JA 22-0256 SkyTower Redacted_Redacted.pdf

J&A No. 22-0256

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority.

The USMC has an urgent requirement established in UUNS #17221UC, for an organic, 24/7 capable, Group 5 UAS for ISR and Persistent Strike efforts for the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in support of OCONUS USMC Combat Ground Elements. As such, the SkyTower I capability that will perform this function will need to be integrated onto the MQ-9A Reaper in FY24. In order to meet the requirement established in UUNS #17221UC, the USMC will need to procure the system build, test and evaluation, and integration of SkyTower I onto the MQ-9A Unmanned Air System (UAS), as well as ancillary equipment, and associated support.

In accordance with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(B) unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements would be incurred if these requirements were procured through another source. GA-ASI requirements. Since 2005, GA-ASI has been the sole designer, developer, manufacturer, and integrator of the MQ-9 UAS and its related equipment. As such, GA-ASI has the unique capabilities to fulfill this contract action as it is extremely familiar with the work that is required to produce, test, integrate and support the SkyTower I capability on the MQ-9 system. It has the experienced staff, necessary plants, equipment, suppliers, and technical understanding of the USMC-unique payloads and configuration modifications to address the interrelated impacts of the SkyTower I Pods and the other components of the MQ-9A system. Furthermore, GA-ASI is the only entity that owns a complete Technical Data Package that would be necessary to successfully complete the contract under this J&A. A competitive award to any company other than GA-ASI would require the development of an alternative Technical Data Package and qualification of a second source, including assessment of their production practices.

It is estimated a minimum of 24 months of additional design, development, and test to qualify and certify a new SkyTower I Pod and supporting equipment for the Fleet through another source would be required; this estimate is based on USMC-unique payload and platform changes in support of MUX MALE objectives already under taken by GA-ASI and critical technology sub-vendors via Independent Research and Development (IRAD) and trade study efforts (e.g.: store station compatibility, weight, space and power consistent with MQ-9 capabilities). These sub-systems are at or beyond the initial product baseline (Critical Design Review) stage and would have to be reset to preliminary designs (functional allocations) if another platform were utilized, causing 12-16 month delays. Additionally, without MQ-9 detailed design interface data, the pursuit of alternate sources would require major platform redesign activities and a pause on payload development until new flight envelopes, SWAP-C, and outer mold line effects could be assessed; this additional effort would add 12-14 months, not including additional procurement/competitive selection timelines. This delay is unacceptable because it would result in failure to meet the requirement of fulfilling the MQ-9A Reaper ISR and Persistent Strike requirements established in UUNS #17221UC. For these reasons, GA-ASI is the only within the required schedule.

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

Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought (SS) requirements pursuant to DFARS PGI 206.302-1 have been waived per Ser AIR-2.4.2.1/24-19-009. In accordance with FAR 5.201, a pre-solicitation notice was posted via the beta.SAM.gov website on 23 November 2021. No responses were received.

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.

J&A No. 22-0256

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, NAVAIR has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for the types of supplies and services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NAVAIR will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.