Redacted JA for AHA and RWH Final Redacted_Redacted_final.pdf

Control Number: ARC-J&A25-2009

Technical Data Package (TDP) for the AHA design to include their own version of the spherical visor, part number 13473-X.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: A Sources Sought/Request for Information (SS/RFI) for this AHA/RWH requirement was issued on 10 December 2024. Only the incumbent, Gentex Corporation, responded to the RFI with a fully compliant solution that met all requirements of the RFI. Only the OEM or passthrough vendors would be capable of fully meeting the Government’s requirements due to the IP data associated with the AHA and RWH. The SS/RFI shall be synopsized on or about 28 April 2025 IAW FAR 5.201.

Subcontracting Competition. The contract will include applicable FAR provisions ensuring competition in subcontracting, including FAR 52.244-5, “Competition in Subcontracting,” FAR 52.219- 8, “Utilization of Small Business Concerns,” and DFARS 252.219-7004, “Small Business Sub- Contracting Plan Test Program”.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: Market research was conducted to determine if multiple sources of supply were available. A Request For Information (RFI) was open for 30 days to allow potential manufacturers to respond. Gentex was the only vendor deemed responsive to the RFI.

The US Government does not own the data rights to the AHA nor RWH. Through market research and analysis, it is determined that establishing a second source of supply would constitute a substantial duplication of cost. The actions needed to increase competition would not result in benefit to the USG. Purchasing IP rights from Gentex and then qualifying a second vendor would not result in any savings and would most likely substantially augment overall expenditures. Increased cost and schedule due to unique knowledge, skills, and in-depth understanding of the design and operation of the AHA and RWH helmets and spare parts and the lack of technical documentation owned by the Government for currently fielded items makes Gentex the only source capable of satisfying the Government’s immediate requirements under this contract.

8. Market Research: Product Manager Air Warrior conducted market research in accordance with FAR 10.002. The Market Research Report/Commerciality Determination (MRR/CD) was signed 25 February 2025. In accordance with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 205.205-71, DFARS 206.302-1(d), and DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI) 206.302-1(d), a request for information was posted to SAM.GOV on 10 December 2024. Only the incumbent, Gentex Corporation, responded to the RFI with a fully compliant and technically viable response for satisfying the RFI requirements. PdM AW, Air Soldier System product lead, working in conjunction with the technical representatives from PdM AW, has conducted market research during the past 12 months. Market research consisted in RFIs, conducting discussions with personnel knowledgeable with helmet requirements, helmet manufacturing and helmet manufacturers, internet searches, and convention attendance. PdM AW attended the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) convention, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) convention, the Aircrew Systems Sub Board, and the annual Space and Flight Equipment (SAFE) convention. While multiple commercial vendors were identified, the research determined commercial aviation helmets do not meet U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) requirements standards. Gentex has the capability and knowledge to manufacture aviation helmets that meet this standard. No company other than Gentex has the unique knowledge and expertise necessary to manufacture the AHA and RWH to the standards required by USAARL and U.S. Army.

9. Interested Sources: The proposed source for this planned contract action is Gentex Corporation.

Gentex is the only source capable of providing this requirement in a timely and affordable manner due to their significant AHA/RWH experience, proprietary design rights, possession of necessary special tools and test equipment, and existing production facilities.

a. On 10 December 2024, ACC Redstone, at the request of the PdM AW, issued a SS/RFI for market research. The incumbent, Gentex Corporation, was the only respondent that was deemed to be responsive to the RFI requirements. One other response was initially received but was determined to be non-responsive to the RFI requirements. The response consisted only of an email from BHPE LLC, but the information provided was incomplete and insufficient to demonstrate, or to further investigate, their ability to perform the requirements of the proposed action.

b. The primary barrier to pursuing the qualification of an alternate source is the significant Army investments that have already been made in the current Gentex AHA and RWH and the cost and schedule required to approve an alternate source. Purchasing the IP rights from Gentex and then qualifying a second vendor would cost between The associated schedule would push the first article test 16-18 months to the right, with a delay to full rate production of 18-24 months.

Current program funding levels and schedule needs do not support the development and qualification of an alternate source.

10. Other Facts: Other factors supporting the use of other than full and open competition are as follows:

a. Procurement History:

(1) Contract – W58RGZ-13-C-0111 Date of Award – 5 June 2013 Contractor – Gentex Corporation, 324 Main Street, Simpson, PA 18407 Quantities – Procure 100 each modified helmets with qualification Dollar Value of contract – Sole Source – 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(l), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, "Only One or a Limited Number of Responsible Sources and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements.”

(2) Contract – W58RGZ-15-C-0041

Date of Award – 31 March 2015 Contractor – Gentex Corporation, 324 Main Street, Simpson, PA 18407 Quantities – Procure 100 RWHs and maxillofacial shields Dollar Value of Contract – Sole Source contract – 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(l), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, "Only One or a Limited Number of Responsible Sources and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements.”

(3) Contract – W58RGZ-16-C-0053

Date of Award – 3 August 20

Contractor – Gentex Corporation, 324 Main Street, Simpson, PA 18407 Quantities – Procure 750 RWHs, 500 maxillofacial shields, and ancillary items Dollar Value of Contract – Sole Source Contract – 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(l), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, "Only One or a

Agency Requirements.”

(4) Contract – W58RGZ-17-D-0070 Date of Award – 30 June 2017 Contractor – Gentex Corporation, 324 Main Street, Simpson, PA 18407 Quantities: Procure 2575 AHAs and ancillary items Dollar Value of Contract Sole Source Contract – 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii); “Only one or a limited number of responsible sources and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.”

(5) Contract – W58RGZ-19-D-0070 Date of Award – 25 April 2019 Contractor – Gentex Corporation, 324 Main Street, Simpson, PA 18407 Quantities (IDIQ Contract) – Procure 6,789 RWHs, 6,000 maxillofacial shields and ancillary items Dollar Value of Contract Sole Source Contract – 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(l), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, "Only One or a

Agency Requirements."

b. Other facts. Not applicable.