SPRRA1-26-R-0021 CELL, FUEL, AIRCRAFT

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the acquisition of "CELL, FUEL, AIRCRAFT" (NSN: 1560-01-537-5290) on a sole source or limited competition basis, rather than through full and open competition. The acquisition is for a military unique requirement not available in the commercial marketplace.

• The primary item being procured is a "CELL, FUEL, AIRCRAFT".

• The contract type is a 3-Year Indefinite Delivery Requirement (IDR) / Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Quantity is specified as 23 minimum / 33 maximum.

• Contract type: 3-Year IDR / FFP.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but implied by the 3-year IDR.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated in dollar amounts, but the approval level indicates it is over $900,000 and not exceeding $20,000,000.

This document is a justification for sole source, not a solicitation. Therefore, there are no proposal submission or evaluation instructions.

• This acquisition is restricted to only one or a limited number of sources.

• The justification cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as the statutory authority.

• Two approved sources for this military unique requirement are identified: Robertson Fuel Systems and Kampi Components.

• A Sources Sought notice was posted on SAM.gov from December 5, 2025, to December 10, 2025, and no interested vendor responses were received.

• The document indicates that firms are encouraged to seek source approval to compete for future solicitations by submitting a SAR at a provided URL.

• Technical data is not available and cannot be developed to permit full and open competition.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0001) extends the solicitation due date.

• Solicitation due date.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended from February 9, 2026, to March 9, 2026, at 01:00 AM.

• All other requirements remain unchanged.

Other / Unclassified

This document provides an orientation on the First Article Testing (FAT) process, specifically for Contractor Tested scenarios. It outlines the purpose, scope, processes, and procedures related to the first article approval clause (FAR 52.209-3). The document is for informational purposes and is not part of the contract's terms and conditions. It clarifies that this orientation does not constitute direction to perform tasks or modify existing contracts, and any contract-related questions should be directed to the Contracting Officer.

• Purpose of FAT: To assure the Contractor's capability to manufacture a product conforming to contract requirements.
• Government Participation: The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) is expected to participate.
• FAT Process: Begins with a meeting to review scope and agree on conduct. A contractor representative serves as a point of contact. The Contractor is responsible for the test and providing necessary facilities and equipment.
• First Article Test Report (FATR): This is the key deliverable, forming the basis for FAT acceptability. It must include all contractually required information.
• Courtesy Review: Contractors can request a courtesy review of the draft FATR by the government Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) to identify potential causes for rejection.
• Exit Brief: Conducted upon completion of FAT to discuss findings and resolve differences.
• FATR Approval: The FATR must be annotated by the DCMA QAR recommending approval/disapproval and routed through the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) to the Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO).
• Disapproval: If disapproved, another FAT may be scheduled after corrective actions are implemented.
• Production Commencement: Starting production for the balance of the contract quantity is at the Contractor's sole risk unless written authorization is granted by the PCO.
• Common FATR Rejection Causes: The document lists common reasons for FATR rejection, such as missing DCMA participation evidence, lack of quality program evidence, missing certifications, lack of traceability, wrong material used, unrecorded dimensional checks, unverified packaging, and unperformed functional tests.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, the "FIRST ARTICLE WAIVER WORKSHEET - Revision E," is a form used to request a waiver or partial waiver of First Article Testing (FAT) requirements for an item being procured under a DoD contract. It serves as supporting documentation for such a request.

• Current Acquisition Information: Details about the buyer, solicitation/contract number, NSN, part number, and item nomenclature.
• Type of Request: Specifies whether a "Full Waiver" (all FAT waived) or "Partial Waiver" (specific tests waived) is being requested. Partial waivers are not accepted for aviation items.
• Justification to Support Waiver Request: This section requires detailed information to support the waiver, including:
  • Whether the item has been manufactured and delivered under a DoD contract within the past 3 years.
  • Where the item was manufactured (in-house or sub-tier).
  • If manufacturing planning has changed since the last delivery.
  • Whether a successful First Article Test (FAT) has been completed for the same or similar item on a previous contract within the past three years, and if manufacturing facilities, equipment, and processes remain the same.
  • Whether a FAT has been performed on a next higher assembly.
• Other Pertinent Information: Sections to disclose any quality issues (e.g., PQDRs, CARs) or changes to manufacturing data or subcontractors.
• Attach Supporting Documentation: Instructions for attaching relevant documents.
• Submission: A certification statement and fields for the submitter's printed name, title, company name, address, and phone number.

This form is critical for bidders who believe they have grounds to request a waiver from First Article Testing. It outlines the specific information and justifications the government requires to consider such a waiver. Bidders must accurately complete this form and provide supporting documentation to substantiate their request, which can impact the overall contract requirements and testing obligations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for the procurement of aircraft fuel cells for the CH-47 Chinook weapon system. It is a limited source requirement, with only two approved sources: ROBERTSON FUEL SYSTEMS, LLC (CAGE 1T765) and KAMPI COMPONENTS CO (CAGE 72016).

• The primary deliverable is aircraft fuel cells (NSN: 1560-01-537-5290).

• First Article Test (FAT) is required.

• IUID markings are required.

• Packaging and marking must comply with MIL-STD-129.

• Specific preservation, cleaning, wrapping, cushioning, and packing codes are detailed.

• Wood packaging material (WPM) must be ISPM-15 compliant.

• This is a three-year Indefinite Delivery Requirements (IDR) Firm Fixed Price effort.

• Funds will be obligated/cited upon issuance of each delivery order.

• The estimated quantities are not a guarantee of requirement or order.

• Year 1: Award through Day 365 DACA

• Year 2: Day 366 DACA through Day 730 DACA

• Year 3: Day 731 DACA through Day 1095 DACA

• Delivery orders are subject to FAR 52.216-21.

• Offers are due by 01:00 am local time on 2026-02-09.

• Proposal submission instructions are detailed in Section L.

• Evaluation criteria are detailed in Section M, with past performance and technical factors being significantly more important than cost or price.

• The government may make a trade-off between non-price factors and cost or price.

• This is a limited source requirement.

• A subcontracting plan applies to requirements over $950K.

• DPAS rated order (DO).

• Accelerated delivery is encouraged at no additional cost to the Government.

• No history for competitive buys.

• WAWF (Wide Area WorkFlow) will be used for payment requests and receiving reports.