SS JA - BELOW SAT - TUCK-19 - CO Sgnd.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 1 of 3

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: 355th CONS PKP

Project/Program Name: Tuck-19 (HAIPE ) TAC Kits (Sole Source to NexTech Solutions (NTS))

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F1P3XP6092AC01

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $0.00

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

355th Wing requires eight (8) Rebel Systems TUCK‑19 High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) systems to establish a mobile Mission Planning Cell (MPC) capable of supporting expeditionary operations and Mission Generation Force Element (MGFE) deployments during contingencies and exercises. While Rebel Systems manufactures the hardware, NexTech Solutions (NTS) provides the proprietary software integration that makes the TUCK‑19 uniquely capable. Therefore, 355th Wing must limit competition because competing solutions would require multiple systems and lack seamless transport switching, resulting in unacceptable mission‑critical connectivity gaps. As a result, the requirement is being prepared as a Sole Source procurement to NTS.

Procuring these four systems will allow the Wing to support simultaneous ATO execution and MGFE operations at up to two geographically separated locations when tasked.

Requirements:

- Must provide both NIPRNet and SIPRNet connectivity, enabling access to essential mission‑planning and execution products (e.g., ATO, ACO, AOD, SPINS) from any austere global location.

- Small‑form‑factor configuration capable of providing NIPRNet and SIPRNet services via a U.S. Government transport provider (e.g., DISA, SNOC, JCSE).

- Minimum 8 NIPRNet and 8 SIPRNet ports per system.

- Ruggedized construction capable of withstanding drops and environmental exposure outside a protective case.

- Internal battery power using replaceable MIL‑STD radio batteries, plus external AC power capability. Integrated crypto sled supporting small‑form‑factor encryption devices.

- Multiple dirty‑internet integration options including:Built‑in 5G SIM card port.

- Ability to ingest wired internet from a Starshield terminal or other Ethernet‑based solution.

- Single‑person portability with no palletization required.

- Setup/teardown under 10 minutes.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

Market research identified at least four HAIPE‑capable solutions; however, the Rebel Systems TUCK‑19 is the only unit found that meets the full combination of operational, environmental, and integration requirements.

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Tuck-19 system provides all of the below:

- Mobile networking platform that delivers fully integrated, automated PACE failover across 5G, Wi‑Fi, and transport services within a single, ultra‑rugged, smallest‑in‑class chassis.

- Automated switching that requires no operator action, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity during mission‑critical operations and rapid deployment in contested or austere environments.

- Ruggedized operation outside a Pelican case.

- Small form factor and true man‑portability.

- Integrated small‑form‑factor crypto sled

- Native 5G SIM card integration.

- MIL‑STD replaceable battery power.

- NIPRNet/SIPRNet‑only connectivity.

- Simplified operation suitable for non‑communications personnel.

- No end‑of‑life or legacy hardware concerns.

NTS integration of the following:

- MANTLE automation suite - GUI‑driven configuration enabling full system setup within minutes.

- Virtualized routing environment - dynamic, software‑defined routing across multiple transports.

- Embedded HyperVisor architecture - secure virtualization for routing and network management.

No other vendor found provides this combination of rugged hardware, automated failover, integrated routing, and simplified configuration in a single deployable platform. Without NTS's integration, the TUCK‑19 would not meet 355 WG requirements for AEW 2.0 deployment. Alternative solutions would require multiple devices, increase system complexity, and introduce unacceptable connectivity gaps during transport transitions.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Cubic and Curtiss‑Wright were evaluated but could not meet the full requirement identified. Strategic sourcing channels were reviewed with no viable alternatives identified. Additionally, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) was posted on NASA SEWP, allowing 127 companies the opportunity to bid. The notice remained open for one week. NexTech Solutions, a large business, has previously been awarded two sole‑source contracts (FA441821F0160 and FA570225F0115) through NASA SEWP platform.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

For future purchases or technology refreshes, the 355 WG will reassess all available solutions to determine whether multiple vendors can meet mission requirements. If more than one system is capable, open competition will be pursued. Additionally, the Wing will

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 3 continue monitoring the market for emerging technologies that replicate or exceed the TUCK‑19's integrated capabilities. Although the specialized nature of this requirement suggests NexTech Solutions may remain the only viable provider in the near term, periodic market research will be conducted to identify potential competitors as technology evolves. Finally, to encourage future competition, the Wing will also broadcast requirements and engage with industry partners, particularly within the defense IT sector, to stimulate innovation in rapidly deployable C2 solutions for austere environments.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

04-Jun-2026

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Micky L. Hallman, GS-13, DAF

Signature of Contracting Officer

April 2021 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

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