JA SpaceX_redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for the use of other than full and open competition under FAR Subpart 12.1 for the acquisition of commercial products and services.

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) is requesting approval to award a firm-fixed-price contract on a sole source basis to SpaceX, Inc., the Original Equipment Manufacturer of the SpaceX Walkman radio. The procurement covers forty (40) SpaceX Walkman Block 2 radios at approximately $50,000 each, for a total contract value of $2,000,000.00. The entire procurement is expected to be funded, procured, and delivered in FY26. The statutory authority cited for this non-competitive procurement is 41 U.S.C. 1901.

The J&A justifies the sole source award on the grounds that the SpaceX Walkman is the only mature, production-ready commercial radio capable of meeting dual constraints: it natively interfaces with a proprietary, Government-owned satellite constellation and meets specific physical size, weight, and power limitations. No other commercially available radio possesses these capabilities. The document notes that pursuing alternatives would result in unacceptable cost duplication exceeding $1,600,000 and schedule delays exceeding 1.5 years. A combined synopsis and solicitation notice was published on SAM.gov and GPE on July 8, 2026, inviting responsible sources to submit capability statements; no challenges or alternatives were presented. The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to be fair and reasonable. The document includes certifications from the Technical/Requirements Officer, Contracting Officer, and Division Head approving the solicitation under the cited statutory authority.