JA25-069 - JA Fair Opportunity Exception - SBS003522 (ALTNAV)_Redacted.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- SBS003522
- Issued by
-
Defense Information Systems Agency
About this file
This document is a Justification & Approval (J&A) for a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Exception to Fair Opportunity for a task order involving a Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Alternative Navigation (ALTNAV) service. The task order, issued by the United States Army Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors, will be awarded to Iridium Satellite LLC under a Multiple Award Schedule/Multiple Award Contract (MAC). The requirement is for a customized operational PLEO broadcast service with alternative position, navigation, and timing signals, including fixed and mobile user sensors, cybersecurity risk management, and operational support.
The justification highlights Iridium as the sole source contractor due to its exclusive development of the Satellite Timing and Location (STL) service modified for military use. Market research conducted in March-April 2025 confirmed no alternative providers exist. The task order is a Firm Fixed Price contract with an estimated value that has been redacted, and it will provide the ALTNAV Core Software Module and corresponding airtime. The government will continue market research to potentially enable future competitive actions, but currently, Iridium remains the only company capable of meeting the specific technical requirements for this specialized satellite navigation service.
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Text version
JA25-069-PLEO Task Order SBS003522 – ALTNAV
Page 3 of 5 Pages
CUI
The contractor shall provide a customized operational PLEO Broadcast ALTPNT airtime and the corresponding ALTNAV Core Software Module (ACSM) used to descramble and validate the broadcast signal (together, "the ALTNAV Service") based on the Iridium/Satelles STL service.
The contractor shall provide enhanced engineering and maintenance services, hardware refresh, and program management ensuring the system infrastructure associated with the Service continuously complies with DoD Information Assurance requirements including RMF guidelines.
(3) Proposed sole source contractor and demonstration of unique source.
Iridium Satellite LLC is the developer of both the STL service and the ALTNAV service on which it is based, and therefore is the only company with the knowledge, experience, and intellectual property rights needed to fulfill the requirements.
(4) Procurement discussion.
The specific and unique technical requirements make Iridium the only supplier able to meet the requirements. Iridium is a current PLEO contract holder, and a task order under the Iridium PLEO IDIQ contract, HC101323D9004, is the preferred solution.
(5) Impact.
Without this exception to fair opportunity, the award timeline will be unnecessarily extended, causing PM-PNT to endure a longer period without the required services and equipment. The resulting delay will reduce the mission readiness of military forces planning to use this capability and thereby increase the risk to national security.
5. COST/PRICE FAIR AND REASONABLE DETERMINATION:
PM-PNT has previously sponsored the Satelles division of Iridium to develop custom modifications of their STL service specifically for military use (the ALTNAV service), and to provide limited airtime for testing. PM PNT has meticulously estimated the cost of both the airtime and support, based on actual costs and level of effort during the original development project. The contract history provides the basis of estimate for this task order, and the costs under the development contract will be utilized to determine if the proposed pricing is fair and reasonable. The historical data from those procurements will be used to determine the fairness and reasonableness of the proposed pricing in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)(ii).
6. MARKET RESEARCH:
Market research for this requirement was conducted from March - April 2025 and focused on whether any company other than Iridium/Satelles could meet the requirements. Iridium's website directs all STL sales inquiries to its Satelles division, and none of Iridium's resellers are identified as being eligible to sell STL. Iridium’s website, https://satelles.com/frequently-asked-questions/#heading_835638, also states that “Satelles has an exclusive agreement with Iridium and is the only company that can provide PNT through its constellation.” Furthermore, it is noted that in April 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles, Inc.
CUI
Page 4 of 5 Pages
Based on current market research, dated April 2025, it has been determined that only the aforementioned products provided by Iridium can fully meet the Government’s need. This requirement is for proprietary products and product support. No other functional replacement products exist in the market at this time to meet the Government's needs.
The Government will continue its ongoing market research to determine if there are changes in the marketplace that would enable future competitive actions, such as the emergence of a reseller eligible to provide the STL-based ALTNAV capability.
7. ANY OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS: None to cite.
8. ACTIONS THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME BARRIERS
THAT LED TO THE EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY:
a. PM-PNT has previously sponsored the Satelles division of Iridium to develop custom modifications of their STL service specifically for military use (the ALTNAV service).
Until such a time that the Government’s requirement changes, or Iridium authorizes third party to resell the service, it will be extremely difficult to overcome the barriers and allow for Fair Opportunity.
b. Given the ongoing evolution of the satellite industry and related technologies, SSC CSCO will maintain awareness of potential competitors if/as they come available and collaborate with PM-PNT as appropriate to consider competitive renewals in the future.
Page 5 of 5 Pages
TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
PROCURING ACTIVITY COMPETITION ADVOCATE (PACA) APPROVAL: I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Since this justification does not exceed $15M, this review serves as approval and my written determination that the aforementioned FAR circumstances apply.
ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS JUSTIFICATION ARE TO BE REFERRED TO
Dean Cravens; (667) 890-4351; dean.l.cravens.civ@mail.mil.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .