HLD OTHR Tx Subsystem Sole Source Justification Notice
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force has issued a Sole Source Justification Notice for the acquisition of a sub-scale transmit subsystem for the Homeland Defense Over-The-Horizon Radar (HLD-OTHR) weapon system. The government intends to award a new contract to Continental Electronics Corporation (CEC) on an "Other Than Full and Open Competition" basis, citing FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source). The estimated contract cost is $200,000,000.
Purpose & Scope
This Justification and Approval (J&A) outlines the requirement for a sub-scale transmit subsystem, a scaled-down version of the full HLD-OTHR weapon system. The HLD-OTHR system aims to provide early detection capabilities for targets approaching the continental United States (CONUS). The subsystem includes transmitters, transmission line, High Frequency (HF) antennas, signal distribution, program and engineering services, installation/site integration/testing/commissioning, and spares.
Contract Details
- Estimated Contract Cost: $200,000,000, funded with Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) funds.
- Anticipated Contract Types: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF).
- Period of Performance (PoP): Approximately 22 months, plus additional time for pre-operations support, Initial Contractor Support, and Contractor Logistics Support (CLS).
- Place of Performance: Hanscom AFB, MA.
Sole Source Rationale
CEC is identified as the only U.S.-based contractor capable of delivering the required transmit subsystem within the program's critical timeline. Their unique qualifications stem from developing the JEON transmitter and extensive prior experience with OTHR systems. Market research indicated that awarding to any other source would lead to unacceptable schedule delays, impacting critical warfighter capability due to issues with classified communication, information sharing agreements, and export controls.
Future Opportunities
This acquisition represents the first phase of a multi-phased strategy. Future competitive actions are planned for the receiver subsystem, system integration, and sensor C2 software efforts. The government also plans to acquire Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) for the receive subsystem.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Capt William West at william.west.36@us.af.mil.