VirTra Sole Source Letter_MAR_2025_All_Programs.pdf

March 18th, 2025

For the purposes of creating a sole source justification for VirTra Inc’s line of simulators, the following details regarding specific applications should be considered:

VirTra has been developing and producing a proprietary simulation system and software using multiple screens and real video for small arms and use of force training since 2001. Based upon our research, VirTra is the only manufacturer of firearms simulation equipment and proprietary software to incorporate real and interactive video seamlessly displayed and fully interactive across all screens at the same time. Video based characters and laser tracking equipment can be engaged and detected on each of the screens of the simulator at the same time or in series of events that trigger others to occur on different screens.

In addition, VirTra invented the V-Threat-Fire® Device and is the only manufacturer of this equipment throughout the world.

VirTra has been awarded a US Patents (#8,016,594, #8,267,691) for the V-Threat-Fire device and is the only simulator company that can produce or sell any device using a safe electric shock to simulate consequences during screen-based simulation training. The V-Threat-Fire device can be added to any VirTra simulators after the initial purchase and at a later date.

VirTra has been awarded US Patent #10,438,503, which relates to VirTra’s TASER® cartridge kits. VirTra is the only company in the United States that can produce or sell a specially triggered training cartridge for the TASER line of products by Axon, the global leader in connected public safety technologies. The patent covers VirTra’s proprietary method of reliably triggering the training device based on the unique acoustic sound produced by a TASER Conducted Energy Weapon’s (CEW) electrical arc. This innovation allows trainees to deploy the cartridges from a real TASER CEW during simulation training and avoid high-voltage feedback. It also allows trainees to practice with a TASER CEW’s “ARC” and/or “Re-ARC” functions, which increases the realism of each training session. By using a live CEW while training in VirTra’s simulators, trainees can improve their technique and develop proper habits that carry into real world situations. The patent applies to both legacy units and the latest multi-cartridge systems used for the TASER X2® and TASER 7® weapons.

“TASER CEWs have been classified as ‘less-lethal’ devices, and as such, require the same type of high quality, judgmental use-of-force simulation training as lethal devices like firearms,” said Lon Bartel, Vice President of Training and Curriculum at VirTra. “By combining live TASER CEW and VirTra training cartridges with VirTra’s simulators and library of content, trainees have an opportunity to develop critical decision-making skills when under stress as well as further develop safe weapon handling by practicing the removal and replacement of cartridges during simulations that escalate.”

VirTra has been awarded US Patent #10,436,539, which relates to mechanical malfunction of real firearms used in simulation training. VirTra is the only company in the United States that can produce or sell a specially designed kit that affordably converts a live firearm into a safe and reliable training tool that can simulate mechanical malfunction and therefore increase realism. This patent addresses the growing need to safely, affordably, and accurately reproduce the intricacies of real firearms for training purposes. Patent 10,436,539 expands VirTra’s growing library of intellectual property related to affordably converting real firearms (whether pistol or rifle) into suitable training tools that can be used in realistic simulation training without modifying the original firearm.

VirTra has created a proprietary software package called V-Author®. The V-Author software allows for the creation of unique training content that can only be used on the VirTra line of simulation equipment. The V-Author software is the only known software allowing for the creation and display of real video-based assets on multiple, seamless screens where all are interactive. V-Author software and scenarios can be added to any VirTra simulators after the initial purchase and at a later date as requested by the customer.

VirTra’s – Virtual Interactive Coursework Training Academy® (V-VICTA®)- delivers a program specifically for law enforcement departments that are designed to Teach, Train, Test and Sustain from an all-in-one solution. This program provides a nationally recognized certified curriculum and interactive virtual coursework that was developed exclusively with nationally recognized partnerships. Combined with VirTra’s simulators, V-VICTA provides law enforcement departments all the necessary tools to instill proper training and knowledge transfer to its students that is not available anywhere else.

For 30 years, VirTra has been an interactive partner for de-escalation, active threat, judgmental use of force, situational awareness, and firearms training for law enforcement, military, and educational markets. With V-VICTA, we have developed an evidence-based training program to provide and support law enforcement training programs in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

VirTra has ensured the integration of what the leading science discovers about Simulation and adult learning is woven into all of our material to help maximize the effects of training time and increase abilities learned in the scenarios. Please contact us for information about how to integrate V-VICTA into your department’s training environment.

As of the date of this letter, VirTra’s V-VICTA includes the following nationally certified courses with the VirTra Simulation Products:

Contact & Cover Concepts: 22508-2209 Human Factors in Force Encounters: 22493-2208 Injured Officer Handgun Manipulation: 22492-2208 Taser Targeting: 23609-2303 High Risk Vehicle Stop: Communication to Custody: 23591- Active Threat/Active Killer (ATAK): Basic Principles- (Module 1): 21378-2110 Active Threat/Active Killer (ATAK): Basic Principles- (Module 2): 22407-2201 Active Threat/Active Killer (ATAK): Explosives- (Module 3):

21349-2106

Weapon Transitions: 22444-2202 Tourniquet Application Under Threat I: 22494-2208 Tourniquet Application Under Threat II: 20227-2002 Special Populations: Autism: 22507-2209 De-Escalation: 20254-2008 Crisis De-Escalation: 23592-2303 Mental illness: A Practical Approach: 22505-2209 Behavior Analysis Threat Response: 22457-2204 Red Dot Optic Training & Sustainment: 22404-2201 Duty to Intervene: No Such Thing as a Professional Bystander: 23572-2302

The Advanced Training Certification Course (ATCC) course includes the following accreditation:

Simulation Science: Foundations of Simulated Event Module 1: 21320-2102

In summary:

• VirTra Simulators have the exclusive ability to simulate return fire, explosions, and other consequences, with our patented V-Threat-Fire® device, delivering safe electric shock impulses to the trainee during scenario training.

• VirTra is the only company in the United States that can produce or sell a specially triggered training cartridge for the TASER® line of products by Axon®, the global leader in connected public safety technologies.

• VirTra is the only company in the United States that can produce or sell a specially designed kit that affordably converts a live firearm into a safe and reliable training tool that can simulate mechanical malfunction and therefore increase realism.

• VirTra Simulators seamlessly display immersive and interactive video across all multiple and interconnected screens.

• VirTra Simulators use an automatic ‘table top’ refill station with a liquid compression pump to recharge the liquid

C02 propellant used in the tether-less recoil systems. The refill station uses Adapter Plates custom made to fit specific magazines.

• The VirTra V-Author® scenario software can only be used on VirTra Simulators.

• The VirTra V-VICTA® coursework offers over 80 hours of nationally approved and certified training curriculum available with VirTra Simulation Products.

• VirTra Inc. is the only manufacturer of simulation equipment that offers an Upgrade Path.

VirTra is the only responsive and responsible source for the above-mentioned equipment and capabilities as they relate to incorporation with the VirTra V-300-LE equipment. This statement is supported by market research and exclusively fulfills the needs of the purchaser. VirTra Systems is the only manufacturer and directly offers the patented V-Threat-Fire, the patented VirTra TASER® cartridge kits and mechanical malfunction kit for use in real firearms, V-Author scenario software, V-VICTA coursework and other products referenced in herein. VirTra the sole manufacturer of the equipment and have the exclusive ability to maintain and service deployments in the Continental United States.