BrandNameJustification.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

116 AIR SUPPORT OPERATIONS SQUADRON (ASOS) (ACC)

CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON 98430-5035

31 July 2018

MEMORANDUM FOR 194 MSG/MSC

FROM: 116 ASOS / CC

116 Infantry Drive Camp Murray, WA 98430

SUBJECT: Brand Name purchase for the Viasat ANPRC-161, Battlefield Awareness and Targeting Dismounted (BATS-D)

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 13.106-1(b) (i), I am requesting your approval for soliciting brand name only.

1. Agency and Contracting Activity:

194 WG – 194th Wing Base Contracting Office.

2. Nature and/or Description of Action:

Justification for soliciting Brand Name - for the procurement of the AN-PRC-161 BATS-D Hand Held Link-16 Radio

3. Description of Service and Estimated Price:

Acquisition of Qty: 2 ea ANPRC-161/BATS-D Hand Held Link-16 Radios (part # 1264823) that will allow the Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC) to provide situational awareness to their maneuver Ground Force Commander and directly interface, machine to machine, with US and Coalition air assets. Additionally, the BATS-D also adds multiple layers of protection due to its ability to operate in a GPS denied environment, and it’s Low Probability of Detection (LPD) and intercept properties.

The Hand Held Link-16 Radio, in conjunction with its host software TRAX, will give the TACP/JTAC the ability to bridge ground Positional Location Indication (PLI) data of dismounted soldiers and air assets, effectively creating a full spectrum ground and air picture for enhanced C2.

Total Estimated Price for Qty: 2 ea ANPRC-161 Hand Held Link-16 radios, applicable antennas, 2x 6.8amp batteries, and extended 3yr warranty:

4. Justification:

Viasat is the only manufacturer of a dismounted hand held LINK-16 capable radio (ANPRC- 161/BATS-D) that will complete the full capability of the Joint Tactical Air Controller JTAC Operator Control System (OCS). This will maximize situational awareness by building a Common Operating Picture between the warfighter on the ground and all agencies on the data link. The dynamic nature of the employment of Expeditionary Joint Terminal Attack Controllers exacerbates the existing challenges faced by Airman conducting operations globally. Currently the 116th ASOS has no systems that provides dismounted leaders access to all of the traditional and non-traditional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sources, COP and digital networks critical to maintain situational awareness.

Positional Location Information (PLI) is limited to ground forces at the tactical edge and not transported Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) or into airborne networks for increased situational awareness and fratricide avoidance. In addition, when JTACs are employed globally, the instant SA picture for commanders to provide an immediate decision based on information, tracking, dissemination and reinforcement of the same is critical and the closure of this gap is imperative.

JTACs must communicate Command and Control (C2) information to a variety of assets via both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) mediums. Critical C2 data and voice transmissions must be clear, while the equipment must be durable and easy to operate. The BATS-D allows operators to communicate more effectively in austere environments through Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) LOS communication through airborne and ground-based C2 platforms. This equipment will enable operators to safely conduct their vital missions in any environment with far greater efficiency, reducing the “Fog of War”.

In addition, IAW AFI 13-112v1 Joint Terminal Attack Controller Training Program, pg. 46, table A3.3, “The JTAC will demonstrate the ability to operate DA systems in support of CAS and CFF missions during live and/or simulated training events, using designated equipment and software.”

The purchase of requested equipment will allow JTACs to better meet this requirement. Viasat has extensive experience with integrating hand held radios in conjunction with body worn systems like the SOCOM Field Computing Device – Wearable (FCD-W), and host software such as TRAX, effectively creating a dismounted gateway worn on the JTAC. Viasat is the sole developer and manufacturer of the ANPRC-161/BATS-D and the only developer/manufacturer that can deliver the capability to meet the unit mission requirement.

6. Market Research:

Market research was conducted to identify other companies that produced a dismounted hand held LINK 16 radio with equal capabilities and was unsuccessful, as Viasat is the only manufacturer that currently produces this capability.

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

Recoverable Signature

X Ponz Daniel I. Aboy

Signed by: ponz_daniel.aboy.1@us.af.mil

PONZ DANIEL, I. ABOY, MSgt, WA ANG Technical Representative

1st Ind, 194 MSG/MSC

MEMORANDUM FOR 194 MSG/MSC

APPROVED: DISAPPROVED: Date:

I certify that this justification for soliciting brand name only is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby determine that this request is sufficient to justify soliciting brand name only and that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable.

MATTHEW J. BERUBE, MSgt, WA ANG Contracting Officer

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