Ford-class Sustainment IDIQ JA Redacted_.pdf

$ and $ to standup and obtain EMALS and AAG from a second source, respectively.

Per FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii)(B), awarding to a new source would also result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the current Ford-class sustainment requirements. The CVN 78 Production Contract and current CVN 79-CVN 80 Production Contract data show that it would require at least nine years to complete system development, qualification testing, physical configuration audit, and sustainment activities to qualify a new source to fulfill AAG and EMALS capabilities.

Only GA can provide the changes and repairs to AAG and EMALS, to include subsystems and components, while maintaining the baseline configurations during the concurrent production and sustainment phases. Any component repaired through an alternate source would require the Government to deliver the equipment to GA for additional integration/testing and qualification prior to being placed in ready-for-issue status, or additional on-site testing and recertification of repairs, resulting in a range of delay time from 10 months (movement of lab to new contractor facility) to 10 years (standup of new depot facility, to include development of test capability) to the repair process. The rapid supportability required to support Ford-class AAG and EMALS sustainment efforts is key to maintaining Ford’s availability, reliability and maintainability for mission readiness.

Based on the substantial duplication of costs and unacceptable delays that would result from the possible award to another source, the Government has determined GA is the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government's needs.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable.

On 3 October 2024, the NAVAIR Procurement Group posted a sources-sought notice on SAM.gov for eligible firms that could meet the requirements of the anticipated IDIQ contract. Two sources, GA and NDI Engineering Company (NDI), responded. NDI provided a Capability Statement that was reviewed by the Government. Based on NAVAIR’s requirements, it was determined that NDI is incapable of meeting these requirements because it does not possess or have authorized access to the technical data necessary to complete all of the tasking described in the sources-sought notice and, further, does not have a viable plan to obtain, generate, or otherwise secure authorized access to such technical data. NAVAIR provided a response to NDI via email on 25 November 2024, informing NDIA that its Capability Statement does not meet the requirement. NDI acknowledged the email on 26 November 2024.

On 27 November 2024, NAVAIR posted a synopsis on SAM.gov, documenting NAVAIR’s intent to negotiate and award a sole-source contract to GA for the sustainment IDIQ requirements. This posting included a recommendation for companies interested in subcontracting opportunities to contact the GA small business liaison. No responses have been received to date. The Contracting Officer will review any responses prior to contract award. Additionally, the Contracting Officer will refer parties interested in subcontracting opportunities to GA to maximize competition of subcontracted efforts.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost. The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this J&A will be fair and reasonable.

8. Action Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition: For the reasons set forth in paragraph five, NAVAIR has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for the type of supplies/services covered by this J&A. If other potential sources emerge, NAVAIR will assess the feasibility for future competition and/or break out opportunities.

As this is a follow-on for supplies and services previously awarded on a non-competitive basis, in accordance with DFARS PGI 206.304(a)(S-70)(i), the prior J&A was provided to the approval authority for review. Approval of this J&A signifies the approval authority has made the determination required by DFARS PGI 206.304(a)(S-70)(ii).