Sole Source JA_L3 Harris Communications Support Services_Redacted.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 2 of 12

I. Contracting Activity.

Agency: Department of the Air Force

Contracting Activity: 773rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron

1517 Billy Mitchell Blvd, Bldg. 954

San Antonio, TX 78236

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

This Justification and Approval (J&A) supports a new contract award for L3Harris Communications Support (HCS) Services to support the Air Force Security Forces Center's (AFSFC) Unit Type Codes (UTCs). The contract will be awarded as a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract using commercial procedures in accordance with FAR 12.207 and FAR 16.103(d).

The contract structure includes a base period of one year from 30 September 2024 to 29 September 2025, with two 12-month option periods, potentially extending the contract through 29 September 2027. This J&A covers the base period and all option periods.

The scope of work encompasses comprehensive support services to sustain and enhance Security Forces (SF) warfighters' ability to conduct expeditionary base defense missions worldwide. Key tasks include depot-level support and maintenance, field service representative (FSR) support, comprehensive maintenance and operational support, communications employment, satellite and network operations, deployment and travel support, training and knowledge transfer, and maintaining operational readiness.

The contract requires one (1) FSR stationed at the Desert Defender Ground Combat Readiness Training Center (DDGCRTC), Fort Bliss, Texas, with potential travel to other CONUS and OCONUS locations as determined by AFSFC/S4. The contractor will provide all necessary management, supervision, personnel, labor, materials, diagnostic equipment, and supplies to ensure efficient, effective, and satisfactory operation, maintenance, and repair of L3Harris communications equipment and systems.

The HCS will support various L3Harris communication systems utilized by the USAF Security Forces, including but not limited to AN/PRC-152A, AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-158, AN/PRC-160, and associated equipment across multiple UTCs. These systems are critical for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) capabilities, supporting expeditionary base defense missions worldwide.

L3Harris equipment has been specifically chosen for its superior deployment capabilities and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) compliance, ensuring interoperability in joint theater operations and meeting stringent military requirements.

This J&A supports a single contract award and does not include any unpriced options.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

The Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC) requires L3Harris Communications Support (HCS) Services to sustain and enhance its Unit Type Codes (UTCs) capabilities. This requirement encompasses comprehensive support services for expeditionary base defense missions worldwide, focusing on L3Harris communication systems critical for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) operations.

L3Harris equipment is essential for joint theater operations due to its unique capabilities and interoperability features. Notably, L3Harris radios are the only systems that meet National Security Agency (NSA) compliance standards for secure communications in deployed environments, making them indispensable for military operations.

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Key components of the service include:

1. One (1) Field Service Representative (FSR) stationed at the Desert Defender Ground Combat Readiness Training Center (DDGCRTC), Fort Bliss, Texas, with potential travel to other CONUS and OCONUS locations.

2. Depot-level support and maintenance for L3Harris equipment, including but not limited to AN/ PRC-152A, AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-158, AN/PRC-160, and associated UTC equipment.

3. Comprehensive maintenance, operational support, and training services.

4. Communications employment, satellite and network operations support

5. Deployment assistance and travel support for AFSFC missions.

6. Training and knowledge transfer to AFSFC personnel.

7. Logistics and accountability management for communications equipment.

The contractor will provide all necessary management, supervision, personnel, labor, materials, and diagnostic equipment to ensure efficient and effective operation, maintenance, and repair of L3Harris communications systems, maintaining their critical NSA compliance and joint theater operability.

Contract Structure and Pricing

CLIN 0001: Base Year (30 Sep 2024 - 29 Sep 2025)

CLIN 1001: Option Year 1 (30 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2026)

CLIN 2001: Option Year 2 (30 Sep 2026 - 29 Sep 2027)

The total estimated value of the acquisition, including all option years, is

Funding: Annual Operations and Maintenance Appropriations (3400)

Estimated delivery dates align with the contract periods of performance. This Justification covers the base period and all option years. The lack of competition is primarily due to the government's decision not to purchase proprietary rights during the initial acquisition of L3Harris systems, as well as the absence of requirements for interoperability between L3Harris and other manufacturers' equipment. Given these factors, along with the specialized expertise required and the critical nature of these systems for military operations, competition is not feasible in the foreseeable future.

Critical and Long Lead Schedule Items

1. Security Clearances: All contractor personnel must obtain and retain a Secret Security Clearance, which may take several months to process.

2. L3Harris-specific Training: FSRs require specialized training on L3Harris systems, which may have

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3. Travel Requirements: The contract involves frequent travel to various CONUS and OCONUS locations, requiring advance planning and coordination.

This comprehensive support is essential for maintaining the operational readiness and mission success of AFSFC, ensuring secure and reliable communication capabilities across USAF operations.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition for this acquisition is 10 U.S.C.

3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as implemented by AFFARS 5313.501. This authority corresponds to 41 U.S.C. 1901 for civilian agencies.

This statute allows for the use of simplified acquisition procedures for purchases of property and services for amounts greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) but not greater than $7.5 million, including options, if the contracting officer reasonably expects that offers will include only commercial products or commercial services.

In this case, the L3Harris Communications Support services are considered commercial services, and the total estimated value of falls within the specified range for using this authority. The use of this authority is appropriate given the commercial nature of the services required and the estimated contract value.

The use of this authority allows for a streamlined acquisition process while still ensuring the government obtains the best value for these critical support services.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

The use of simplified acquisition procedures under 10 U.S.C. 3572 (AFFARS 5313.501) for this sole source acquisition from L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is justified based on the following factors:

1. Proprietary Technology and Expertise: L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole design authority for the communications systems utilized by the Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC). These systems include, but are not limited to, AN/PRC-152A, AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-158, AN/PRC-160, and associated equipment. L3Harris exclusively designs, maintains, and manufactures this equipment, possessing proprietary rights to the drawings, specifications, and technical data required for comprehensive support and maintenance.

2. Tactical Communications Market Landscape: The tactical communications market for military and public safety applications is primarily dominated by two major companies: L3Harris Technologies and Motorola Solutions. These companies specialize in different aspects of the market, and their systems are not interchangeable. L3Harris, the focus of this acquisition, is the primary provider of tactical radio systems for military applications, including the specific equipment used by the AFSFC. Motorola, on the other hand, tends to focus more on public safety and commercial applications.

AFSFC has exclusively purchased Harris equipment because its main purpose is to provide equipment for deployment purposes and at deployed locations. L3Harris radios are the only radios that can be used in deployed theaters of operation due to their NATO compliance, which no other manufacturer can match. Furthermore, L3Harris radios are the only radios that are NSA compliant, Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 5 of 12 making them essential for military operations. The other services do not use Motorola; to execute in a joint theater, L3Harris equipment is required. The network architectures of L3Harris and Motorola are completely different, further emphasizing the need for L3Harris systems in military applications.

The AFSFC's Desert Defender Ground Combat Readiness Training Center (DDGCRTC) at Fort Bliss is specifically equipped with L3Harris systems. This equipment selection was based on L3Harris's superior capabilities in meeting military-specific requirements for tactical communications. Due to the proprietary nature of L3Harris equipment and the specialized support required, it would not be feasible to consider Motorola or other providers for this particular requirement.

3. Specialized Maintenance and Upgrades: L3Harris is the only entity capable of performing upgrades, maintenance, and repairs on their proprietary equipment without compromising system integrity or voiding warranties. The Field Service Representatives (FSRs) required for this contract necessitate access to L3Harris proprietary information, which is not accessible to the government or other contractors.

4. System Compatibility and Safety: To preserve system integrity, ensure compatibility of replacement components, and guarantee safe operation of the equipment, these services must be procured from the OEM or an OEM-approved source. Currently, there are no other OEM-approved sources capable of meeting this requirement.

5. Government Data Rights: The government did not acquire the rights to the proprietary data necessary to foster a competitive environment during the original provisioning and procurement of the equipment. This decision was made based on cost-benefit analysis at the time of initial procurement, considering factors such as the specialized nature of the equipment and the potential limited use of such rights. Furthermore, the government has no current plans to obtain this proprietary data due to the substantial costs involved and the ongoing rapid technological advancements in the field, rendering L3Harris the sole viable source for these services.

6. Specialized Training and Expertise: The contract requires FSRs with extensive knowledge and experience in L3Harris systems, including adaptive networking, wideband, and SATCOM capabilities. This specialized expertise is unique to L3Harris-trained personnel who possess in-depth knowledge of the proprietary systems.

7. Mission-Critical Support: The services provided under this contract are designated as mission/ emergency essential, critical to the operational readiness and mission success of the AFSFC.

L3Harris's unique position as the OEM ensures the most efficient and effective support for these critical systems.

8. Continuity of Support: L3Harris has been providing ongoing support for these systems, and maintaining this relationship ensures continuity in maintenance, upgrades, and operational support, which is crucial for the AFSFC's mission readiness.

9. Risks of Transition: Attempting to switch to a different provider or system at this point would introduce significant risks, including:

a) Compatibility Issues: L3Harris systems are specifically designed for military use and are NATO and NSA compliant. Transitioning to another system would likely result in compatibility issues with existing military communications infrastructure and could compromise interoperability in joint theater operations.

b) Operational Disruption: Changing systems would require extensive retraining of personnel and reconfiguration of existing networks, potentially leading to significant downtime and

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c) Security Concerns: L3Harris systems meet stringent NSA compliance standards. A transition to a different system might introduce security vulnerabilities or require extensive recertification processes.

d) Interoperability Challenges: As the other services also use L3Harris equipment, switching to a different system could create interoperability issues in joint operations, potentially compromising mission effectiveness.

e) Cost Implications: The transition would involve substantial costs not only in terms of new equipment procurement but also in terms of training, infrastructure changes, and potential operational disruptions.

These risks could severely compromise the AFSFC's operational capabilities and mission readiness, making the continuation of L3Harris support the most prudent course of action.

The use of simplified acquisition procedures for this sole source acquisition is appropriate given the commercial nature of the services and the total estimated value of which falls within the specified range for employing this authority. This approach facilitates a streamlined acquisition process while ensuring the government obtains the necessary specialized support for its critical communications systems.

This justification is not predicated on a lack of advance planning or concerns related to the availability of funds, but rather on the unique and proprietary nature of the L3Harris communications systems and the specialized support required to maintain and operate them effectively.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

Given the proprietary nature of L3Harris communications equipment, the specialized support services required, and the specific needs for NATO and NSA compliance, as well as joint theater operability, efforts to solicit offers from multiple sources were limited. However, the following actions were taken to ensure compliance with FAR requirements and to maintain transparency in the acquisition process:

1. Market Research: Extensive market research was conducted, including web searches and direct communication with L3Harris Technologies, Inc. This research confirmed that L3Harris is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole provider of the required proprietary systems and support services that meet the stringent NATO and NSA compliance standards necessary for military operations.

2. Sources Sought Synopsis: A Sources Sought synopsis was not issued for this requirement due to the known proprietary nature of the L3Harris equipment, the specialized support services needed, and the specific requirements for NATO and NSA compliance. Based on previous market research and historical data, it was determined that issuing a Sources Sought notice would not yield any additional capable sources that could meet these critical military-specific requirements.

3. Government-wide Point of Entry (GPE) Posting: required by FAR 5.201, this Sole Source Justification will be posted to the GPE. Additionally, a notice of intent to award a contract on a sole source basis to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. will be issued.

4. Consideration of Other Sources: While the solicitation will be issued directly to L3Harris Technologies, Inc., any capability statements, proposals, or quotations received from other sources in response to the GPE posting will be duly considered prior to award. However, interested parties will be advised that OEM licensure, NATO compliance, NSA certification, and joint theater operability are minimum

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5. Qualifying Country Sources: No qualifying country sources have expressed interest in this requirement.

Given the proprietary nature of the L3Harris systems, the need for direct OEM support, and the specific U.S. military requirements for NATO and NSA compliance, it is unlikely that qualifying country sources would be able to meet the technical requirements.

6. Other Actions: The contracting office has maintained open communication with the requiring activity (AFSFC) to continuously assess whether any changes in the market or technological advancements might allow for increased competition in future related procurements, while still meeting the critical requirements for NATO and NSA compliance and joint theater operability.

While these efforts are limited due to the sole source nature of the requirement and the specific military compliance standards, they represent the maximum practicable steps to ensure transparency and compliance with competition requirements, given the constraints of acquiring proprietary L3Harris support services that meet the unique needs of military operations.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated costs to the Government for this sole source acquisition will be fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a). This determination is based on the following factors and planned actions:

1. Comparison with Previous Purchases (FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(ii)): The anticipated costs will be compared with historical pricing for repair and Field Service Representative (FSR) services paid by other government customers for the same or similar services provided by L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

2. Current Price Lists (FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(iii)) - GSA Contract Pricing: L3Harris Technologies, Inc.'s current GSA contract pricing will serve as a baseline for establishing fair and reasonable prices for this requirement.

However, it is noted that the GSA contract does not include travel requirements, which are essential for this acquisition. Therefore, appropriate adjustments will be made to account for these additional costs.

3. Comparison to an Independent Government Estimate (FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(vi)): An IGCE has been developed and will be used as a benchmark for evaluating the reasonableness of L3Harris's proposed pricing.

4. GSA Pricing Tools: The Contracting Officer will utilize GSA pricing tools to further validate the fairness and reasonableness of the proposed prices.

5. Price Analysis: A thorough price analysis will be conducted, comparing the proposed prices with the IGCE, historical data, and GSA contract rates. This analysis will take into account any unique aspects of this requirement, such as travel costs and specialized support services.

6. Negotiations: Based on the results of the price analysis, the Contracting Officer will conduct negotiations with L3Harris Technologies, Inc. to ensure the final contract price is fair and reasonable.

7. Unique Capabilities Consideration: The Contracting Officer recognizes that the unique capabilities of L3Harris equipment, including its NATO compliance, NSA certification, and suitability for joint theater operations, contribute to its value. These factors will be considered when assessing the reasonableness of pricing, acknowledging that these specialized features may justify higher costs compared to commercial alternatives that do not meet military-specific requirements.

By employing these methods and tools in accordance with FAR 13.106-3, the Contracting Officer will ensure that the Government obtains fair and reasonable pricing for the L3Harris Communications Support Services while acknowledging the sole source nature of the acquisition, the specialized requirements

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VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Extensive market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10 to determine the availability of sources capable of satisfying the Air Force Security Forces Center's (AFSFC) requirements for L3Harris Communications Support Services. The research methods employed, and their results are as follows:

1. Internet Searches: Comprehensive online research was conducted on L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and the military communications support services market. This included reviewing L3Harris's official website, industry publications, and technical journals related to tactical communications equipment.

Results confirmed L3Harris's unique position as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the specific systems used by AFSFC.

2. SAM.gov Analysis: Verification of L3Harris Technologies, Inc.'s registration status, capabilities, and business size information in the System for Award Management (SAM) database confirmed their active status and capability to perform the required services.

3. Government Database Review:

a) Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation (FPDS-NG) review of historical contract data revealed L3Harris's extensive history in providing similar services to various government agencies.

b) GSA eLibrary search identified L3Harris's existing contract (47QTCA23D008C) for Technical Field Support Services, though it does not fully meet AFSFC's specific requirements.

c) Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) provided L3Harris's performance score of 317.95 (GREEN), indicating strong past performance and low risk.

4. Performance Work Statement (PWS) Development: A detailed PWS was created to define the specific requirements. This process highlighted the unique nature of the services required, particularly the need for access to L3Harris proprietary information and systems.

5. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Consultation: Discussions with SMEs within AFSFC and other relevant government agencies confirmed the critical nature of L3Harris's proprietary systems and the lack of viable alternatives that could meet the specific technical requirements.

6. Direct Communication with L3Harris: Engagement with L3Harris Technologies, Inc. provided detailed information about their proprietary systems, confirming their unique capability to provide the required services.

7. Alternative Equipment Analysis: As part of the market research, alternative equipment providers, such as Motorola, were considered. However, these alternatives were determined to be not viable due to specific military requirements:

a) NATO Compliance: L3Harris radios are the only radios that meet NATO compliance standards required for deployment in theaters of operation.

b) NSA Certification: L3Harris radios are the only radios that are NSA compliant, which is essential for military operations.

c) Joint Theater Operability: Other services do not use Motorola; to execute in a joint theater, L3Harris equipment is required.

d) Network Architecture: The network architectures of L3Harris and alternative providers like

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Motorola are completely different, with L3Harris specifically designed to meet military needs.

The market research conclusively demonstrated that L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is the sole source capable of meeting AFSFC's specialized communications support requirements. This conclusion is based on:

1. L3Harris's status as the OEM for the specific communications systems used by AFSFC.

2. The proprietary nature of L3Harris's equipment and software, which requires OEM-level access for comprehensive support and maintenance.

3. The specialized training and expertise of L3Harris Field Service Representatives in supporting these proprietary systems.

4. The absence of any other identified sources with the necessary OEM-level access and expertise to provide equivalent services without compromising system integrity or voiding warranties.

5. The unique capabilities of L3Harris equipment in meeting specific military requirements, including NATO compliance, NSA certification, and joint theater operability, which are not available from alternative providers.

This market research provides a high level of confidence that no other qualified sources exist that can meet the government's requirements without substantial duplication of cost and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's needs.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

While the primary justification for other than full and open competition has been addressed in previous sections, the following additional facts further support this approach:

1. Proprietary Technical Data: L3Harris Technologies, Inc. maintains proprietary rights to the technical data packages, specifications, and engineering descriptions for the communications systems used by the Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC). These include, but are not limited to, the AN/PRC-152A, AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-158, AN/PRC-160, and associated equipment. The government does not possess these proprietary technical data packages and has not purchased the rights to them, precluding the development of specifications or statements of work suitable for full and open competition.

2. Unique Network Architectures: L3Harris systems employ proprietary network architectures that are fundamentally different from those of other manufacturers. These architectures are specifically designed to meet military requirements for security, interoperability, and performance in challenging operational environments. The unique nature of these network architectures makes it impossible for other manufacturers to provide compatible systems without access to L3Harris's proprietary information.

3. Specialized Training Requirements: The Field Service Representatives (FSRs) required for this contract must complete L3Harris-approved training or an equivalent technical training program specific to L3Harris tactical communications equipment. This specialized training covers the unique aspects of L3Harris systems, including their proprietary network architectures, and is not readily available outside of L3Harris, making it impractical for other potential offerors to compete effectively.

4. Mission-Critical and Emergency-Essential Services: As outlined in Section 2.6 of the Performance Work Statement, certain tasks under this contract are designated as mission/emergency essential. The

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March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 10 of 12 critical nature of these services, which directly impact the operational readiness and mission success of the AFSFC, necessitates the use of a contractor with intimate knowledge of L3Harris systems, their unique network architectures, and established processes for supporting these mission-critical functions.

5. Integrated Support for Multiple Systems: The requirement encompasses support for various L3Harris systems, including legacy and newly acquired equipment. The integration of these systems relies on L3Harris's proprietary network architectures and protocols. Developing specifications or statements of work that would allow other contractors to provide comprehensive support across this range of proprietary systems is not feasible without compromising the integrated nature of the support required.

6. Ongoing Software and Firmware Updates: L3Harris continuously develops and releases software and firmware updates for their communications systems. These updates often involve modifications to the proprietary network architectures and protocols. Access to these updates and the ability to implement them without voiding warranties or compromising system integrity is unique to L3Harris as the original equipment manufacturer.

7. Continuity of Support: The AFSFC has an established operational relationship with L3Harris for the support of these critical communications systems. This relationship includes a deep understanding of the proprietary network architectures and how they integrate with AFSFC operations. Transitioning to a new support provider would introduce significant risks to operational continuity and could potentially compromise the AFSFC's mission readiness.

8. NATO and NSA Compliance: L3Harris systems are uniquely designed to meet NATO compliance standards and NSA certification requirements. These compliance factors are deeply integrated into the proprietary network architectures and system designs, making it impossible for other manufacturers to provide equivalent systems without extensive redevelopment and recertification processes.

These additional factors, combined with the primary justifications provided in earlier sections, demonstrate that developing specifications or statements of work suitable for full and open competition is not feasible for this requirement without compromising the AFSFC's operational capabilities and introducing unacceptable risks to mission success. The proprietary nature of L3Harris systems, particularly their unique network architectures, forms an integral part of their ability to meet critical military requirements and cannot be replicated by other manufacturers without access to proprietary information.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. was the only vendor contacted that expressed interest in writing in this acquisition.

Given the highly specialized nature of the requirement and the proprietary aspects of the L3Harris communications systems, no other sources were identified as capable of meeting the government's needs.

As noted in previous sections, the unique qualifications of L3Harris as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole provider of the required proprietary systems and support services precluded the identification of other potential sources.

No sources sought synopsis was issued for this requirement due to the known proprietary nature of the L3Harris equipment and the specialized support services needed. Based on previous market research and historical data, it was determined that issuing a Sources Sought notice would not yield any additional capable sources.

As required by FAR 5.201, a notice of intent to award a contract on a sole source basis to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. will be posted to the Government-wide Point of Entry (GPE). Any capability statements, Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 11 of 12 proposals, or quotations received in response to this posting will be duly considered prior to award.

However, given the specialized nature of the requirement, it is not anticipated that any other sources will be identified as capable of meeting the government's needs.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

The Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC) recognizes the importance of fostering competition in future acquisitions. However, due to the unique and specialized nature of L3Harris communications systems, significant barriers to competition exist. L3Harris is currently the only manufacturer that meets critical military requirements, including NATO compliance, NSA certification, and joint theater operability. These factors, combined with the proprietary nature of the systems, present substantial challenges to introducing competition. Nevertheless, AFSFC will take the following actions to explore potential opportunities for increased competition in future acquisitions:

1. Continuous Market Research: AFSFC will conduct ongoing market research to monitor technological advancements and industry developments. This research will aim to identify any emerging technologies or potential alternative solutions that could meet AFSFC's stringent requirements, including NATO compliance and NSA certification.

2. Technical Data Rights Assessment: The government will assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of acquiring limited rights or government purpose rights to L3Harris technical data. However, given the proprietary nature of the systems and the specialized military requirements, this may not be a viable option in the near term.

3. Engagement with Other Military Branches: AFSFC will collaborate with other military branches to explore joint initiatives that could potentially broaden the supplier base for tactical communications systems meeting the required military specifications.

4. Long-term Acquisition Strategy: AFSFC will develop a comprehensive long-term acquisition strategy that considers the lifecycle of current L3Harris systems and plans for potential system replacements or major upgrades. This strategy will evaluate opportunities for increased competition while ensuring continued compliance with critical military requirements.

5. Training and Knowledge Transfer: The current contract includes provisions for training and knowledge transfer to government personnel. AFSFC will maximize these opportunities to build in-house expertise, potentially reducing reliance on contractor support for certain aspects of system maintenance and operation in the future.

6. Standardization Efforts: Where possible, AFSFC will work with L3Harris to promote the use of standardized interfaces and protocols. While this may not immediately introduce competition, it could potentially facilitate easier integration of future systems or components.

It is important to note that due to the highly specialized nature of these communications systems, their critical role in military operations, and the unique capabilities of L3Harris in meeting NATO and NSA requirements, a transition to a fully competitive environment is unlikely in the foreseeable future. The proprietary aspects of L3Harris systems, combined with the need for seamless interoperability in joint theater operations, present significant challenges to introducing competition without compromising operational capabilities or national security interests.

AFSFC will continue to evaluate these barriers and seek innovative solutions to increase competition where possible, while maintaining the high level of performance, security, and interoperability required for these mission-critical systems. The progress of these actions will be reviewed annually, and the acquisition strategy will be adjusted as necessary based on the outcomes of these efforts and any changes

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XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my (our) signature(s) above, I (we) certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my (our) responsibility, is both accurate and complete.