Sole Source Justification - DEXA DE-2020 5-3-2026.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND

04 May 2026

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

FROM: 439 MSG/CC

SUBJECT: Sole-Source Justification for DEXA DE-2020 Drone

1. Contracting Activity: 439th Contracting Flight, Westover ARB, MA

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: This action is for a new requirement to procure one DEXA DE-2020 autonomous aircraft system. The contemplated contracted type is Firm-Fixed-Price and will be executed via Government Purchase Card (GPC).

3. Description of the Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs:

a. The 439th Mission Support Group requires the procurement of a drone capable of autonomous delivery of supplies weighing 5 pounds, with FAA S-1 Approved List Certification (formerly known as the Secretary of Transportation's S-1 List of Approved UAS under Section 44807). This system should provide autonomous airborne surveillance, identification, tracking, and response capabilities for small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) operating in or near restricted airspace.

(1) Estimated Value: $24,999

(2) Estimated Period of Performance: 1 June 2026 – 31 July 2026

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition: RFO 6.103-

1(b) – One responsible source.

5. Justification for the Authority Cited:

a. DEXA’s (Drone Express) regulatory posture, including FAA S-1 designation and

Part 135 certification.

b. Aircraft type and production certification supports Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations and significantly reduces operational and schedule risk. No other vendor currently offers a comparable combination of autonomous airborne response, secure communications, and regulatory readiness.

c. DEXA DE-2020 is the only UAS on the FAA S-1 Approved list available for procurement and DEXA is the only known provider that designs, manufactures, and operates a U.S.-built, heavy-lift autonomous aircraft integrated.

d. FAA S-1 Certification (Section 44807) provides the regulatory framework needed for national scaling of operations. S-1 certified manufacturers must provide extensive data on the UAS' reliability, emergency procedures, and risk mitigation.

Additionally, S-1 certified UAS are specifically vetted for the ability to fly safely without a pilot's direct line of sight. The S-1 list is the gold standard for airworthiness where the FAA has already verified that its flight controllers, data links, and structures meet public safety standards.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Ensure Offers Are Solicited from As Many

Potential Sources As Practicable: Market research identified no alternative vendors capable of providing Group 2 weighted UAS comparable to the DE-2020.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer That the Anticipated Cost to the Government Will Be Fair and Reasonable: The Contracting Officer will determine price reasonableness through comparison to commercial catalog pricing, historical sales data, and the Independent Government Estimate (IGE). Additional price analysis may include comparison to similar commercial autonomous aircraft systems where applicable.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results: Market research conducted in accordance with RFO Part 10 included review of commercial sUAS detection and response systems, vendor capability statements, and prior DoD counter-sUAS procurements.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other Than Full and Open Competition:

None

10. List of Sources, if any that Expressed Written Interest in the Acquisition: A competitive bid process was initiated through the 439th Contracting Flight where three sources submitted bids. The solicitation was cancelled due to lack of competition. No responsible sources submitted proposals or demonstrated the capability to meet the requirement.

11. Statement of Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome

Barriers to Competition for Future Acquisitions: The agency will continue to monitor the counter-sUAS and autonomous aircraft market for emerging competitors.

Future actions may include evaluating alternative platforms, assessing open-architecture solutions, and developing technical requirements that could support broader competition if comparable systems become available.

CERTIFICATIONS

Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

JAVIER M. RODRIGUEZ, Colonel, USAF

Commander

Contracting Officer Certification:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

ROBERT E. STACY, CIV USAF

Contracting Officer