VRAT Terrain IDIQ

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity / Brand-Name Restriction

This document justifies an exception to fair opportunity for a brand-name acquisition. The U.S. Air Force (AFMC AFSC OL:H/PZIEB) is procuring software and licenses for the Visual Threat Recognition and Avoidance Trainer (VTRAT) program. This is a new brand-name contracting action to establish a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with an initial task order.

The acquisition is for Blackshark.ai's REPLIKA Globe Software Development Kit and associated terrain content and licenses. Key components include:

• REPLIKA Globe Software Development Kit w/Unreal Engine Plugin (annual subscription, pro-version, self-hosting capability)
• Blackshark.ai Synthetic 3D Low Resolution Globe (permanent license)
• Blackshark.ai SYNTH3D High Resolution 3D Content (permanent license, 50cm MAXAR Color Imagery/30m DEM)
• Blackshark.ai SYNTH3D Simulator Runtime License (runtime license per simulator)

The requirements emphasize realistic map data, including actual height data for terrain and buildings, terrain suitable for flight simulators, standalone operation, importability into Unreal Engine and Unity, and compatibility with FAA and DoD airport chart standards. High-fidelity day and night terrain performance is critical.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) IDIQ contract.
• Period of Performance: 5 years.
• Delivery: 30 Days After Receipt of Order (ARO) for initial task order.

This document is a justification for a brand-name acquisition, not a solicitation. The acquisition is anticipated to be solicited on a competitive basis, with market research indicating adequate price competition to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. Price Analysis techniques will be used.

This justification is for a brand-name item. The contracting officer determined that Blackshark.ai is uniquely capable of fulfilling the requirement due to its "unique or highly specialized" nature, specifically its seamless integration with Unreal Engine and ability to meet FAA/DoD airport standards. Alternative solutions would require extensive custom development, leading to increased costs and schedule delays.

• The VTRAT program is undergoing a significant redevelopment of its graphical system, incorporating the Unreal Engine Plugin for enhanced visual fidelity and immersive training.
• Acquiring this as a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product is expected to offer significant cost savings compared to in-house development.
• The government will continue to explore other viable support options for future acquisitions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (FA822226QB006) is for the procurement of VTRAT Terrain from BlackShark AI for simulation mapping with Unreal Engine integration, intended for the 309th Software Directorate. The government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price contract.

The solicitation includes the following items:

• REPLIKA Globe Software Development Kit w/Unreal Engine Plugin (Annual Subscription License, Pro-version - Self Hosting, Content Capability, Sensor not required, Includes SW update during active subscription).

• Blackshark.ai Synthetic 3D Low Resolution Globe (Permanent License for VTRAT Program, Whole Low Resolution Earth Globe, 10M MAXAR Color Imagery, 30-90M Digital Elevation Model).

• Blackshark.ai SYNTH3D High Resolution 3D Content (2,000 sqkm, Permanent License, 50cm MAXAR Color Imagery/30m DEM, Full SYNTH3D Extraction area of interest, Non-sensor material).

• Blackshark.ai SYNTH3D Simulator Runtime License (Runtime license per simulator, Permanent License, License to execute SYNTH3D content on locally hosted simulators, Non-keyed).

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Ordering Period from 01 May 2026 to 30 Apr 2030 for all line items.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated in the provided pages, but NAICS code 513210 has a size standard of USD 47,000,000.00.

• Offer Due Date: 16 Apr 2026, 10:00 AM.

• Questions/Comments Due: 31 March 2026, 1000 MT.

• Submission Method: Written offers via electronic mail to audrey.armstrong.4@us.af.mil.

• Evaluation Basis: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Offers will be evaluated on proposed Total Price. Only the lowest priced proposal will be evaluated for technical acceptability. The contract will be awarded to the company with the lowest price that also fully meets all specifications.

• Registration: Firms or individuals responding must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 513210.

• Size Standard: USD 47,000,000.00.

• The solicitation incorporates by reference FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4. DFARS clause 252.204-7024 (Notice on the Use of the Supplier Performance Risk System) is also incorporated.

• A Performance Work Statement is attached as document 01.

• The government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation.