Justification and Approval_Redacted.pdf

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104 opportunity that closely mimics the rigors of Naval Primary Flight Training in order to aid midshipmen and Naval Academy leadership in determining suitability for aviation service assignment. The secondary objective of PFP is to maximize the number of students who safely solo within this “flight-school-like” environment. Students who solo in PFP will validate Initial Flight Screening (IFS) if selected for aviation.

The PFP program consists of three (3) training blocks during the summer beginning on the Tuesday following Memorial Day. Each training block is approximately four (4) weeks in duration. The PFP program will provide training to a maximum of 250 students. The PFP Contractor shall provide flight instruction to 70% of the students enrolled, while military instructors will provide flight instruction to 30%. The students will be equally divided among the three training blocks and must complete the syllabus during their assigned training block. Students will be paired with another student, and each student pair will be assigned an on-wing instructor. The on-wing instructor will conduct ground and flight training events with his/her students according to the PFP Syllabus, Flight Training Instruction and 14 CFR §61.87. Standardization of instruction is of utmost importance to ensure the objectives of PFP are met.

A sources sought notice (SSN) was posted on 04 April 2024 requesting the contractor to provide aircraft and operations based at no more than two (2) home airfields, each no further than 40 statute miles driving distance, as measured using Google Maps, from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Pray Aviation, Inc. is the only source that is capable of providing the required flight training within the required 40 miles radius.

Expired contract (N0018918DZ026) was solicited as a small business-set-aside and two (2) quotes were received in response to the solicitation. Pray Aviation, Inc. was the only vendor evaluated as technically acceptable. Pray Aviation, Inc. has provided the required services since 2018. Pray Aviation, Inc.’s in-depth and extensive knowledge in the operation of the USNA’s flight program will enable them to provide support for this mandatory curriculum without severe interruption.

The continuation with Pray Aviation, Inc. will allow USNA to build on substantial progress made in the past five years with the flight program. Pray Aviation, Inc. has a staff with substantial knowledge in aircraft training, operations, scheduling, and briefing. Their skill set includes Flight Operations Manager, Chief Flight Instructor (CFI), and Maintenance Officer.

It is imperative that Pray Aviation, Inc., which supported this requirement from April 2018 through April 2024 and is the only known contractor with the knowledge and experience to continue to provide the required support services, continues to provide the same services. To find contractor with an airbase within a 40 miles radius or to potentially transfer location within the radius will be costly and time consuming. This requirement currently has a gap in service and USNA summer PFP begins in 01 June 2024; therefore, it is essential to have a contract in place no later than 01 June 2024 for the summer flight training program.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable, including a Description of Market Research, if applicable, and a List of Interested Sources, if any.

A SSN was posted to SAM on 04 April 2024 with a response date of 19 April 2024. The SSN requested interested vendors provide capability statements, the vendors’ capacity to perform the type of work,

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this J&A will be fair and reasonable.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, Fleet Logistic Center Norfolk (FLCN) has no plans at this time to compete future contacts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, FLCN will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.

In accordance with PGI 206.302-1(d), a SSN was posted to the Government-wide Point of Entry (GPE) on 04 April 2024. See paragraph 6 for details regarding SSN.

To date, no other sources expressed an interest in the requirement.

9. Contracting Point of Contact.

The point of contact at Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Norfolk, Fleet Directorate is Gilbert Dobison, Code 220.1, at DSN 646-1380, commercial (757) 443-1380 or by e-mail at gilbert.k.dobison.civ@us.navy.mil.

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical Cognizance:

Signature Name (Printed) Date Phone No.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that the Justification value is >$250K and <$750K, the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of the document.