IROC OT Stack JA for Sam.pdf

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Public Posting

I. Agency and Contracting Activity:

772 Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Acquisition received from Air Force Civil Engineering Center, National Disaster Recovery Division.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

Approval is requested to use other than full and open competition to award a single award firm fixed price contract to SimpleSense, INC for the installation and connection of Integrated Resilience Operations Center (IROC) infrastructure at Tyndall Air Force Base - Operational Technology (OT) Stack Phase 3. This action is based on the authority of FAR 6.302-1 and FAR 13.5. This acquisition is not a follow on, but resulting from IROC Prototype contract - FA85012090011 following the completion of MILCON building projects on Tyndall AFB.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

This requirement is for SimpleSense, INC to provide all the necessary labor, materials, and equipment to install and connect IROC infrastructure at various facilities within Tyndall AFB. This includes:

• Acquisition of necessary hardware (OT switches, gateways, UPS systems, cabling) where government-provided equipment isn't available.

• Configuration of OTG and OT switches according to IROC cybersecurity STIGs and enrollment in IROC enterprise management.

• Physical installation of OT Gateways, OT switches, and UPS systems in designated communications closets.

• Connection of OT devices to the IROC network through the installed infrastructure, ensuring proper communication and network configuration.

• Coordination with other contractors (e.g., MILCON) for connecting OT devices.

The ultimate goal is to fully integrate OT devices into the IROC network, enhancing the resilience and operational efficiency of Tyndall AFB's infrastructure. This integration must be fully compatible and seamless with the existing IROC system which was originally created by SimpleSense, INC. [REDACTED - PROPRIETARY DATA REGARDING

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS].

Projected delivery will fall in line with MILCON completion. All required buildings must be completed after 1 year following award. No options will included under this contract.

0001 - 0008: Integration at [REDACTED - 8 SPECIFIC MILCON FACILITIES]

TOTAL CONTRACT VALUE: $353,300.00

Funding Type: 3400 - O&M Funds

IV. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited above.

The acquisition of Operational Technology (OT) integration services for Tyndall AFB MILCON projects, particularly Phase 2, is suitable for utilization of simplified acquisition procedures authorized by 10 U.S.C. 3572 (as implemented through DAFFARS 5313.501) the anticipated contract value falls under SAP threshold and the facts support one or more of the following justifications:

• Commercial Item Acquisition and Streamlined Procedures, falls under SAP Procedures under FAR 13.5.

• Contractors unique expertise and qualification as stated above.

• Expedited Deployment for critical infrastructure through the IROC Platform.

• Leveraging Small Business as the contractor.

V. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies.

In accordance with FAR 5.202(a)(11), a synopsis is not required for this action because this action is a continuation of highly specialized integration services previously publicized under the IROC program, and duplicate publicizing offers no reasonable expectation of active competition. A Sources Sought Synopsis was posted 23 July 2025 and closed on 01 August 2025 for Stack 2. The Sources Sought Synopsis requested information from contractors with demonstrated experience in Operational Technology (OT) networking infrastructure, FRCS or similar control systems, cybersecurity expertise for OT environments, network architecture and design capabilities, and integration experience with existing systems.

Of the six (6) sources that expressed interest in the acquisition, only one (1) source, the incumbent SimpleSense LLC, was determined to be acceptable for this acquisition. All other interested sources were determined unacceptable due to the lack of indication that they hold the specialized knowledge or access to the [REDACTED - PROPRIETARY IP RIGHTS] necessary to configure and cutover the components to the IROC network.

Additionally, several of the sources failed to demonstrate any understanding of OT or the IROC program beyond "standard" component configuration.

VI. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated cost to the Government is fair and reasonable by conducting a price analysis, comparing the proposed price to available market data, independent government estimates, and previous prices paid for similar services. A cost analysis may be conducted to evaluate the reasonableness of individual cost elements, as appropriate including Labor Categories and Equipment Prices.

VII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Market research encompassed a comprehensive review of vendor capabilities via online databases, industry publications, and government contracting websites (e.g., SAM.gov).

This research focused on identifying vendors with demonstrated experience in OT network integration, cybersecurity, and, critically, prior experience with the IROC system. The results consistently indicated that while several vendors offer OT network integration services, none possess the specific, in-depth knowledge of the IROC system required for seamless and secure integration. Specifically, no other vendor was found to have prior experience developing/integrating with the system, understanding of its unique security protocols, or ability to guarantee full interoperability.

VIII. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

The original intent of the IROC OTA was to fully integrate the system; however, limitations imposed by the MILCON projects and site conditions made this impossible under the original OTA. SimpleSense, INC is in a unique position to continue the integration as originally intended, now that suitable conditions exist. Maintaining consistency with the original IROC design and implementation is crucial for system stability, security, and interoperability. Utilizing SimpleSense, INC ensures that the integrated OT network will seamlessly integrate with the existing IROC infrastructure, minimizing the risk of unforeseen issues.

IX. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

This new requirement (Stack 3) was not synopsized again, however, in response to the Sources Sought Synopsis for Stack 2 posted 23 July 2025, six (6) sources expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. Those sources were Alamo City Engineering Services;

CHAOS Cybersecurity LLC; KZN Solutions Inc; KriaaNet Inc; SimpleSense Inc; & Red River.

X. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

While the original Prototype OTA was competitively awarded through a CSO involving seven other vendors, the agency has since taken minimal action to overcome competitive barriers for this acquisition. This is primarily due to the unique nature of the acquisition and the contractor's specific situation in executing the requested integration. This acquisition requirement resulted from completion of additional MILCON Buildings that were not complete at time of original prototype acquisition.

XI. CERTIFICATIONS

Technical / Requirements Certification:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name: Garey W. Payne, GS-13, AFCEC PMO

Title: Requiring Activity/Program Manager

Date: 2 July 2026

Signature: /s/ Garey Payne

Contracting Officer Certification:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name: Sally Kite Title: Contracting Officer, 772 ESS Date: 2 July 2026

Signature: /s/ Sally Kite