SSJ Base Marquees-CO Signed Redacted.pdf

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FY 26 Base Marquee
Solicitation number
Marquee01
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About this file

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document for a federal contract action under the Air Force (21 CONS/PKA). The project involves procuring five (5) wireless modems, an associated data plan, and installation services to upgrade the existing marquee system at Peterson Space Force Base from fiber optic cable-based infrastructure to a fully wireless solution. The estimated contract cost is redacted. The requirement is driven by urgent operational need, as the current fiber optic cables are damaged and no longer serviceable, rendering the marquee system non-operational. The marquees are critical for disseminating timely and accurate information across the base.

The justification for single-source procurement from Daktronics is based on unique capabilities and proprietary integration with the existing marquee system. Extensive market research was conducted, including Sources Sought notices posted on NASA SEWP (November 12-21, 2025) and GSA 2GIT (December 5-9, 2025), which identified five small business responses but no viable alternatives. The analysis determined that competing vendors use incompatible proprietary hardware and software, smaller companies cannot guarantee compatibility, and most alternatives lack lifetime data plans offered by Daktronics' Verizon partnership. Integration of non-Daktronics components would create troubleshooting complications, warranty issues, and increase long-term operating costs. The Contracting Officer, SSgt Kaylie Anderson, USAF, approved the single-source determination on January 6, 2026, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). Future mitigation strategies include ongoing market research and potential transition to an open-sourced marquee system during a future modernization effort to enable future competition.

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Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 2 of 3April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 2 of 3 provide your required product or service or was a sources sought synopsis issued by contracting to try to find another source?

Extensive market research was conducted to identify potential sources for this requirement. A Sources Sought notice was posted on both NASA SEWP and GSA 2GIT under the initial NAICS code 541519 - Other Computer Related Services. The NASA SEWP posting, open from November 12, 2025, to November 21, 2025, received five responses from small businesses, with two providing preliminary quotes and one submitting questions and additional information. Similarly, the GSA 2GIT posting, open from December 5, 2025, to December 9, 2025, received one response expressing interest and submitting questions. Based on further market research, the NAICS code was updated to 334111 - Electronic Computer Manufacturing to better align with the requirement.

Market research revealed that other companies offering marquee services often use proprietary hardware and software that may be incompatible with Daktronics equipment. Smaller companies providing modems and data plans were unable to guarantee compatibility with the existing Daktronics marquee system. Additionally, most alternative vendors do not offer lifetime data plans, instead relying on yearly or monthly plans, which would increase long-term operating costs and administrative burden.

Further communication with a Daktronics representative highlighted concerns about the compatibility of third-party modems with the existing marquee system. While Daktronics marquees do not strictly require proprietary modems, the representative indicated that using non-Daktronics equipment could lead to significant challenges in troubleshooting and remote assistance.

Specifically, the Daktronics help desk would face difficulties diagnosing and resolving issues involving third-party modems, potentially resulting in delays and inefficiencies. The representative also recommended using Daktronics modems to avoid service or troubleshooting incompatibility.

Although some interest was expressed by vendors offering alternative modems, it was determined that introducing non- Daktronics components would complicate system maintenance and troubleshooting. In the event of an issue, the government would need to determine whether the problem originated with the marquee or the modem, requiring separate troubleshooting processes for each component. This would create inefficiencies, increase the risk of delays in resolving critical system issues, and complicate warranty coverage.

To ensure a streamlined and efficient solution, as well as to maintain a single point of accountability for the marquee system, it is recommended to proceed with a single-source acquisition of Daktronics modems and related items. This approach avoids the potential complications and inefficiencies associated with integrating and maintaining components from multiple vendors, while ensuring compatibility, reliability, and predictable life-cycle cost control.

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

The current marquee system at Peterson Space Force Base is predominantly a Daktronics product chain, which limits the ability to integrate third-party components without risking compatibility issues, inefficiencies in troubleshooting, and potential warranty complications. As such, the system will likely remain dependent on Daktronics for servicing and upgrades unless a decision is made in the future to replace the entire system with a more open-sourced solution.

To preclude future single-source or brand-name awards, the government could consider transitioning to a system with greater interoperability and flexibility during a future modernization effort. Such a system could be designed to support components and services from multiple vendors, enabling broader competition for operations and maintenance (O&M) services. This would require a comprehensive evaluation of the current system’s lifecycle, as well as planning for a potential replacement that aligns with mission requirements and budgetary constraints.

In the interim, 21CONS will continue to conduct market research to assess whether remaining sole source with Daktronics is the most advantageous approach or if other businesses develop broader systems and hardware that are compatible with the existing marquee system. This ongoing market research will ensure that the government remains informed of technological advancements and alternative solutions that could support future competition.

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 3

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

06-Jan-2026

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Kaylie Anderson, SSgt, USAF

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .