Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity - Speed Loader Agile Pod

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center has published a justification for an exception to fair opportunity requirements under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) for a delivery order related to the Speed Loader Agile Pod (SLAP) system. This special notice documents the Air Force's determination to award a contract to Systima Technologies Inc. for the production, modernization, and sustainment of 40 Speed Loader Agile Pods in support of United States Special Operations Command. The justification asserts that SLAP is a highly specialized and unique system specifically designed for Medium Altitude MALET integration, and that only one vendor possesses the requisite technical knowledge and capabilities to perform the required work. A sources sought competition conducted among over 300 vendors under the Eglin Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) resulted in a single response, confirming the sole-source determination. The notice was posted on March 24, 2026, and reflects approval certification dated March 10, 2026.

The objective of this delivery order is to procure and modernize Speed Loader Agile Pods while conducting research and development activities including design reviews, environmental qualification testing, and system improvements to enhance performance, reliability, maintainability, and cost efficiency. The effort encompasses a 48-month performance period with option periods and will be funded through Department of War appropriations covering Procurement, Operations & Maintenance, and RDT&E accounts. The Contracting Officer will ensure fair and reasonable pricing through FAR parts 15 and 16.5 procedures, with negotiations conducted by the Medium Altitude UAS Division based on recommendations from the Defense Contract Audit Agency and Defense Contract Management Agency. This is a non-competitive award based on the unique technical specifications and the established relationship between the Air Force and Systima Technologies, which developed the system through prior competitive awards and Air Force investment. The contract will employ multiple contract types including Firm Fixed Price, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, and Cost Reimbursable arrangements to accommodate the diverse nature of the work being performed.