Justification & Approval- Baxter Aerospace Sole Source Award

SOL #: ABMS-FA861226CB002JustificationSole Source

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA8612 AFLCMC C3BM C3
DAYTON, OH, 45434-7104, United States

Place of Performance

Saint George, UT

NAICS

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290)

PSC

Hardware And Software For Dedicated Satellite And Rf (Microwave) Communications Equipment Carrying Data Network Circuits, And Associated Access Facilities. Radio And Tv Signal Generation, Broadcast, And Distribution Components, Handheld 2 Way Radio, And Other Rf Communications Systems. (7G22)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
May 1, 2026

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 has published a Justification & Approval (J&A) for a sole-source contract award to Baxter Aerospace. This J&A supports the immediate procurement of Tactical Airborne Communication Kits (TACKits), TACKit Field Service Representatives (FSRs), and associated subscriptions, citing Unusual and Compelling Urgency.

Scope of Work

The contract covers:

  • Manufacture and installation of TACKits.
  • Provision of digital subscriptions required for TACKit operation.
  • Field support services to sustain the kits.
  • Support for operators during the familiarization phase, including flight-line installation, initial training, and sustaining operations.

Contract & Timeline

  • Type: Justification for Sole Source Award (FA861226CB002)
  • Contract Vehicle: Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) previously awarded to Baxter Aerospace.
  • Anticipated Action: USAF anticipates exercising UCA options as early as May 2026 and definitizing the UCA at or below the Not-to-Exceed value.
  • Set-Aside: Other Than Full and Open Competition.
  • Published: May 1, 2026.

Evaluation

This document is a justification for a sole-source award, therefore traditional submission and evaluation processes are not applicable.

Additional Notes

  • Vendor Justification: Baxter Aerospace is identified as the original vendor and uniquely qualified due to prior co-development, testing, and qualification of the TACKit system.
  • Urgency: The urgency is directly related to supporting Operation Epic Fury.
  • Market Research: Market research indicated Baxter Aerospace was the only known source capable of meeting the urgent requirement without significant delays.
  • Future Plans: The Air Force is conducting ongoing market research for long-term TACKit requirements to support future competitive acquisitions.
  • Place of Performance: Saint George, UT, United States.

Contact Information

People

Points of Contact

Laura RittenhousePRIMARY
laura.rittenhouse@us.af.mil

Files

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Versions

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Justification
Posted: May 1, 2026
Justification & Approval- Baxter Aerospace Sole Source Award | GovScope