HEEWJ BRIDGE JA25_0008 _Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document authorizing a sole-source bridge contract to Aery Aviation, LLC for High Endurance Electronic Warfare Jet (HEEWJ) Contracted Air Services (CAS). The document (J&A Number 25-0008) is issued by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent River, MD.

The bridge contract will be an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract using predominantly firm-fixed-price task orders, with an anticipated award date of March 14, 2025 and performance period from May 13, 2025 to May 12, 2027 (12-month base period plus four 3-month options). The contractor will provide COCO aircraft to support Fleet air training and certification events, simulating airborne threats for testing shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems. This bridges a gap until two competitive follow-on contracts can be awarded: (1) Electronic Warfare Jet Services (N0042124R0003) and (2) Stand-Off Jamming Jet Services (N0042124R0002). The current incumbent contract N0042120D0108 with Strategic Airborne Operations LLC (now fully owned by Aery) ends May 12, 2025. The bridge contract is deemed necessary due to the 24-month stand-up period required for new contractors to obtain aircraft, certifications, clearances, and establish operations.