justification_and_approval_BARCO Projectors_V3_Redacted.pdf

This is a Department of the Air Force Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (CUI document) for a limited sources Purchase Order contract award.

The contracting organization is the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), Directorate of Contracting, Installation Contracting Division, located at AFTC/PZZG, 5 South Wolfe Avenue, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-1185. Contracting Officer Karla Vazquez signed the justification on 06 May 2026. The requirement is for a Firm-Fixed Price contract to procure BARCO brand F70-4K6 and F540-4K MII projectors in support of the Joint Simulation Environment at Edwards AFB and Nellis AFB on an individual basis. Specific line items include 10 units of CLIN 0001 (R9023463 F70-4K6) and 3 units of CLIN 0002 (R9009662 F540-4K MKII) for Nellis AFB, plus 2 units of CLIN 0003 (R9023463 F70-4K6) and 3 units of CLIN 0004 (R9009662 F540-4K MKII) for Edwards AFB, with an estimated lead time of 10 weeks.

The justification is authorized under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), citing only one responsible source with no other supplies or services satisfying agency requirements. The 445th Test Squadron operates Collins Aerospace flight simulator domes utilizing these BARCO projectors—16 high-fidelity domes with 12 projectors each (192 total) and 8 medium-fidelity domes with 7 projectors each (56 total)—which are essential for out-the-window visuals during pilot training. Historical data shows high failure rates for F70 projectors due to power surges and blackouts; current spare inventory of two units per site is insufficient to mitigate failures and prevent simulator downtime. BARCO projectors are uniquely designed with proprietary lamp and optical configurations and tight integration with the flight simulator's software and control tools, making integration of alternative brands impractical without extensive re-evaluation, hardware modifications, and re-certification. Market research confirmed BARCO is the sole provider and identified small business resellers, resulting in 70 quotes from small business resellers in a prior similar procurement. The justification commits to periodic market surveillance and future competitive solicitation if compatible or equal products become available.