BA-X JA_redacted_Redacted.pdf

This is a Sole Source Justification document for a simplified commercial acquisition of the BA-X high-speed bailout parachute system from Butler Parachute Systems. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright Patterson AFB seeks to replace the BA-18 parachute currently used on B-52 aircraft with a commercial off-the-shelf solution that maintains existing capabilities while reducing bulk, upgrading materials, and replacing hazardous automatic activation devices.

The justification establishes Butler Parachute Systems as the only qualified vendor, having previously supplied the BA-30 platform for C-17 aircraft and received Safe-to-Fly certification in January 2021. The acquisition is planned as a one-time buy in FY25, with expected delivery in 3Q FY25. The package includes a complete emergency bailout system with canopy, automatic activation device, rigging kits, training units, and virtual reality simulator harnesses. Market research conducted between 2015-2023 and a Sources Sought notice posted on SAM.gov in May 2024 confirmed Butler as the sole vendor capable of meeting requirements without extensive development and testing. The document includes approval signatures from program management, contracting, legal review, and competition advocate dated between September-October 2024.