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Contract Opportunity

Justification Review Document for Other Than Full and Open Competition

Program/Equipment: Phoenix Aircraft Arresting Control System (PAACS) based on Motorola

ACE3600 controller for Aircraft Barrier Arresting Kits (BAK) for Single Runway hardware and

installation, a long lead item. This requirement includes installation of equipment to control a

new BAK14M system from existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) control tower

located at Tucson International Airport, co-located, and used by the 162d Wing to meet its

training mission.

Authority: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)

Amount: $107,542.00

1. Contracting Activity: AZANG, 162 WG, Mission Support Contracting

2. Description of Action: The 162 Wing Civil Engineer (CE) Squadron is requesting a new

contract to be established with Cambridge Park Investments LLC, DBA: Global Data Specialists

(GDS), 1815 W 1st Ave Ste 110, Mesa, AZ, 85202-1147; CAGE 6D1J9, on a sole source basis,

due to compatibility with existing equipment.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: The order is to purchase a new Phoenix Aircraft Control

System for a newly installed BAK 14M system (Single Runway hardware and Installation), so it

incorporates the latest technology (ACE3600). The requirement calls for installation of

communications equipment to control the aircraft arresting barrier from the existing Federal

Aviation Authority (FAA) control tower at Tucson International Airport. The contractor will

provide all labor and equipment to perform installation of new electronic control system for the

BAK-14M runway and tower panel control aircraft arresting system. Currently, there are two

operational runways with BAK-14M systems installed at each end of one runway, for a total of

two BAK-14 systems. With the new system installed on the cross runway, that will give a total

of three BAK 14M systems. The Tower Control system was pre-wired for the third runway, to

minimize downtime when the new BAK14M system became operational. This requirement is for

the Communications equipment which will interface with and operate the two existing BAK

14M aircraft arresting systems currently installed on the runway and used by the ANG. The new

BAK 14M requires radio communications from a centralized station (control tower). Remote

Terminal Units (RTU) with radios are required at the new BAK 14M location, in the control

tower, and in the ANG Barrier Maintenance shop.

4. Authority Cited: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1).

5. Reason for Authority Cited: The equipment being purchased must be compatible with the

existing equipment. Replacement equipment and upgrades are only available through Global

Data Specialists. Additionally, NGB has directed all units to standardize their equipment, by

using this radio control system (Motorola’s ACE3600).

Mission Impact: If the new equipment is not ordered and installed by the 30 June 2023 deadline,

the 162nd’s flying mission will be impacted because there will be no ability to operate the aircraft

arresting systems if wind direction changes and/or if main runway is shut down for any reason.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: A sources sought notice was posted for 15 days to the GPE

(SAM.GOV) on 10 Nov2022 and closed on 25 November 2022. Global Data Specialist is the sole

manufacturer of the BAK-14M System. Contact with the USAF Logistics and Aircraft Arresting

Systems Manager confirmed there is no other system that is authorized to operate on Air Force

airfields. The manufacturer confirmed they have no authorized resellers for their systems

7. Actions to Increase Competition: No specific actions are being taken since this purchase is

for the installation of equipment that is required by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

(AFLCMC). AFLCMC requires standardization of the equipment used to enable use of the

equipment across all AF components.

8. Market Research: Market research indicates that Global Data Specialists is the sole

manufacturer and supplier of the Phoenix Aircraft Arresting Control System (PAACS) based on

Motorola ACE3600 controller for Aircraft Barrier Arresting Kits (BAK) for Single Runway

hardware and installation. This information was also confirmed with the Air Force Life Cycle

Management Center (AFLCMC) and NGB A7OC/A4OC Scott Parish. Specific parts are

required by Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to ensure compatibility and

standardization.

9. Interested Sources: Global Data Specialists is the only vendor authorized, the required

equipment is manufactured and installed only by Global Data Specialists. Based on the market

research, equipment compatibility, and discussions with both, the Air Force Life Cycle

Management Center (AFLCMC) and NGB A7OC/A4OC Scott Parish. Sources Sought Notice

confirmed many interested sources but due to the capability requirements and stringent testing

necessities no other vendors have been qualified thus far.

10. Other Facts:

The barrier system is a controlled item by USAF and has been subjected to extensive tests and

an approval process prior to acceptance on USAF airfields, a process which takes years.

Configuration control by the USAF AFLCMC, ensures standardization of this equipment for

usage, training, and troubleshooting. The USAF has chosen the Phoenix Aircraft Arresting

Control System (PAACS) which is based on Motorola ACE3600 controller for the Aircraft

Barrier Arresting Kit (BAK) systems.

Civil Engineering Training Service Center (CETSC), which is a part of ANG HQ, would

typically work with bases to install this equipment after procurement. However, due to a

manpower turnover (recent retirement), personnel within the CETSC office currently do not have

the proper expertise and experience level for installing the BAK control systems. Instead, Global

Data Specialists, due to their experience and familiarity with USAF, ANG and FAA installations,

will install the BAK control system via contract. To gain the proper level of experience, CETSC

(ANG), plans to send individuals to work with the vendor when the 162d installs its BAK control

system upgrade at the Tucson International Airport.

For additional information see attached Justification and Approval Document. Contracting Officer is the POC for this Notification.

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