CARA AN/APN-232 Receiver Transmitter

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for the procurement of AN/APN-232 Combined Altitude Radar Altimeter (CARA) Receiver Transmitter (RT) assemblies. The requirement is for 11 each, supporting Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requisitions. The contracting activity is SPRWA1 DLA/AWB, with purchase request number FD2060-24-00419.

• Procurement of AN/APN-232 CARA Receiver Transmitter (RT) assemblies.

• The RT is a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) installed in the F-16 platform and consists of circuit card assemblies, power supplies, a switch filter assembly, motherboard, and RFA.

• The specific National Stock Number (NSN) is 5841-01-349-9175, with Part Number 8010000788-1.

• The contract will be Firm-Fixed Price.

• The period of performance for manufacture production will be one year.

• The estimated acquisition cost is based on a quote from Symetrics Industries, LLC dba Extant Aerospace.

• This is a sole-source justification, not a solicitation for proposals.

• Market research was conducted, including a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) posted on Sam.gov (Notice ID SPRWA1-00419), which yielded only one interested vendor.

• The contracting officer will determine the anticipated cost to be fair and reasonable based on certified cost or pricing data, program office analysis, and Defense Contract Management Agency input.

• The justification cites FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."

• The sole source identified is Symetrics Industries, LLC dba Extant Aerospace (CAGE Code: 22830).

• The government does not possess the complete technical data package (TDP) or government purpose data rights to pursue a full and open competition.

• Extant Aerospace purchased the CARA system technical data rights from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in October 2018 and has declined to sell or partner on the TDP.

• Reverse engineering is not feasible due to the minimum 2-year timeframe required, which is not acceptable for the FMS country's timeline.

• The item is considered peculiar for military application and not a commercial item.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document details the specifications and requirements for "LABEL, UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION (UID)" construction, specifically for Machine Readable Information (MRI) and Human Readable Information (HRI) markings. It outlines the syntax, semantics, and physical characteristics of these labels.

• MRI Symbol Requirements: Adherence to MIL-STD-130 for MRI, including fitting within designated areas and meeting readability standards. Unique Item Identifier (UII) construction is specified.
• HRI Requirements: Font type and readability per MIL-STD-130, fitting within marked areas.
• Part Number Format: A specific format (200945085-[DASH NUMBER][MATERIAL DESIGNATION]) is defined.
• Table 1: Material/Specification: Lists various materials (e.g., TESA SECURE 6973 PV6, 3M SCOTCHMARK #7847, aluminum foil, corrosion resistant steel) with their corresponding specifications and manufacturers.
• Label Types: Details for "LABEL, UID, DISK," "LABEL, UID, SQUARE, MRI ONLY," and "LABEL, UID, RECTANGLE, MRI ONLY" are provided, including dimensions (A, B, C, D, E, H, J) and specific dash numbers.
• Manufacturing Notes: Instructions for local manufacturing, including laser etching per AS 478-15B.

This document is crucial for bidders who will be responsible for marking items with UID labels. It provides the technical specifications and material requirements necessary to ensure compliance with government standards (MIL-STD-130) for item identification and traceability. Bidders must understand these requirements to correctly procure or produce and apply these labels to the items being delivered under the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Item Unique Identification (IUID) Checklist, detailing requirements for marking items with a Unique Item Identifier (UII) in accordance with DFARS 252.211.7003. It outlines the specific procedures and standards for applying IUID markings to items requiring them.

• Item Requiring IUID Marking: Specifies the NSN (5841013499175) and Noun (RECEIVER-TRANSMITTER).
• Marking Guidance: Mandates compliance with the latest version of MIL-STD-130.
• Marking Type: Data Label.
• Marking Method: Laser Etched.
• Description/Location: Contractor determines the location per MIL-STD-130.
• Specific Instructions: Details the application of a 2-D UID matrix using Tesa tape 6973 or equivalent, with specific size requirements (0.15 inch by 0.42 inch minimum). It also includes instructions for surface preparation and label application.
• Embedded Items: Section II addresses IUID marking for embedded items.
• Attachments: References "200945085 UID Label size.pdf".

This checklist is crucial for bidders who will be responsible for manufacturing or supplying the specified item (NSN 5841013499175). It clearly defines the mandatory IUID marking requirements, including the method, materials, and application procedures. Bidders must ensure their processes and deliverables comply with these specifications to meet contract requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, DD Form 1653, provides detailed transportation data for solicitations. It outlines recommended F.O.B. terms, transportation provisions, clauses, and funding information necessary for the procurement process. Bidders should use this information to understand shipping responsibilities and costs associated with the opportunity.

• F.O.B. Terms: Specifies whether the terms are 'Origin' or 'Destination'.
• Transportation Provisions/Clauses: Lists relevant FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) citations related to transportation.
• Transportation Funds Information: Details Line of Accounting (LOA), Account Codes, and funding sources.
• Item/Ship To(s): Provides National Stock Numbers (NSN), Purchase Instrument Line Item Numbers, Ship-to DoDAAC/MAPAC, Mark For information, and addresses for delivery.
• Requisition Number & Supplemental Address: Identifies specific requisition and supplemental addresses for shipment.
• FMS Case: Indicates if the shipment is related to Foreign Military Sales.

This form is crucial for bidders to understand the logistical requirements of the contract. It clarifies who is responsible for transportation costs and arrangements (F.O.B. terms), provides specific delivery locations and contact information, and details the funding allocated for transportation. This information is essential for accurate proposal pricing and planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines specific packaging requirements for items being procured, referencing military standards for packaging, packing, and marking. It details requirements related to wood packaging material (WPM) and compliance with international phytosanitary standards.

• WPM Compliance: Specifies restrictions on WPM due to invasive species, requiring debarked wood and heat treatment (HT) to 56°C or 133°F for 30 minutes. Certification/marking by an ALSC-recognized agency is mandatory.
• Packaging Requirement: MIL Long Line Packaging.
• Preservation and Packaging Levels: MIL and Level B, respectively.
• Coded Data: Includes specific details for unit pack, unit weight, dimensions (length, width, depth), and cube.
• Marking Requirements: Mandates compliance with MIL-STD-129 for shipping and storage markings, and specifies additional marking/bar coding requirements for shipping containers, including unit serial numbers and OEM information as per AFMC Form 158.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise packaging, packing, and marking standards that must be adhered to for the items being procured. Failure to comply with these military standards and international regulations regarding WPM could lead to rejection of goods or other contractual issues. Bidders must ensure their proposed packaging solutions meet all specified requirements, including material treatments, dimensions, and marking protocols.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (SPRWA1-26-R-0003) for the procurement of "TRANSMITTE - RECEIVER" units. The acquisition is being conducted as a "Request for Proposal" (RFP) and is set aside for "Small Business".

• The primary deliverable is a "TRANSMITTE - RECEIVER" unit that transmits and receives CW R/F signals to determine absolute AGL aircraft altitude. The components are aluminum, phenolic, and electronic.

• Higher Level Contract Quality Requirements: AS9100:2015 or latest standards are required.

• Certified cost or pricing data is required for proposal submission.

• Item Unique Identification (IUID) is required in accordance with the attached "Item Unique Identification (IUID) Checklist" dated 27 June 2025.

• Serviceable items must be accompanied by condition paperwork (e.g., DD Form 1574/-1, FAA, Certificate of Conformity, DD Form 250) and a 24-month warranty certificate.

• The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

• Multiple line items are listed for the "TRANSMITTE - RECEIVER" with varying quantities and delivery dates.

• Delivery dates are specified as "29 MAY 2026" for most items.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated but implied by the delivery dates.

• Offers will be received until 30-MAR-2026 at 11:59 PM.

• Proposals must remain valid for 120 days.

• A formulated excel pricing model is required, including direct labor hours, direct and indirect labor rates, material, other direct cost, and profit.

• A consolidated bill of materials (CBOM), basis of estimate (BOE), and travel documents (if applicable) are also required.

• Evaluation criteria are not detailed in this section.

• This acquisition is a "Small Business" set-aside.

• The solicitation is rated under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS).

• Foreign Military Sales (FMS) are indicated for some line items.

• Various clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference, covering areas such as inspection, acceptance, packaging, marking, and payment instructions (WAWF).