Justification & Approval - Baxter Aerospace Sole Source Award
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, under the DEPT OF DEFENSE, has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for a sole-source award to Baxter Aerospace. This action supports the urgent procurement of Tactical Airborne Communication Kits (TACKits), associated Field Service Representatives (FSRs), and digital subscriptions under contract FA861226CB002.
Scope of Work
The contract covers the manufacture and installation of TACKits for Air Force aircraft, provision of necessary digital subscriptions for kit operation, and the deployment of FSRs for initial installation, training, and ongoing system sustainment.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Justification for Sole-Source Award (Undefinitized Contract Action - UCA)
- Award Date (UCA): March 27, 2026
- Anticipated Definitization: By August 06, 2026
- Estimated Value: Not-to-exceed [REDACTED]
- Published: April 29, 2026
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This action is a sole-source award to Baxter Aerospace due to an "unusual and compelling urgency" and their unique qualifications. Baxter Aerospace is identified as the original vendor and the only known source capable of meeting the immediate need due to their existing design, testing, and qualification of the TACKit system.
Additional Notes
The urgency stems from recent aircraft losses and the critical need to rapidly equip aircraft for Operation Epic Fury. Market research indicated Baxter Aerospace was the only vendor capable of providing the required design, manufacture, and support. The Air Force is actively conducting further market research for future competitive acquisition of TACKit requirements.