REDACTED - Justification and Approval - F35 Cockpit.pdf

This is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (CUI) document from the Department of the Air Force regarding a proposed contract action valued under $10 million.

The Air Force Test Center (AFTC), Directorate of Contracting, Installation Contracting Division, located at Edwards AFB, California, is procuring specialized hardware components and subsystems for a critical F-35 Cockpit Upgrade. The specific items required include Cockpit Structure Subsystem components (upgraded structural framework and mounting assemblies), Cockpit Internals and Communication Systems (internal integration hardware, wiring harnesses, and communication subsystems), Displays and Panels (next-generation primary flight displays and physical control panels), and Aerostronics Pedals (specialized flight control rudder pedals). The justification cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(5) as the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The justification establishes that Driven Technologies Inc., the sole Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) distributor and integrator, possesses the proprietary technical data, manufacturing tooling, and engineering expertise necessary to deliver integrated cockpit components that seamlessly integrate with the existing F-35 architecture. Market research confirmed no other vendors possess the required technical capabilities or certifications. The document notes that qualifying an alternative source would delay the F-35 upgrade schedule by a minimum of 12 months and result in substantial cost duplications exceeding a redacted amount in non-recurring engineering and airworthiness verification expenses. To maximize visibility and validate market research findings, the Air Force plans to publish a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation and Notice of Intent to Award a WOSB Sole Source Contract on SAM.gov, providing an opportunity for interested parties to submit capability statements and demonstrate active WOSB certification.