justification_and_approval_DAFSLDP Bridge Year Three fully executed_Redacted ver1_Redactedver2 (002)_Redacted.pdf

Department of the Air Force: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

May 2026 Page 3 of 5

The current sole-source bridge contract (FA701424D0009) was established on August 16, 2024, with a 24-month ordering period ending August 15, 2026. This bridge was approved with a , of which has been obligated to date.

The proposed modification action will further extend the period of performance and ordering period of FA701424D0009 for 12 months to 15 August 2027.

To support this extended ordering period, this J&A requests approval for a ceiling increase, bringing the combined bridge contract ceiling to . The estimated cost for courses and associated performance during the extension period is

IV. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(4)):

RFO 12.201-2, Other procedures, one of the statutory authorities cited in 6.103, as appropriate below

RFO 12.201-2, Other procedures - 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1)

V. Rationale for Use of Authority (RFO 6.104-1(a)(5)):

Uniqueness of Capability: Flatter, Inc. is the incumbent and possesses the to execute the

. No other vendor has the without a lengthy and disruptive transition RFO 6.103-1(c)(2)(highly specialized services/follow-on contracts).

Avoidance of Unacceptable Delays: Any transition to a vendor other than the incumbent during this critical bridge period would require an extensive ramp-up time of at least 4 to 6 months to establish a qualified network and adapt course curricula and development opportunities for senior leaders. This timeline would create an unacceptable break in service, interrupting the leadership pipeline required to meet National Defense Strategy objectives and posing a significant and demonstrable threat to DAF readiness and capability.

Based on historical precedent, a gap in the contract does not just create a minor scheduling issue; it severely hampers the . For example, following the last contract re-compete, an award protest delayed the final contract finalization from August to December 2019. This lack of a stable contract and transition period prevented the contractor from utilizing obligated funds to reserve venues, book essential speakers, and recruit necessary support staff.

, compared to in the third year once operations had normalized.

Without a bridge contract, we face a similar scenario.

—cannot occur without a contract in place. This could lead to a potential delay for leaders needing . Such a delay means our senior leaders would be

Department of the Air Force: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

May 2026 Page 4 of 5 in critical strategic positions for years without the foundational development needed to lead effectively, directly undermining their ability to execute the National Defense Strategy. An extension of the current contract will provide the necessary continuity of service, mitigating these risks and ensuring our leaders receive the timely development essential for national security while a follow-on contract is properly established.

VI. Integrated Market Analysis and Efforts to Solicit Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(6), (8), and (10)):

To support the acquisition streamlining strategy, extensive market research was conducted utilizing GSA MRAS, SAM.gov RFIs, AFDW Industry Week and Industry Day events, one-on-one industry sessions, and targeted internet searches across GSA and FPDS-NG databases.

This outreach resulted in actively hold .

A foundational milestone was reached on for this effort. Following this, A formal RFI was posted on SAM.gov from May 16 to June 5, 2025, resulting . Of these, were determined viable—all of which are small businesses, including , ), and five . Additionally, a virtual industry day was hosted on , during the Industry Week event, prompting to schedule individual one-on-one sessions. Based on these highly encouraging findings, the finalized acquisition strategy will utilize GSA MAS under NAICS 611710 as a 100% Small Business set-aside to streamline the procurement process.

VII. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (RFO 6.104-1(a)(7)):

The Contracting Officer is responsible for evaluating, determining, and documenting the anticipated contract cost/price is fair and reasonable in accordance with RFO Subpart 15.4, Contract Pricing.

VIII. Any Other Facts Supporting the Justification (RFO 6.104-1(a)(9)):

N/A

IX. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(11):

Active Competitive Procurement: This sole-source bridge modification is strictly a temporary measure to maintain service continuity while the follow-on effort is competitively procured. The follow-on acquisition is currently being structured as a competitive action with an estimated award date of June 2027.

Robust Future Market Research: Prior to issuing the follow-on solicitation, the requiring activity will conduct comprehensive market research, including publishing an RFI on SAM.gov and performing targeted industry engagement. This will identify capable small businesses and maximize competitive interest.