Independent Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) Benefits Analysis= =20 Single Source Justification The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in its evaluation of navigation s= ervices has concluded the use of satellite-based navigation systems is the = most effective and efficient source for civil navigation. The LAAS is an in= tegral part of the FAA=E2=80=99s transition from a=20 ground-based navigation and landing system to a satellite-based system.=20 To support the transition, the FAA awarded a contract to IBM on June 29, 20= 02, for an independent LAAS benefits analysis. The FAA intends to expand th= e scope of IBM=E2=80=99s original tasking to include a detailed analysis of= the user baseline, incremental capabilities, societal benefits, and LAAS a= s an enabling technology. In accordance with AMS 3.2.2.4, Single Source Selection, the FAA intends to= award IBM a single source contract to complete the independent LAAS Benefi= ts Analysis. A decision milestone is scheduled in November 2004, to determ= ine whether to proceed to Phase II. The FAA needs a completed analysis by = October 2004, as the analysis is critical to the decision. Completing the L= AAS Benefits Analysis on time is critical to minimizing program schedule ri= sk. The FAA anticipates that the cost and time to complete the analysis wo= uld increase if another contractor is selected.=20 The FAA has decided to mitigate the risk of cost and schedule impact to the= program by making a decision to single source the completion of the LAAS B= enefits Analysis. The FAA=E2=80=99s decision to single source the procureme= nt is based on the FAA=E2=80=99s need to mitigate the risks identified abov= e, to obtain the analysis in a timely manner to support schedule, and at a = reasonable cost. =20 IBM has demonstrated on the existing LAAS Benefits Analysis contract that i= t has the knowledge and resources to satisfy program requirements. IBM has = developed a large database of airline and airport operations, customized so= ftware necessary to perform the analyses, and has assembled staff with spec= ialized skills. This allows IBM to complete the independent LAAS Benefits A= nalysis within the time required and at a reasonable cost. =20 To avoid an unacceptable level of program risk and to maintain the FAA=E2= =80=99s program schedule at a reasonable cost, the FAA has determined it is= in the best interest of the Government to award the contract on a single s= ource basis to IBM. =20 This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not a request f= or competitive proposals. Responses to this announcement will not be consid= ered.

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