Sole Source Justification_RWIS Modification_Redacted.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification document for a simplified acquisition supporting a contract renewal for the Road Weather Information System (RWIS) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The contracting activity is AFLCMC/PZIBB, and the current contract FA860125P0173 is awarded to Vaisala Inc. The RWIS consists of proprietary equipment and software that collects atmospheric sensor data from runway pavement through seven remote processing units and two central processing units, displaying surface temperature, runway conditions, and chemical/ice presence information. The agency requires installation of two additional in-ground pavement sensors and one in-ground subgrade sensor, along with upgrading one of two RPUs using existing infrastructure. Vaisala Inc. holds exclusive proprietary rights to the hardware and software currently in use, and is the only company authorized to calibrate, maintain, and execute necessary system adjustments. The justification cites substantial cost duplication and unacceptable delays that would result from awarding to another source, as competitors would lack access to proprietary systems, require system familiarization, or necessitate complete replacement with open-market hardware. Market research via internet searches confirmed no other companies can meet requirements with the existing proprietary RWIS at WPAFB. The contracting officer determined on May 4, 2026, that only a single source is reasonably available per FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). The document recommends future mitigation through procurement of open-market RWIS components or licensing agreements to establish authorized maintenance distribution networks.