This document serves as a Justification and Approval (J&A) for the Department of the Air Force to engage in other than full and open competition procedures to procure data analysis services from Aries Consulting and Integration LLC. The proprietary data analysis software, vital for operational and test planning, is exclusive to this vendor, who controls the source data and holds the engineering authority. The contract is set for one base year, with four one-year options, culminating on September 21, 2029.
Market research indicated no alternative vendors could fulfill the requirement, and previous solicitations on the System for Award Management (SAM) yielded no interest. The only qualified personnel are from Aries Consulting, due to their unique capabilities and experience with this proprietary software. The contracting officer will assess pricing comparably through GSA and other contracts to ensure fair costs.
No current plans are in place to maximize competition given the exclusivity of the requirement, although future needs will be defined to minimize any barriers. The document underscores the necessity of sole sourcing due to the unique qualifications and proprietary nature of the services offered.
Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) plans to award a sole source contract to Aries Consulting and Integration LLC for Threat Information File (TIF) Data Analysis Services to support the 72nd Test Squadron. This decision aligns with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) and is aimed at aiding mission planning by providing on-site analysis of current TIF data, thereby informing operations related to the B-2 enterprise. The contract falls under NAICS code 541330, with a small business size threshold of $47 million, and is classified under Service Code R425. The anticipated contract award date is on or after 20 September 2024, and inquiries can be directed to specified contacts at the Air Force. Overall, this initiative emphasizes the importance of accurate data analysis in enhancing military operational effectiveness.