SPOT X JOFOC_EXTERNAL.pdf

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

“SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger”

JOFOC for SpotX Service, Page 1 of 3

1. Program Office/Procurement Request Office of the Managing Director, Special Operations (MD-5) Procurement Request PUR200081

2. Nature of Action

The purpose of this Justification for Other than Full & Open Competition is to provide documentation and rationale for restricting the competition and subsequent award to SpotX brand-name only products.

3. Description of Requirement

In 2019, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) purchased 91 SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger units under competitive purchase order 9531BM19P0070. An additional ten (10) units were purchased via modification P00001 on June 19, 2020, bringing the total number of SpotX satellite messaging devices in the NTSB’s fleet to

101. Purchase order 9531BM19P0070 includes an unlimited monthly service messaging plan for each device, plus access to SpotX’s cloud-based platform that allows for GPS tracking and management of devices called MyGlobalstar.

9531BM19P0070 expires on September 23, 2020, and the NTSB has a continuing need for the use of the SpotX Satellite Messenger devices.

Since the NTSB already owns the devices, this requirement is only for unlimited monthly messaging and access to the MyGlobalstar direct management system (“DMS”). Under the current purchase order, the DMS is a separately priced CLIN;

however, since the order was awarded, SpotX has changed their pricing structure so that the DMS is now included in the price for unlimited monthly service. Therefore, the NTSB’s requirement consists of the following:

Description Period of Performance Unit of

Measure Base Year – Unlimited Monthly Service for 101 SpotX Devices

9/24/2020 – 9/23/2021 LT

Option Year 1 – Unlimited Monthly Service for 101 SpotX Devices

9/24/2021 – 9/23/2022 LT

Option Year 2 – Unlimited Monthly Service for 101 SpotX Devices

9/24/2022 – 9/23/2023 LT

Option Year 3 – Unlimited Monthly Service for 101 SpotX Devices

9/24/2023 – 9/23/2024 LT

Option Year 4 – Unlimited Monthly Service for 101 SpotX Devices

9/24/2024 – 9/23/2025 LT

The anticipated period of performance is for one base year plus four (4) one-year option periods. The base period of performance will extend from September 24, 2020, through September 23, 2021.

JOFOC for SpotX Service, Page 2 of 3

4. Authority Cited The authority permitting other than Full and Open competition for this procurement is FAR 13.501(a)(2), for acquisitions requiring a brand name when using Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The only portion being limited is the brand name.

5. Unique Qualifications/Circumstances of Requirement

The requirement shall provide NTSB Go Teams continued global text communication and SOS functions via the SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger using a fixed constellation of satellites positioned above the earth. When the handheld units were purchased in FY19, thorough market research determined that SpotX equipment was the only commercially available solution for true global text and SOS communication for NTSB staff who are sent to remote locations where there is no cell/hardline phone service. Therefore, in order to continue the use of the previously purchased satellite messaging units, only the SpotX network of satellites can provide service that is compatible with those devices. Therefore, to avoid having to purchase new devices at a significant cost to the agency, this requirement must be restricted to SpotX brand name service, as it is the only commercially available satellite service compatible with the SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messaging Units.

While there are other satellite-based text messaging devices commercially available, SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger is the only constellation-based system that allows satellite text messaging and SOS coverage anywhere in the world, regardless of latitude or longitude position on the earth. This is critical to the mission of the NTSB and the investigators who are deployed in remote locations. Additionally, the SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger system has been tested and found to be completely compatible for field use by the following agencies:

• US Secret Service

• US Marshall's Service

• US Air Force

• US Army

• NOAA

• USEPA

• National Parks Service

• EOP (Executive Office of the President)

• US Border Patrol

• US District Courts

• FAA

If the NTSB was to purchase satellite messaging services provided by another brand, it would be necessary to purchase new devices that are compatible with that brand’s satellite service. Because only SpotX satellite service is compatible with the SpotX messaging units, this requirement must be restricted to SpotX brand name only.

6. Efforts to Determine More than One Source Market research, as well as quotes received in response to the procurement that resulted in 9531BM19P0070 has determined that there are multiple resellers of this

JOFOC for SpotX Service, Page 3 of 3 service and the NTSB anticipates competition. While this requirement is restricted to SpotX brand name products only, a request for quotes (RFQ) will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov) to maximize competition and publicize the requirement in accordance with FAR 5.102(a)(1). A copy of this Justification will be made publicly available with the solicitation, in accordance with FAR 13.501(a)(1)(iv) and FAR 5.102(a)(6).

7. Contracting Officer’s Determination

I have reviewed the attached justification, and determined that based on the information provided, that it is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. The award and anticipated cost of any subsequent award will be fair and reasonable, and in the best interest of the Government.

8. Market Research

See Section 6, “Efforts to Determine More than One Source” above.

9. Other Pertinent Information N/A

10. List of Interested Sources

No other companies/organizations have expressed an interest in this requirement.

11. Efforts to Remove Barriers to Competition

The NTSB will continue to monitor the market for new technologies and sources that can provide new advanced capabilities that meet or exceed requirements.

12. Contracting Officer’s Certification The Contracting Officer certifies that this JOFOC is accurate and complete.

http://www.fbo.gov/