Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator and Test Aircraft (VISTA) Support

Added: Apr 03, 2017 4:35 pm  

The United States Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS), Edwards, AFB awarded a sole source contract, 5-year IDIQ to Lockheed Martin Corporation, 1 Lockheed Blvd, Fort Worth TX 76108-3619. 

The resultant contract, called VISTA Support, provides engineering support for the Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator and Test Aircraft (VISTA), NF-16D, and General Support Fleet aircraft as required which are used to support the United States Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS), located at Edwards Air Force Base, California.  Support requirements include: basic F-16 engineering support, documentation, special projects and logistical support.  Travel incurred to support these requirements will be in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations.

The VISTA, a Test and Evaluation aircraft owned by the Air Force, is a Block 30/40 F-16D, Serial Number 86-0048.  The aircraft has a dorsal fairing, heavyweight landing gear, an F110-GE-100 engine, and Block 40 avionics. Modifications to the aircraft include the addition of a production Digital Flight Control System (DFLCS), Airborne Instrumentation System data acquisition system (DAS), VISTA Simulation System (VSS) interface, and variable feel center-stick controllers. 

Extensive market research efforts have been conducted for this effort.  A Sources Sought Synopsis was advertised categorically under FA9302-17-R-0002 and a special notice was advertised categorically under FA9304-17-R-0002 (including a redacted J&A).  The notice for the proposed acquisition advised industry of the pending acquisition.  From this market research, it was assessed that only one contractor, Lockheed Martin Corporation, was fully qualified for the overall requirement as well as the standalone requirements of VISTA. 

In addition to the above market research, the Government considered breaking out those portions of the requirement where competition might be possible.  The Government's analysis concluded that the breakout was not a feasible approach to meeting the requirement, nor would significant benefits be gained through competition as compared to the potential duplication of costs by having two contractors perform the requirement.  Finally, experience with the current VISTA Support contract, where a single contract vehicle has been utilized for the majority of TPS's capability upgrade support has proven to be most efficient in its execution.

Based upon the results of the market research conducted, and the aforementioned Government analysis, the Government acquired the services on a sole source basis.  The resultant contract was awarded under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy the Agency's Requirements.