JA Other Than Full Open Competition - Automated Robotic Targeting System_HCA Signed 15AUG2026.pdf

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition Template based on DHS OCPO J&A Guide Version 3.7

J&A No: Page 1 of 6

J&A Number: FY26-68 PR Number: PR-26-USSS-1304

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

41 U.S.C. 3304(a) FAR 6.103 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11).

Pursuant to the requirements of the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.103 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11) and in accordance with the requirements of FAR 6.104 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11), the justification for the use of the statutory authority under FAR 6.103 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11) is justified by the following facts and rationale required under FAR 6.104-1 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11) as follows:

1. Agency and Contracting Activity:

Department of Homeland Security, United States Secret Services (USSS), Office of Procurement, proposed to enter into a sole source contract using simplified acquisition procedures (SAP) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.201-1(FAR Class Deviation 25-21) and 41 U.S.C 1901. FAR 12.201-1 is increased to $15 million if the head of the agency determines that the supplies or services are used to – (1) Support a contingency operation.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action being Approved:

The United States Secret Service (USSS) intends to procure on a sole source basis to support a contingency operation for an Automated Robotic Targeting System (ARTS)for live fire simulation munitions training at James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC). The Autonomous Robotic Training System (ARTS) replicates real world training scenarios for live fire and simulation munition training. The ARTS will be compromised of mobilization of the system to accommodate various off-sit training venues for law enforcement personnel, improving operational readiness and tactical decision making.

Rationale:

Currently, Marathon Targets Inc is the prominent pioneer and major supplier of artificial intelligence driven Autonomous Robotic Targets (ARTs) that can react in a way that enemy combatants might typically behave when being fired upon during a live-fire scenario. Based on market research to date, Marathon Targets Inc. appears to be the only known manufacturer that is capable of providing realistic live-fire training and maneuvering capabilities suitable for the

USSS.

(b) Name and address of the contractor:

Marathon Targets, Inc., 4950 Gilmer Drive NW, Suite B, Huntsville, AL 35805

(c) Contract type:

J&A No: Page 2 of 6

Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

(d) Estimated total value, including options:

The Total estimated contract value is $11,784,524.

See table below for detail.

POP Description Total

Base 09/29/2026 to 09/28/2027 Autonomous Robotic Training System (ARTS) $2,139,569

09/29/2026 to 09/28/2027 Travel Cost $97,120

Option Period 1 09/29/2027 to 09/28/2028 Autonomous Robotic Training

System (ARTS) $2,182,157

09/29/2027 to 09/28/2028 Travel Cost $100,034

Option Period 2 09/29/2028 to 9/28/2029 Autonomous Robotic Training

System (ARTS) $2,247,622

09/29/2028 to 9/28/2029 Travel Cost $103,035

Option Period 3 09/29/2029 to 9/28/2030 Autonomous Robotic Training

System (ARTS) $2,315,050

09/29/2029 to 9/28/2030 Travel Cost $106,126

Option Period 4 09/29/2030 to 9/28/2031 Autonomous Robotic Training

System (ARTS) $2,384,502

09/29/2030 to 9/28/2031 Travel Cost $109,309

Total Value $11,784,524.00

Note: The total cost for ARTS is $11,268,900.00 and the total cost for Travel is $515,624.00.

Previously awarded under Contract Number 70US0923C70093222, with a Period of Performance of 9/29/23 through 09/28/26.

(e) Type of funding: Operations and Support funds.

(f) Year of funding: FY26

J&A No: Page 3 of 6

(g) Solicitation number: The request for Proposal (RFP) 70US0926R70094019 will be issued on 08/25/2026 to Marathon Targets, Inc.

(h) Background information about the requirement: The ARTS provides autonomous, all-terrain and close-quarters robotic targets for advanced tactical training. The system enhances realism and effectiveness of training for the USSS personnel, that supports mission readiness.

The current Contract Number 70US0923C70093222, with Marathon Targets Inc., will expire on 9/28/26 and USSS has a continuing need for this service.

3. Description of Services:

This is a non-personal services contract to provide an Autonomous Robotic Training System (ARTS). The system will replicate real world training scenarios for live fire and simulation munition training. The ARTS will be comprised of mobilization of the system to accommodate various off-site training venues for law enforcement personnel, improving operational readiness and tactical decision-making.

The United States Secret Service has a requirement for an Autonomous Robotic Targeting System (ARTS) and Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Target (ARVT) Training as a Service (TaaS).

The Autonomous Robotic Targeting System (ARTS) and Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Target (ARVT) Training as a Service (TaaS) advances the United States Secret Service Training Division in support of the Rowley Training Center’s live fire and simulation munition training.

The equipment and training are vital to bridge the gap between theory and practice while enhancing critical thinking and clinical judgment.

4. Identification of statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

Identify the most applicable statutory authority that will be used to justify other than full and open competition from the seven listed under FAR 6.103 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11).

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C.3304(a)(1), implemented by the FAR 6.103-1 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11) entitled “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.”

5. Identification of exception to the Buy American Statute:

Marathon Targets, Inc is a U.S. subsidiary of Marathon Targets Pty Ltd, an Australian company.

Marathon Targets Inc. operates out of Huntsville, Alabama and has established U.S. based operations to support federal contracts. Most of their core robotic targets and technology are generally manufactured in Australia, final assembly or customization is occurring in the U.S.

Australia is a designated country under the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) (19 U.S.C 2501-2581).

6. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

We are aware that this level of the robotic target service is generally only in use by the United States Military. Our market research shows that only one vendor can provide the needed military grade tactical training robotic targets for use in law enforcement training. Since only one vendor, Marathon Targets, Inc. has been shown capable of manufacture and maintenance of this robotic target. United States Military’s use of the target provides reassurance of product quality and

J&A No: Page 4 of 6 effectiveness in tactical and combat training. A Request for Information (RFI), 2026073318, was posted on 4/30/26, on SAM.Gov, with the due date of 5/11/26. Three capability statements were received, including the incumbent, Marathon Targets. MPV Robotics was found to be not technically acceptable because their robotics cannot operate indoors in close quarters. BHPE LLC did not provide any information in their capability statement, only a link to visit their website. We also used trend analysis of actual travel data from the existing contract to formulate cost estimates for the travel expenses. The contract risk associated with awarding autonomous target marathon services to the incumbent vendor is assessed as medium. This risk is primarily due to vendor lock-in and limited negotiation leverage but can be managed through strong contract oversight and mitigation measures. The incumbent is already familiar with the agency’s requirements, infrastructure, and processes, reducing the risk of service disruption during transition. The incumbent is currently performing the existing contract exceptionally and has received high CPAR ratings for their performance thus far.

7. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable:

In response to our RFI, we received three responses. Two of the responses did not meet the stated requirements. Marathon Targets provided pricing as part of their capability statement and met the requirements for our specifications and pricing. No other sources were identified through review of the Federal Supply Schedules, commercial databases, or government databases, including the Department of Homeland of Security (DHS), Strategic Sourcing Vehicles (SSV).

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

The contracting officer has determined that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on prior acquisition history. The incumbent’s quote aligns with prior contract values and current market conditions.

9. Description of Market Research:

• Reviewed various websites, including the Federal Procurement Data System, the GSA eLibrary, GSA Advantage, Federal supply schedules and North American Industry Classification System. Completed March 2026. The market research showed that only Marathon Targets, Inc., is able to provide this service and there are no other distributors manufacturing this system.

• Marathon Targets, Inc. is capable of manufacturing and performing the maintenance of this robotic system.

• Pricing received from the RFI responses provided comparable services which were reviewed to assist with making the price reasonableness determination.

10. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

The incumbent, Marathon Targets, Inc., has the capabilities to provide and meet our requirements, which are:

• Autonomous all terrain robots and a robotic vehicle for outdoor use, for all weather conditions;

J&A No: Page 5 of 6

• Autonomous robots designed for indoor use in Close Quarters Battle;

• Have realistic three-dimensional autonomous targets that provide real time hit detection and indication;

• Non-developmental, commercial off-the-shelf program;

• 3D target mannequin (4’1” to 5’9” tall) that is affixed to a four-wheel, all-terrain base station that is heavily armor-plated;

• Optimized to perform in a multitude of environments such as doorways, pavements, packed dirt, grass, loose dirt, tall grass, short brush, sand, gravel, slopes, and minor curbs and holes;

• GPS and a scanning laser range finder for navigation so robots can drive themselves without an operator for up to six hours with a range of up to 20 miles and walking/running speeds for up to 11 mph;

• Navigate around unexpected static obstacles taller than 2 feet and can avoid collisions with one another even when given deliberately intersecting paths in an open area;

• Operate in all lighting conditions (day and night), indoor lighting and complete darkness;

• Operate out of sight of the operator, such as behind natural features or buildings or in

GPS-denied environments;

• Easily transportable and can easily interface with one another including static, or other non-moving targets;

• Autonomously navigate itself back to a safe zone where technicians can perform maintenance and repairs if needed

• The ARTS is a non-developmental, commercial item used by the US Military, further validating its suitability and reliability.

• The incumbent vendor has a proven record of exception performance (CPARs rating:

Exceptional as of 03/17/2026)

11. A listing of the sources, if any that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition:

• RFI 2026073318 was posted on 4/30/26 in SAM.GOV, with a due date for responses by 5/11/26, requesting that parties express in writing their interest to the Contracting Specialist (CS).

• Three contractors responded to the RFI: BHPE, LLC, MVP Robotics and the incumbent Marathon Targets Inc.

• BHPE, LLC’s response to the CS, was to go to their website, which is against the RFI requirements of submitting a response. Upon review of BHPE’s website, the CS determined that BHPE, LLC would not be capable of delivering the required services.

BHPE, LLC provided no information as to what services they could provide based on the Performance Work Statement posted or a timeline to when they could provide services requested.

• MVP Robotics would not be capable of fully performing the required services. MVP Robotics targets do not currently operate autonomously indoors, and this would be necessary due to the extensive close quarters battle training conducted in our shoot house.

• Marathon Targets Inc would be capable of providing the required services based on the posted Performance Work Statement. Marathon Targets Inc have realistic three-dimensional autonomous targets that provide real time hit detection and indication.

Marathon Targets Inc’s robotic targets are able to operate in all weather conditions, J&A No: Page 6 of 6 traverse challenging terrain, and operate autonomously indoors and outside. The Marathon Target Inc’s vehicle target is three-dimensional and provides similar features to the infantry targets.

12. A statement of the actions, if there are any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for supplies or services required:

• The Government anticipates having future acquisition requirements for the same service in five years, after this current requirement is awarded and completed. To promote competition in future acquisitions of this service, the agency will conduct market research to identify potential sources, evaluate the feasibility of establishing competitive alternatives, and consider competitive procurement methods where appropriate.

Additionally, efforts will be made to include multiple qualified vendors in future solicitations to ensure fair and open competition.

• The period of performance for the sole source action fairly balances the time needed to complete a competitive procurement acquisition. By conducting market research and posting an RFI, this helps us to identify potential sources with our goal of minimizing the need for additional sole source awards.

13. Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification.

I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

ASAIC Shaun Miltier, Date Technical Representative

14. Contracting Officer’s Certification. I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Shauntynee Penix, Date Contracting Officer

APPROVAL:

Salvatore Saraceno Date Head of Contracting Activity USSS, Office of Procurement

8/13/2026 SOPENIX Digitally signed by SOPENIX

Date: 2026.08.13 12:19:45 -04'00' smiltier Digitally signed by smiltier Date: 2026.08.13 14:22:04 -04'00'

SALVATORE.SARACENO Digitally signed by SALVATORE.SARACENO Date: 2026.08.15 09:53:56 -04'00'