Limited Competition Justification - Redacted_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for a sole source procurement by the National Guard Bureau for the ABMS-10X Automated Battery Management System by Marvel Aero International.

The requirement is for a high-performance system to automate the maintenance of aircraft batteries, specifically managing four chargers/analyzers from a single workstation with individual cell scanning, diagnostics, and temperature monitoring capabilities. The contracting activity is the 145th Airlift Wing (MSG/MSC) under Aircraft Maintenance operations. The procurement is structured as a new firm fixed-price contract funded through O&M Air appropriations. The justification for sole source award cites 10 USC 2304(a)(1) or 41 USC 3304(a)(1), asserting that Marvel Aero International is the only source capable of meeting requirements due to proprietary communication protocols, custom-engineered internal AB3K-M interface boards, and exclusive authorization from MarathonNorco Aerospace (the Christie hardware trademark owner) as the sole developer and operator of the Christie Distribution & Service Center. The document notes that alternative battery management systems lack the required technical capability to interface with Air Force standardized equipment and that unauthorized non-OEM components would void warranties and create safety risks. Prior market research confirmed no competing sources offer integrated battery management systems compatible with Christie RF60-M hardware. The contracting officer approved the J&A on August 25, 2026. Per federal acquisition regulations, the requirement will be posted to SAM.gov for 15 days to allow interested vendors to submit capability statements before final award.