Mission System Inc._JA_20260415_Redacted V2.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- FA863426RB009-1
About this file
This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for a sole-source contract award by the Department of the Air Force. The USAF intends to award a sole-source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Mission Systems Davenport Inc. for Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator supplies and Depot Activation services supporting the F-15EX aircraft fleet. The contract will have a three-year base ordering period with one additional one-year option. The acquisition is justified under FAR 6.302-1 (only one responsible source) and 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), as Mission Systems Davenport Inc. is the sole Original Equipment Manufacturer capable of providing the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator and the proprietary technical data necessary for depot-level repair capability at designated Air Logistics Complex facilities.
The supplies and services required include the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator hardware, associated spare parts, technical data rights, specialized test equipment, test program sets, interface test adapters, engineering support, training, technical publications, and software licenses necessary to establish a government-owned organic repair capability. The J&A documents extensive market research through two Requests for Information posted on SAM.gov (60-day broad-scope RFI and 14-day targeted RFI) that confirmed no viable alternative sources exist. Barriers to competition include proprietary technical data and source code exclusively controlled by the OEM, proprietary specialized test equipment requiring reverse-engineering, and integrated engineering expertise unique to the OEM. The contracting officer will conduct comprehensive cost analysis through the F-15 System Program Office with support from AFLCMC Pricing Division, DCAA, and DCMA to determine fair and reasonable pricing. Future actions to overcome barriers to competition include acquisition of Technical Data Package and licenses, establishment of government-owned organic depot capability, continuous market assessment, and ongoing market surveillance for emerging sources.
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Department of the Air Force: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition
March 2026 Page 1 of 7March 2026 Page 1 of 7
Dollar Value of this Acquisition: $ $ and $ $ and $ $
CERTIFICATIONS: CO certification serves as J&A approval $ See J&A Template Guidance at https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/ AFCC/AQCP/KnowledgeCenter/SitePages/DAF-Contracting-Compass/Part-6---Competition-Requirements.aspx#exceptions-to-full-and-open-competition-mandatory J&A Template Guidance tab
Date Contracting Officer (RFO 6.104-1(12))
I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Signature
Date Technical and Requirements Personnel (RFO 6.104(b))
I certify that the supporting data herein, which is my responsibility, is accurate and complete.
Signature
COORDINATION
APPROVALS ( RFO 6.104-2(a) Table 6-1 & R-DFARS 206.104-72 Table 206.1)
See J&A Template Guidance (https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/AQCP/KnowledgeCenter/SitePages/DAF-Contracting-Compass/ Part-6---Competition-Requirements.aspx#exceptions-to-full-and-open-competition-mandatory) - Justification Approvals tab
NOTE 1: A signature block will appear here (replacing these notes) based on the "Dollar Value of this Acquisition" selected above. Since most digital signatures that include date/time-stamps are redacted before they are made publicly available, always insert the date in the “Date” cell when affixing a digital signature to this document.
Digitally signed by
Date: 2026.04.15 15:22:05 -04'00'
Digitally signed by
Date: 2026.04.15 17:55:38 -04'00'
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I. Agency and Contracting Activity (RFO 6.104-1(a)(1)):
Agency: USAF F-15EX (AFLCMC/WAQK)
II. Nature and/or description of the action being approved (RFO 6.104-1(a)(2)):
This initiative aims to develop a self-sufficient, organic maintenance and repair capability for the F-15EX aircraft at the Air Logistics Complex (ALC). A primary goal is to maximize the reuse of existing F-15 legacy capability and capacity to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
To achieve this, a sole-source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract will be awarded to the Mission Systems Davenport Inc. This action is justified under FAR 6.302-1 as they are the only responsible source for the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator, a key component integrated into the F-15EX's baseline design. The contract will facilitate Depot Activation (DA), a process to establish the capability for comprehensive overhaul, upgrading, or rebuilding of parts and subassemblies, along with necessary equipment testing and reclamation, as defined in 10 USC Section 2460. This process involves identifying the necessary facilities, equipment, materials, and certified personnel to perform depot-level maintenance. Depot activation is a strategic, long-term investment aimed at ensuring a ready and controlled source of technical competence and resources to respond to national defense contingencies and other emergency requirements.
This contract covers the procurement of essential parts and associated Depot Activation actions for the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator supporting both current and future F-15EX sustainment needs.
Due to cost and schedule constraints, the IDIQ contract will have a three-year base ordering period with an additional one-year option. The total ceiling for this Justification and Approval (J&A) is set at $ which is based on a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate for the depot-level repair capability required for Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator repairs.
III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs (RFO 6.104-1(a)(3)):
Establishing an organic, depot-level repair capability requires the strategic delivery of a complete product support package to the designated ALC(s). This consists of acquiring the required hardware, software, test, technical publication, training, supply support, packaging, support equipment and data for the designated ALC to repair the depot level repairable(s). To establish the organic repair capability, delivery of the core infrastructure for depot-level hardware testing and repair is required. This includes the identification of requirements for, and the subsequent design, build, or purchase of, the following components: Specialized Test Equipment (STE), Test Program Sets (TPS), and Interface Test Adapters (ITAs).
The United States Air Force (USAF) will provide all common support equipment for this activation effort. Due to proprietary restrictions stemming from private investment in the development of F-15/F-15EX Line Replaceable Units (LRU), the government's current ability to establish organic repair of the LRU is not possible. Technical data is restricted by the manufacturer's intellectual property rights constraints. Therefore, to establish organic repair of the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator, the USAF needs to negotiate licenses for only the sensitive data needed to repair the LRU. The repair and maintenance of Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulators requires not only the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator itself but all associated parts/spares and the rights in technical data necessary to maintain and ensure the software used in the displays functions correctly to support verification of repairs at designated ALC.
The Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator is a specialized aircraft life-support component designed to provide maximum protection for aircrew. The Diluter-Demand Operation supplies oxygen only upon inhalation and automatically mixes cabin air with oxygen based on altitude, conserving oxygen compared to continuous-flow systems.
The Altitude Compensation (PBA) automatically increases the regulator's outlet pressure (pressure breathing) as altitude increases, to ensure sufficient blood oxygen saturation. The regulator provides Pressure Breathing for Gs (PBG) helping the pilot breathe during high-G maneuvers and preventing blackout.
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Primary Contract Purpose
Primarily, this IDIQ will be a contract focused on ensuring the USAF can repair the current and future Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator specs authorized to be installed on F-15EX aircraft. Incidental to the provision of Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulators are field and depot-level support, engineering necessary to implement future variants within the EX-airframe, provisioning and support equipment. Section IV of this document explains these requirements in greater detail.
Contract Framework and Competition This IDIQ will allow efficient award of depot activation capabilities associated with the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator. The CLIN structure may include separately priced CLINs for intellectual property (IP) rights as negotiated with the Contractor. The Contract will be asked to include a data rights assertion list which will be provide as part of the RFP Package sent to the OEM.
Cost Ceiling Justification The requested $ individual J&A ceiling is based on the PO's estimate for the entire Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator DA IDIQ ordering period, assuming each option is exercised. This ceiling was derived from current programmatic activities based on in-house cost estimates for future projected DA requirements as explained above.
Cost Exclusions In keeping with the programmatic need to leverage legacy EX hardware, the cost ceiling for this IDIQ excludes costs associated with qualifying an entirely new Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator solution, implementing that new solution onto existing EX airframes, altering the production line to install that new solution on future EX airframes, and the stand up of new DA capabilities for any Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator solution other than the one being awarded under this contract. These duplicative costs have been excluded for reasons explained in Section IV below.
IV. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(4)):
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
V. Rationale for Use of Authority (RFO 6.104-1(a)(5)):
Background
Currently, Mission Systems Davenport Inc. produces the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulators installed on every F-15EX through sole-source procurement and integration by The Boeing Company (Boeing). Mission Systems Davenport Inc. is the only responsible Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) capable of providing the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator and associated technical data rights necessary for Depot Activation of the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulators. Historically, repairs have been contracted to Boeing, who subcontracted with Mission Systems Davenport Inc. for Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator repairs and maintenance.
Mission Systems Davenport Inc. Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator is fully developed, integrated, and has been certified/qualified for use on all F-15EX aircraft. The Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator further meets all safety, suitability, and effectiveness requirements necessary for fielding EX aircraft. As the OEM of the only compliant Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator available to the USAF, Mission Systems Davenport Inc. is the only source in possession of the technical expertise, technical data, source code, proprietary engineering documentation, and knowledge necessary to fulfill the delivery and DA requirements the USAF requires to continue fielding EX aircraft without substantial impacts to cost and schedule.
The risk factors associated with procuring a new organic maintenance repair solution for an Oxygen Diluter Demand G- Compensated Regulator that is not the current Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator provided by Mission Systems Davenport Inc. are as follows:
Integration Complexity
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A new OEM must design and qualify a part, requiring the USAF to act as integrator while Boeing incorporates that part into the aircraft. This process involves drawing updates, technical order updates, and training updates. The complexity increases if, as is the case with Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulators, the part contains software that interfaces with the mission computer, requiring additional integration activities and a direct contract with Boeing for Operational Flight Program (OFP) updates to achieve flight clearance.
Interim Support Degradation The existing OEM has no incentive to continue maintaining OEM Specialized Test Equipment (STE) needed to repair existing parts under Interim Contractor Support (ICS) or Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) while the USAF waits for new parts to complete the design, qualification, and integration cycle. This results in degraded performance for maintaining existing hardware during the transition period.
Depot Activation Continuity New OEM selection must include the assumption that the new part will undergo depot activation. Otherwise, the USAF will face the same OEM limitations with the new supplier as currently experienced with existing OEMs.
The challenges above present considerable cost, schedule, and budgetary risks that the USAF cannot expect to overcome via the issuance of a competitive source selection for a new Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator OEM.
Cost Prohibitions
Procuring and qualifying a new Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator solution would result in substantial cost duplication that the Government cannot expect to recover by conducting a competitive source selection.
Schedule Constraints
The schedule impacts associated with new Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator qualifications and implementation are unacceptable. The timeline to award and qualify a new Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator solution includes: 1-2 years for a source selection, 3-5 years for qualification, and an additional 2-4 years to qualify a new Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator source's facilities, personnel, processes, and procedures.
This entire 6-11 year process would be required if a new Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator OEM is selected.
With existing contractual support for inorganic Depot Activation expiring at the end of FY 2026, any solution other than sole-source award to Mission Systems Davenport Inc. will result in EX aircraft being grounded during this extended timeline.
Mission Systems Davenport Inc.'s Unique Position
Mission Systems Davenport Inc. Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator is fully developed, integrated, and has been certified/qualified for use on all F-15EX aircraft. The Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator further meets all safety, suitability, and effectiveness requirements necessary for fielding EX aircraft. As the OEM of the only compliant Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator available to the USAF, Mission Systems Davenport Inc. is the only source in possession of the technical expertise, technical data, source code, proprietary engineering documentation, and knowledge necessary to fulfill the delivery and DA requirements the USAF requires to continue fielding EX aircraft without substantial impacts to cost and schedule.
Accordingly, Mission Systems Davenport Inc. is the only viable OEM capable of providing the supplies and services identified in Section III above without the cost, schedule and budgetary risks explained in this section.
VI. Integrated Market Analysis and Efforts to Solicit Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(6), (8), and (10)):
In accordance with FAR Subpart 5.2, a synopsis of the proposed contract action was published on SAM.gov.
Furthermore,market research was conducted to identify all potential sources for this requirement, consistent with the procedures outlined below.
Regulatory Requirement
DFARS PGI 206.302-1(d) states that "When utilizing the authority at FAR 6.302-1, the Contracting Officer shall post a request
March 2026 Page 5 of 7March 2026 Page 5 of 7 for information or a sources sought notice, and shall include the results of this inquiry in the justification required by FAR
6.303. This requirement to post may be waived by the Head of the Contracting Activity, or designee. The waiver authority may not be delegated lower than a general or flag officer or a member of the Senior Executive Service."
Market Research Conducted
In fulfillment of this requirement, the Government conducted two separate market research inquiries via SAM.gov to identify sources capable of meeting the full scope of the Government's needs.
Broad-Scope RFI: A Request for Information (RFI) was posted for 60 days (1 May - 28 June 2025) to identify sources capable of providing depot-level maintenance and repair services for a variety of F-15EX components, including the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator.
Targeted RFI: A second, more targeted RFI was posted for 14 days (3 Dec - 16 Dec 2025) specifically seeking sources for the integrated Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator requirement, encompassing both immediate depot repair services and the elements required for a full Depot Activation.
Results of Market Research
The comprehensive market research effort confirmed that no viable alternative sources exist.
No respondent to either RFI was able to demonstrate the existing capability to perform depot-level repair of the F-15EX Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator. Further, no respondent could demonstrate possession of, or a viable path to obtaining, the necessary proprietary technical data, OEM-certified engineering expertise, and source code required to establish an organic DA capability.
The results of this inquiry affirm that Mission Systems Davenport Inc., as the OEM, is the only source with the unique qualifications, proprietary data, and technical expertise required to perform both the immediate depot repair services and to provide the essential support needed to establish a permanent, organic government depot solution.
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)):
Contracting Officer Assessment
The F-15EX Contracting Officer has determined that the Government can obtain and negotiate a fair and reasonable price for the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator requirement defined in Section III above if acquired from Mission Systems Davenport Inc. on a sole-source basis.
Analysis and Evaluation Support
Thorough technical, price, and cost analyses will be performed as necessary by the F-15 System Program Office (SPO) with assistance from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Pricing Division, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). The F-15EX program may utilize the DCMA Integrated Cost Analysis Team (ICAT) for technical evaluation, pricing evaluation, and negotiation support, if warranted.
The undersigned Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government for this acquisition of full DA capability will be determined fair and reasonable.
This determination will be based on a comprehensive analysis of the contractor's proposal, as outlined below:
Comprehensive Government Cost Analysis
The SPO, with expert support from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Pricing Division, the Defense
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Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), will perform a thorough technical and cost analysis of the contractor's proposal. This analysis will evaluate the reasonableness of all proposed costs for both the recurring depot repair services and the non-recurring engineering and data deliverables associated with the Depot Activation effort.
Final Negotiation and Verification
The Contracting Officer will use the results of the comprehensive government cost analysis as the primary basis for negotiating a final, binding price.
Market Research Conducted
In accordance with DFARS PGI 206.302-1(d), the Program Office conducted comprehensive market research to identify all potential sources for the required Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator depot repair and sustainment services.
This research included two separate Requests for Information (RFI) posted on SAM.gov:
Broad RFI: A 60-day RFI (1 May - 28 June 2025) was published to survey the industrial base for sources capable of providing depot-level maintenance for a wide range of F-15EX avionics, including the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator.
Targeted RFI: A subsequent 14-day RFI (3 Dec - 16 Dec 2025) was published, focusing specifically on sources for the integrated Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator requirement.
Market Research Results and Barriers to Competition
No alternative sources for the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator supplies and services were identified through either RFI posting. The market research confirmed that Mission Systems Davenport Inc. remains the only responsible source capable of providing:
-Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator hardware -Associated technical data rights necessary for Depot Activation -Required engineering expertise and proprietary documentation
The market research effort demonstrated that no source other than the OEM can satisfy the Government's requirement. The research confirmed the existence of the following barriers to competition:
Proprietary Technical Data & Source Code: The market research confirmed that the OEM exclusively owns and controls the Technical Data Package (TDP), schematics, and software source code. This data is essential for both (a) diagnosing and repairing current unserviceable units and (b) transferring the knowledge required to establish a government-owned repair line . No other source has access to this data.
Proprietary Specialized Test Equipment: The research verified that the specialized equipment and Test Program Sets (TPS) required to test, diagnose, and certify the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator are proprietary to the OEM. A new OEM would need to reverse-engineer and develop new STE, an effort that would introduce prohibitive cost and an untenable schedule delay.
Integrated Engineering Expertise: Respondents lacked the specific, embedded engineering expertise of the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator's design, manufacturing, and software integration. This unique OEM knowledge is critical for troubleshooting complex failures during repair and is the foundation of the training and engineering support required for Depot Activation.
Conclusion on Overcoming Barriers
This comprehensive market research confirms that no viable competition exists in the marketplace. The proprietary nature of the data, equipment, and expertise required for this effort constitutes a barrier to competition that the Government cannot overcome without incurring substantial, unbudgeted costs and unacceptable, mission-crippling delays. Therefore, Mission Systems Davenport Inc. is the only responsible source capable of providing the complete and integrated Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator depot solution.
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IX. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(11):
Continuous Market Assessment The SPO continually searches for opportunities to compete or break out components from prime contractors to enhance competition and reduce costs.
Future Review Process: An F-15EX business review board will review all future efforts being considered for modifications to the Depot Activation requirement. Individual program managers will be required to present their market research results during the business review board prior to requesting a proposal.
Contracting Officer Review: Before awarding any delivery orders, the Contracting Officer will review the J&A and determine if sole-source award to Mission Systems Davenport Inc. is within the scope of this J&A, ensuring continued compliance with acquisition regulations and competitive opportunities. This sole-source action is designed to give the Government the technical data and expertise necessary to create competition for this and similar requirements in the future.
Acquisition of TDP & Licenses: The government has not received the necessary data rights from previous contracts. In accordance with standard procedure, the CLIN structure will not include separately priced CLINs for intellectual property (IP) rights. Instead, the contractor will include a data rights assertion list as part of their proposal, which will be an attachment to the contract. The cost for securing these Government-Purpose Rights (GPR) will be covered under the existing Data CLIN or the Technical Publications CLIN.This approach ensures the government obtains the essential information required to perform and sustain repairs (such as proprietary technical manuals, schematics, and specifications) and enables future competition for spare parts and other support services.
Establishment of a Government-Owned Organic Depot Capability: The stand-up of a government-owned and operated repair line, staffed by trained and certified government personnel, directly creates a viable alternative to the OEM. For all subsequent Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator sustainment needs, the Government will have an organic capability, allowing it to act as its own "prime"and compete portions of the work if deemed appropriate.
Ongoing Market Surveillance: The SPO will continue to conduct market surveillance for any new or emerging sources capable of providing depot-level support for F-15EX components. Following the completion of this DA, any future market research will be conducted with the understanding that the Government now possesses the requisite technical data to potentially qualify an alternative source or partner. Upon successful completion of this DA effort, the Government's long-term sustainment strategy for the Oxygen Diluter Demand G-Compensated Regulator will change. Any subsequent acquisition for supplies or services related to this component will be subject to a new acquisition strategy and market research determination, based on how the Government's organic capabilities impact potential competition.
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