SBS0048 Bridge JA_ (Redacted)_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for Other Than Full and Open Competition for contract SBS0048, a seven-month bridge contract to provide critical satellite communications services for senior U.S. government leaders. The contract will be awarded to maintain continuity of MIL-Ka HCX satellite communications services between the expiration of contract SBS0020 on March 31, 2025, and the start of follow-on contract SBS0042 on November 1, 2025.

The J&A justifies a sole-source award based on the contractor's unique qualifications and proprietary technology, including ownership of the I-5 GX satellites and KuKarray Gen II airborne antenna system currently installed on OSA/EA aircraft. The services support communications for the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, and other senior leaders through the Air Mobility Command's A67A Senior Leader Command program. Key requirements include satellite bandwidth, teleport services, terrestrial communications, and network operations across three I-5 ocean regions. The document indicates that competition would result in unacceptable delays and duplicate costs estimated at $1.2B to replicate the required satellite infrastructure. Market research included review of GSA MAS 517410 vendors and an RFI for the broader SBS0042 requirement posted July 12, 2024, with responses due August 12, 2024.