NOI_PLA_FA700026Q0027.pdf
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- Attached to
- USAFA Parachute Landing Assistants
- Solicitation number
- FA700026Q0027
About this file
This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a federal contract opportunity issued by the 10th Contracting Squadron at the US Air Force Academy. The contracting office intends to award a sole source commercial contract using simplified procedures under FAR Part 12 to Plako, LLC, located at 634 W. Paseo Norteno, Tucson, Arizona 85704. The authority for this non-competitive award is 10 USC 2304(c)(1) based on the determination that only one responsible source exists. Plako, LLC is the exclusive distributor of the Parachute Landing Assistant (PLA), and the Government has deemed them a responsible contractor. The NAICS code is 611620, the PSC is 6930, and the size standard is $9.0 million. The requirement is for 10 units of the PLA device to be procured as a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order with anticipated award on or before August 1, 2026, subject to fund availability.
The PLA is a laser-based device designed to assist paratroopers in developing landing skills by providing audible warning tones at preselected altitudes during day or night operations. Key specifications include a 32-bit microcontroller, 120 Hz update rate, 8GB micro SD card for data logging, built-in rechargeable lithium battery with 8-hour operation time, Class 1 laser with 1.3w total power, and accuracy within 16.4 feet at plus or minus 1 inch typical ranges. The device features customizable software with a graphical user interface for adjusting alarm altitudes based on parachute type and size, and includes smart landing logic with descent algorithm capabilities. This notice is for informational purposes only and no formal solicitation will be posted. Interested firms may submit capability statements with clear and convincing evidence that competition would benefit the Government by March 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM MDT to wanda.farr@us.af.mil and ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil. All contractors must maintain current SAM registration.
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Notice of Intent to Sole Source
FA700026Q0027
This is a special notice prepared in accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (hereinafter referred to as RFO) 5.101 – Presolicitation Notice. The contracting office for this notice is the 10th Contracting Squadron, USAF Academy, CO 80840.
The US Air Force Academy (USAFA) intends to award a sole source commercial contract using simplified procedures in accordance with FAR part 12 to Plako, LLC. which is located at 634 W. Paseo Norteno, Tucson, AZ 85704. The authority for this non-competitive award is 10 USC 2304(c)(l), only one responsible source. The NAICS code for this requirement is 611620 and the PSC is 6930. The size standard as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration is $9.0 million. This notice incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through the RFO effective 1 February 2026. The Government has deemed Plako LLC. to be a responsible contractor with respect to performance.
a. Only one responsible source and no other item will satisfy the USAFA requirement.
b. Plako, LLC. is the exclusive distributor of the Parachute Landing Assistant (PLA), a unique and innovative device manufactured by Plako, LLC. A detailed search on gsaadvantage.gov and other government sources of supply provided no vendors identified that can supply this product. Plako, LLC is listed as a small business and the exclusive sales entity for this product at this time.
c. This request is issued for the 98 FTS/DOJ. Anticipated award on or before 1 August 2026 (subject to availability of funds) as a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.
Considering the above, there is only solution that meets USAFA's requirement. Therefore, the contracting officer has determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available IAW FAR 13.106-l(b)(1).
REQUIREMENT:
Line item Description Quantity Unit oflssue
0001 PLA is a device that assists jumpers in developing the visual skill of determining when to initiate the flare sequence during day or night. PLA is a laser based sensor that gives the jumper an audible warning tone at the preselected altitude to begin the two-stage flare process and has the ability to data log the entire landing sequence in a graph format, allowing instructors and jumpers to critique their landings and make height adjustments as needed.
PLA is customizable and has a software GUI which allows for adjustment for alarm altitudes to correspond to various parachute types, sizes, and loads. It has a "smart landing logic" with a descent algorithm to adjust flare height to airspeed, turbulence, or flight mode changes.
Specifications:
• 32-bit micro-controller
• 120 Hz update rate
• Real-time clock
• 8GB installed micro SD card
• Data and configuration accessed via mini-B USB
• 3.5mm stereo headphone jack Battery • Built-in rechargeable lithium • Charge time: 3 hours • Operation time: 8 hours continuous Dimensions• Length 2.7" • Width 2.8" • Depth 1.9" • Weight 7oz Class 1 laser• Total laser power 1.3w • Beam diameter d/100 (70'=.7) Accuracy•< 16.4' +/- (l") typical•> 16.4' +/- (3.9") typical• Mean+/- 1% of distance maximum
10 EA
Notice of lntent
A SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE POSTED. Based on market research conducted, the Government intends to proceed with this sole source action. This synopsis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time.
All responsible sources may submit a capability statement. Interested concerns must show clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government.
Responses and questions shall be submitted to wanda.farr@us.af.mil and ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil no later than 10:00am, MDT on 23 March 2026. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-l(f) and will not be answered. Contractors must have a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) at http://sam.gov/. The Government bears no legal liability for any costs incurred by responding to this notice.
mailto:wanda.farr@us.af.mil%20and%20ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil%20 http://sam.gov/
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