Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity - Speed Loader Agile Pod
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, on behalf of USSOCOM, has issued a Special Notice titled "Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity - Speed Loader Agile Pod." This notice details the intent to procure the production, modernization, and sustainment of the Speed Loader Agile Pod (SLAP) system through an existing Eglin Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) IDIQ. This is not a solicitation for proposals, but a justification for a sole-source award to Systima Technologies Inc., citing their unique capability to provide the highly specialized SLAP system.
Scope of Work
The acquisition includes:
- Production of 40 SLAP pods.
- Procurement of ancillary materials, spares, and shipping containers.
- Establishment of a depot-level (D-Level) capability for pod repair.
- Routine Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) for technology integration and enhancements.
- Design review and delta environmental qualification testing.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, and/or Cost Reimbursable.
- Duration: Forty-eight (48) months, including option periods.
- Funding: Mix of Department of War (DoW) Procurement, Operations & Maintenance, and RDT&E Appropriations.
- Published Date: March 24, 2026.
Evaluation
This document serves as a justification for an exception to fair opportunity under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B), stating that only Systima Technologies Inc. is capable of providing the required unique and highly specialized SLAP system. A Sources Sought notice was previously issued, and only Systima responded.
Additional Notes
The SLAP system is a unique design developed with prior government investment. Transitioning to another vendor would incur substantial time and expense. USSOCOM will continue to monitor industry and emerging technologies for future competition opportunities.