Ada Core Software
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, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RQQA), has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to make a sole source purchase from AdaCore Technology for software licenses and support. This acquisition is for GNAT Pro, GNAT DAS, and SPARK Pro to enable rigorous and formal verification of complex autonomy software for unmanned aerial vehicles. Responses regarding this sole source intent are due by April 21, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The requirement is for a one-year license and support for AdaCore's specialized software suite, anticipated from May 31, 2026, through May 30, 2027. This includes:
- GNAT Pro Enterprise: A complete development environment for critical software systems built in Ada/SPARK, C, and C++.
- GNAT Dynamic Analysis Suite (DAS): A comprehensive testing solution for automated unit testing, fuzzing, and code coverage.
- SPARK Pro: A collection of tools that perform formal verification of code written in the SPARK subset of Ada. These tools are essential for AFRL/RQQA's R&D of autonomy-related software, addressing a critical need for formally verified complex autonomy software emphasized by USAF and DoD strategic documents.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Sole Source Justification)
- Contracting Activity: AFRL/PZLET
- Place of Performance: Wright Patterson AFB, OH
- Anticipated Period of Performance: May 31, 2026, through May 30, 2027
- Response Due: April 21, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
- Published: April 14, 2026
Rationale for Sole Source
The government justifies this sole source acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) because AdaCore is the sole provider of GNAT Pro Enterprise, GNAT DAS, and SPARK Pro. AFRL/RQQA's pilot program identified SPARK Pro as the only feasible solution for formal software verification due to its unique language design, integrated specifications, automation, and certification support for safety-critical applications. Market research confirmed no other sources offer the same functionality, and switching to alternative languages would incur significant duplication of effort and cost.
Action for Industry
This notice serves as a justification for a non-competitive award. While the Contracting Officer has determined a single source is reasonably available, market research will continue to monitor for alternative sources. Companies believing they can provide equivalent formal software verification tools should engage with the contracting office to be considered for future requirements.