MQ9 CAT_CWD 15-Month Bridge J_A Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for Other Than Full and Open Competition to authorize a 15-month bridge contract modification for MQ-9 Contract Aircrew Training (CAT) and Courseware Development (CWD) services under contract FA4890-19-C-0003. The bridge modification is needed to maintain critical training support while a follow-on consolidated acquisition is being completed, with the contract value between $15M and $100M.

The incumbent contractor, Crew Training International (CTI), currently provides commercial services at four training locations: Holloman AFB NM, Creech AFB NV/Nellis AFB NV, March ARB CA, and Hancock Field ANGB NY. The bridge period runs from April 2025 through June 2026, split into a six-month base period and three three-month option periods. The services include academic instruction, training device instruction, flight training instruction, and courseware development to support RPA pilot training qualification levels including Initial Qualification, Combat Mission Readiness, Requalification, and Instructor Upgrade. The contract will be funded using 3400 appropriations via three organizations: 49th Operations Group (AETC), NGB/A3E, and ACC/A3MU. Multiple protests have occurred during the follow-on acquisition process, necessitating this bridge action to prevent gaps in critical training services.