists of air and ground elements, which utilize the Iridium satellite communications network to provide a beyond line of site connection between the two. The air element provides a terminal for remote access to secure voice and text communications and the ground element serves as an entry point in to SIPRNet where the text chat servers reside. These kits are a carry-on, carry-off system. Each kit consists of the following: Self-Contained Pelican Waterproof Carrying Case, Base Unit (consists of Enclosure, TALC+ kit, Modem, Audio Board, Audio Interface, Misc. Interfaces), Sextant Port Iridium Antenna, Power Cable, Serial Data Cable, PTT Cable, Velcro straps, Sextant Port Iridium Antenna Cables, Iridium Handset, and Manual.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

The Air Force has a need for secure voice and text command and control (C2) communications aboard the KC-135. In order for this secure communication to take place, the on-board device needs to be able to communicate with C2 ground agencies (ground entry points) via the Iridium satellite communications network. The TALC+ kit, engineered, developed and manufactured by NAL Research Corporation as the subcontractor via an AFRL R&D contract ( ) with Technology Service Corporation as the prime, is the device that provides this capability for the KC-135. The subcontract contract start date began 03 Nov 14. While the R&D effort was still ongoing, Barksdale AFB determined they required the same capability for the B-52 aircraft; however, the TALC+ kits would require minor modifications for use aboard the B-52, but the capability remained the same. The name of the units changed to the Global Iridium Bomber Set (GLIBS) for use on the B-52, but remained TALC+ kit for the KC-135. Navy contract, , was issued on 29 Dec 15 on a sole source basis to NAL for a quantity of 36 GLIBS with a delivery order price of . The same and similar items were previously procured sole source by the 763 Specialized Contracting Squadron (SCONS) via contract number on 22 Sep 2017. Thirty (30) each TALC+ kits were purchased via Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract with large business awardee NAL Research Corporation. Contract price was ( each kit). Delivery was 90-days ARO. NAICS: 334220. The kits completed the required Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron (AMC/TES) operational, testing and evaluation (OT&E) requirements between 28 Nov 15 and 15 Jan 2017. The system received Safe-to-Fly (STF) certification on the KC-135, dated 02 Feb 2017 and again on 24 Oct 2017. The kits have undergone the following tests: Explosive Atmospheric, Explosive Decompression, Temperature/Altitude, Vibration, EMC/EMI.

NAL Research Corporation, in response to AFRL R&D effort and Navy delivery order has engineered, developed, designed and manufactured the TALC+/GLIB kits to securely communicate (voice and text) between air and ground elements utilizing the Iridium satellite communications network. NAL is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole distributor of the highly specialized TALC+ kits. They provide the only known product that is able to meet the Air Force requirement for secure, global, March 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 3 and reliable C2 between the KC-135 platform and ground entry points.

believes that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Air Force's requirements. If the Government were to utilize another vendor to provide the equipment required to meet this need, it would cost the Government approximately , none of which could be recovered through competition. Use of an alternate source would also create a minimum delay, which could potentially have an adverse impact on Mobility Air Forces (MAF) missions. During this delay, the new vendor would need to engineer, design, develop, and manufacture a new reliable solution to provide the same capabilities the TALC+. The new system would require AMC/TES OT&E testing, and certifications to be used aboard the KC-135.

In utilizing a new system, there would be a certain amount of training and retraining for both the new vendor and the Government. The delay could put the aircraft at risk of classified communication being intercepted by potential threats and pose a risk to aircraft, crew, the war fighter and the MAF mission. These figures were derived from the dollars already spent and the time it took to acquire this capability for the Air Force.

Accordingly, NAL Research Corporation is the only firm capable of providing the supplies described in Section III above without the U.S. Air Force experiencing substantial duplication of cost that could not be expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling its requirements.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

763 SCONS/PKP posted a Sources Sought notice (FA4452-18-Q-0002) to the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website on 01 Aug 2018 requesting responses from those interested and capable. Responses to the Sources Sought were due by 07 Aug 2018 and requested vendors were asked to provide availability, technical capability, and business size status. The Sources Sought asked for the following information: company name, address, telephone number, points of contact, e-mail addresses, CAGE code, business size, socioeconomic status, if they are a TALC+ kit certified reseller, for any contract vehicles that would be available to the Government to procure the product, if the company has the ability to provide the entire requirement, if they plan to submit a quote, and if they have any questions or concerns regarding the NAICS code or TALC+ kit specifications provided with the notice. No vendors responded to the Sources Sought notice. Additionally, 763d SCONS confirmed with NAL via e-mail with of NAL Research Corporation that they are capable and interested in fulfilling the requirement and there are no authorized resellers of the TALC+ kits. NAL is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and does not have any active exclusions as of 31 Jul 2018. IAW FAR 12.603(a) and 5.203(a)(2), a combined synopsis/solicitation will be issued.

Other market research techniques were used, to include the following: Internet searches, discussions with requiring activity, Government Databases (PPIRs, FAPIIS, etc.), and contacting known source of product. This market research identified NAL Research Corporation as the OEM and sole distributor of the TALC+ kits.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

HQ AMC has not taken any action to remove competitive barriers given the complexity, specialization of the equipment, and the long lead time and cost to engineer, develop, test and certify another product. NAL Research Corporation is the OEM an dthere are no certified resellers for the TALC+ kits. As long as the TALC+ kits continue to provide secure, global, reliable voice and text communication and control (C2) aboard the KC-135 aircraft, there are no actions the Government can take to overcome barriers to competition.

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Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

18-Sep-2018

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer Signature of Contracting Officer