JOFOC_Spot Satellite Messenger.pdf

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

“Monthly Service Plans for SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messengers”

1. Program Office / Procurement Request:

Office of the Managing Director, Special Operations (MD-5) Purchase Request: PUR250132

2. Nature of Action:

The purpose of this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) is to document the rationale for restricting competition and awarding on a brand-name only basis for SpotX products.

3. Description of Requirement:

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has a requirement to renew its unlimited monthly service plans for its existing SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger devices. The monthly service includes access to SpotX’s cloud-based platform, the MyGlobalstar Direct Management System (DMS), which provides GPS tracking and device management functionality.

The NTSB previously procured 126 SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger devices. As the devices are already owned by the agency, this requirement is limited solely to the procurement of the associated unlimited monthly service plans.

The anticipated period of performance includes one (1) base year and four (4) one-year option periods as follows:

• Base Year: September 24, 2025 – September 23, 2026

• Option Year 1: September 24, 2026 – September 23, 2027

• Option Year 2: September 24, 2027 – September 23, 2028

• Option Year 3: September 24, 2028 – September 23, 2029

• Option Year 4: September 24, 2029 – September 23, 2030

4. Authority Cited:

The authority permitting other than full and open competition for this procurement is Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.501(a)(2), which allows for brand-name acquisitions when using Simplified Acquisition Procedures for certain commercial items. This limitation applies only to the brand-name requirement; all other aspects of the acquisition will be competed to the maximum extent practicable.

5. Unique Qualifications / Circumstances of Requirement:

The decision to award a brand name only contract is based on the fact that the SpotX messenger is a proprietary product requiring SpotX’s monthly service plans to remain operational.

This requirement ensures that NTSB Go Teams maintain continued global text communication and SOS functionality via the SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger, which operates using a fixed constellation of satellites positioned above the Earth.

When the handheld units were purchased in FY19, thorough market research determined that SpotX equipment was the only commercially available solution providing true global text and SOS communication for NTSB personnel deployed to remote locations lacking cellular or hardline phone service. To continue the use of these previously purchased devices, only the SpotX satellite network can provide compatible service. Therefore, to avoid incurring significant costs to the agency associated with purchasing new devices, this requirement must be restricted to SpotX brand name service, as it is the sole commercially available satellite service compatible with the SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messaging units.

While other satellite-based text messaging devices exist commercially, the SpotX 2- Way Satellite Messenger is unique in offering a constellation-based system that enables satellite text messaging and SOS coverage anywhere in the world, regardless of latitude or longitude. This capability is critical to the NTSB’s mission and the safety of investigators deployed in remote locations. Additionally, the SpotX system has been tested and validated for field use by numerous federal agencies, including:

• U.S. Secret Service

• U.S. Marshals Service

• U.S. Air Force

• U.S. Army

• NOAA

• U.S. EPA

• National Park Service

• Executive Office of the President (EOP)

• U.S. Border Patrol

• U.S. District Courts

• FAA

If NTSB were to procure satellite messaging services from another brand, it would necessitate purchasing new devices compatible with that brand’s satellite service.

Because only SpotX satellite service is compatible with the SpotX messaging units currently owned by NTSB, this procurement must be restricted to SpotX brand name only.

6. Efforts to Determine Only One Source:

In accordance with FAR 5.101(a)(1), a notice of the contract action will be posted electronically on the System for Award Management (SAM) website (www.sam.gov) for three (3) days. The notice will state that all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which will be considered by the agency.

A copy of this Justification will be made publicly available with the solicitation, in accordance with FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii) and FAR 5.102(a)(6).

http://www.sam.gov/

7. Contracting Officer’s Determination:

I have reviewed the above JOFOC, and determined that based on the information provided, it is accurate and complete, to the best of my knowledge and belief. The award and anticipated cost of any subsequent award will be fair and reasonable, and in the best interest of the Government.

8. Market Research:

Market research, along with quotes received in response to the procurement that resulted in Purchase Order 9531BM19P0070, has determined that there are multiple authorized resellers of the required SpotX service. As a result, the NTSB anticipates that competition will be available for this procurement

9. Other Pertinent Information:

In 2019, the NTSB procured ninety-one (91) SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger units under competitive Purchase Order No. 9531BM19P0070. An additional ten (10) units were acquired through Modification P00001, issued on June 19, 2020.

10. List of Interested Parties:

Transpondr has expressed an interest in this requirement.

11. Efforts to Remove Barriers to Competition:

The NTSB will continue to monitor the market for new technologies and sources that can provide new advanced capabilities that meet or exceed requirements.

12. Contracting Officer’s Certification The Contracting Officer certifies that this JOFOC is accurate and complete.