JOFOC Commercial Aviation Services Contract_80ARC025DA006.pdf

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

Ames Research Center (ARC)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

For Commercial Aviation Services to Support NASA Airborne Science, Contract No. 80ARC024DA005

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.303-2(b)(l) - Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a "Justification for other than full and open competition."

This document is a justification for other than full and open competition prepared by NASA

Ames Research Center (ARC).

The procuring agency is NASA, and the contracting activity is ARC. This JOFOC is recorded in the ARC JOFOC/JEFO/LSJ Log as JA-FY24-J14.

2. FAR 6.303-2(b)(2)-The nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This justification provides the rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition to award a sole-source contract with Dynamic Aviation, a small business, for commercial aviation services to support NASA Airborne Science. This procurement will be a single award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a five year period of performance, including a one-year base period and four, one-year option periods, estimated at a total value of $13,500,000.00.

3. FAR 6.303-2(b)(3)-A description of the supplies or services required, to meet the

Agency's needs (including the estimated value):

NASA requires access to modified Beechcraft King Air B-200 and A-90 class aircraft configured with:

a. Custom Modifications:

i. One or more nadir ports, payload power systems (e.g., 28V DC), inlets, modified nosecones, window fixtures, externally mounted antennae, and equipment racks.

b. Instrument Support:

i. Mechanical, electrical, and IT integration capabilities for NASA payloads, including space for one or more equipment racks.

ii. Accommodation for one or more instrument operators.

c. Instrument Examples:

i. NASA ARC Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Airborne Simulator (MASTER)

ii. Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Land Vegetation Imaging System (LVIS) and

G-Light instruments

iii. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Airborne Visible InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer - Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) and Air Surface Water and Ocean Topography (AirSWOT)

d. Navigation and Data Systems:

i. External Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/Global Positioning System (GPS) antennae for precise geolocation.

ii. Internal 19-inch racks for securing computers and inertial navigation systems (INS) like the Applanix 510/610.

e. Performance Specifications:

i. Medium altitude, medium lift, and medium speed capabilities.

ii. Payload capacity of 3000 pounds (lbs.).

iii. Operational altitude ranges from 1500 feet (ft) to 30,000 ft.

4. FAR 6.303-2(b)(4)-An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C.

3204(a)(l), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements".

5. FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)-A demonstration that the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

Dynamic Aviation is identified as the sole responsible source for supporting NASA's airborne science missions using the Beechcraft King Air 200 and A-90 class aircraft due to their unique capabilities, to include highly specialized equipment and modifications.

a. Sole Responsible Source:

i. Following the issuance of a Request for Information (RFI) posted on SAM.gov from July 16, 2024, to July 30, 2024, Dynamic Aviation emerged as the singular qualifying respondent out of three respondents with the actual qualifications to perform the requirements for NASA. Their unique qualifications and aircraft configurations not only meet but exceed NASA's specialized needs. Dynamic Aviation had the following unique qualifications:

a. Custom Configuration and Integration:

i. NASA specialized sensors have been integrated into Dynamic Aviation's Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft, significantly reducing project risk and costs associated with non-recurnng engmeenng.

ii. Dynmaic Aviation's aircraft are equipped with one or more nadir ports, inlets, modified nosecones, window fixtures, externally mounted antennae, and equipment racks specifically designed for NASA's remote sensing instruments. This includes mechanical, electrical, and IT integration for payloads, ensuring compatibility with required power systems (28V DC) and space for equipment racks.

b. Operational Readiness and Flexibility:

i. With approximately 80 actively operational aircraft, Dynamic Aviation ensures immediate deployment for time-sensitive scientific operations. Their aircraft configurations include space for one or more instrument operators, critical for real time mission management.

ii. Operational specifications meet NASA's requirements: medium altitude, medium lift, and medium speed capabilities, with a payload capacity of 3000 lbs., and the ability to operate from 1500 AGL to 30,000 ft.

c. Advanced Instrument Support:

i. Aircraft are fitted with external GNSS/GPS antennae for precise geolocation and include internal 19-inch racks for securing computers and inertial navigation systems, ensuring data accuracy and mission success.

d. Strategic Maintenance and Support:

i. Dynamic Aviation's network of 145 repair stations is critical for maintaining operational readiness across various locations, ensuring that NASA's missions are not delayed due to maintenance or logistical issues. This infrastructure is uniquely positioned to support the specific geographical requirements of NASA's missions.

In conclusion, Dynamic Aviation's unique capabilities, including the custom integration of NASA's scientific instruments, operational readiness, advanced instrument support, and strategic maintenance infrastructure, make them the sole responsible source capable of fulfilling NASA's airborne science mission requirements. No other entity has demonstrated equivalent capabilities or infrastructure to meet these specialized needs, justifying a sole source contract under 41 U.S.C. 1901.

6. FAR 6.303-2(b)(6)-A description of the 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 5.202 applies:

A notice to the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) website (Sam.gov) was published on August 7, 2024, in accordance with FAR Subpart 5.2. This posting informed potential sources ofNASA's intent to award this sole-source contract to Dynamic Aviation. The results of this synopsis are summarized in Section 9 below.

7. FAR 6.303-2(b)(7)-A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The Contracting Officer's signature on this document affirms that the anticipated cost to the Government is expected to be fair and reasonable. The Contractor will be required to submit a proposal, which will be thoroughly evaluated and negotiated by the Government. Prior to the execution of the contractual instrument, a detailed proposal analysis will be conducted to ensure that the final agreed-upon price is fair and reasonable.

In accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(2), the Government will employ various price analysis techniques, including comparing the proposed prices to historical prices paid for similar items, evaluating public commercial rates for similar services, and analyzing data other than certified cost or pricing data. These steps will collectively ensure that the Government secures the best value at a fair and reasonable cost.

8. FAR 6.303-2(b)(8)-Description of the market research conducted, and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted (e.g., urgent, and compelling requirement):

a. Methodology and Sources:

Thorough market research was conducted to assess the availability of sources capable of meeting NASA's specialized requirements for airborne science missions using the Beechcraft King Air B200 and A-90 class aircraft. The research encompassed the following:

i. Request for Information (RFI): A Request for Information (RFI) was posted on SAM.gov from July 16, 2024, to July 30, 2024. The purpose of this RFI was to solicit responses from contractors capable of providing aircraft with the required modifications and integration capabilities suitable for NASA's missions.

ii. Technical Journals, Scientific Publications, and Online Resources: A comprehensive review was conducted across several key publications and resources to identify companies with relevant expertise in aircraft modifications and sensor integration. The sources reviewed include:

• Journal of Aerospace Engineering: Provided insights into current trends and companies specializing in aircraft modifications for scientific missions.

• International Journal of Aviation Technology, Engineering, and Management:

Featured articles on sensor integration and operational readiness for airborne science platforms.

• Aerospace Science and Technology: Covered case studies on modified aircraft for earth science missions, including vendors who have conducted similar operations.

• Aviation Week Network: Used to monitor market trends and identify companies providing aircraft modifications for airborne sensing missions.

iii. Vendor Database Analysis: NASA's vendor database, FPDS (Federal Procurement Data System), Small Business Administration's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS), SAM.gov, and ContractDirectory.gov were all reviewed to identify potential sources. Each resource was analyzed to determine whether any entities had experience or aircraft configurations matching NASA's needs.

b. Results of Market Research:

i. RFI Responses: Three contractors responded to the RFI. Upon evaluation, Dynamic

Aviation was identified as the sole vendor capable of meeting NASA's requirements.

This determination was based on their existing modifications to the aircraft types in question, specifically tailored to the sensor payloads and operational demands of

NASA's airborne science missions.

ii. Literature Review and Technical Publications: The reviewed publications indicated that while other companies possessed some capabilities in aircraft modification, none matched the specific integration needs for NASA's sensors or the operational readiness required. The reviews confirmed that other providers lacked the custom configurations

(e.g., nadir ports, payload integration) and operational infrastructure necessary for

NASA's mission requirements.

iii. Other Companies and Market Analysis: Research identified several additional companies, but none were deemed capable of providing the customized aircraft modifications or possessing the operational infrastructure required. Specifically:

• Custom Integration: Other vendors lacked pre-existing aircraft configurations necessary for NASA's unique sensor payloads.

• Operational Readiness: Competitors did not meet the operational support, maintenance, and logistical requirements for continuous mission readiness.

c. Conclusion: Based on comprehensive market research in accordance with FAR Part 10 and FAR 6.303-2(b )(8), Dynamic Aviation is determined to be the only viable source. Their unique combination of pre-existing aircraft modifications and demonstrated capabilities make them the sole provider capable of supporting NASA's airborne science missions using the Beechcraft King Air B200 and A-90 aircraft. Therefore, no other alternatives were found to meet the mission-critical requirements under the necessary conditions for NASA's operations.

8. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9)-Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

None.

9. FAR 6.303-2(b)(10)-A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in writing in the acquisition:

A notice of NASA's intent to award this sole-source action was synopsized on the

Government Point of Entry (GPE) website (Sam.gov) per FAR Subpart 5.2 (See Section 6 above). In compliance with FAR 6.303-2(b)(10), NASA synopsized its intent to award a sole-source contract action on August 7, 2024, via the Government Point of Entry (GPE) website, specifically on Sam.gov, as mandated by FAR Subpart 5.2. The synopsis closed on

August 22, 2024.

While three companies responded to the earlier Request for Information (RFI) - FMS

Aerospace, Icarean Inc., and Dynamic Aviation - no responses were received concerning the subsequent sole-source notice. Of these RFI respondents, only Dynamic Aviation was determined capable of meeting NASA's specific requirements for airborne science missions utilizing the Beechcraft King Air B200 and A-90 aircraft. The other respondents, FMS

Aerospace and Icarean Inc., were evaluated but found lacking in the necessary aircraft modifications or operational readiness to fulfill NASA's mission requirements involving these specific aircraft types. Therefore, Dynamic Aviation's unique capability and qualifications justify the agency's decision to proceed with other-than full and open competition for this procurement action.

Contractor Evaluations:

a. FMS Aerospace: FMS Aerospace specializes in airframe modifications, certification, integration, and sustainment of special mission aircraft. However, they do not possess a fleet of their own aircraft. Despite follow-up inquiries, it was confirmed that FMS Aerospace could not fulfill NASA's requirement for operational aircraft under this procurement action due to their lack of owned aircraft meeting the required specifications.

b. Icarean Inc.: Icarean Inc. focuses on advanced AI, machine learning technologies for autonomous navigation, visual traffic detection, and resilient positioning systems. While they responded to the RFI, they were found unsuitable for this specific requirement due to their specialization not aligning with the operational aircraft needs outlined by NASA. They lacked the capability to meet the airborne science mission requirements involving Beechcraft King Air B200 and A-90 aircraft.

c. Dynamic Aviation: Dynamic Aviation demonstrated the capability and qualifications required to meet NASA's specific requirements for airborne science missions utilizing the Beechcraft King Air B200 and A-90 aircraft. Their expertise in aircraft operations, modifications, and readiness aligns directly with the critical needs identified by NASA for this procurement action.

10. FAR 6.303-2(b)Ol}-A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

The Agency will continue to examine the market in the future for alternative solutions or new sources before executing any subsequent acquisitions for the same requirements.

Commercial Aviation Services to Support NASA Airborne Science

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

SIGNATURE PAGE

Technical Representative: I certify that the facts presented in this justification are accurate and complete.

MATTHEW

FLADELAND

Digitally signed by MATTHEW

FLADELANO

Date: 202◄.os.oa , 2:ss:os-oroo·

Matthew M. Fladeland Technical Representative

Contracting Officer: I hereby certify that the above justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Digitally signed by Rosalinda De

Rosalinda De lean 1eon Date: 2024.09.04 14:02:57-05'00'

Robin R. De Leon Contracting Officer

APPROVED:

Lauren

Johnson

Digitally signed by Lauren Johnson Date: 2024.09.11 15:39:48-05'00'

Lauren N. Johnson Competition Advocate

ARC