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Notice Type: Synopsis of Contract Action (SOCA) – Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) Martin-Baker F-35 Pilot Training Seat
J&A Statutory Authority: FAR 6.302-1-10 USC 2304(c)(1)- Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
Contract Award Date: TBD
Contract Award Number: TBD
Synopsis:
The United States Air Force Test Center/Directorate of Contracting (AFTC/PZIEB), Edwards AFB, CA intends to issue a sole source contract to Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd., Lower Road Uxbridge, UB9 5AJ, United Kingdom, for the for the acquisition of sixteen (16) F-35 High Fidelity Simulated Cockpit Ejection Seats for the 412 EWG/EWJ in support of Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) program. A high-fidelity F-35 cockpit seat is required for the high-fidelity F-35 simulator that will be used by JSE as the System Under Test (SUT) for both Developmental and Operational Test, as well as High End Advanced Training and Tactics Development purposes. The F-35 High Fidelity Simulated Cockpit Ejection Seat from Martin-Baker is modeled after the Martin-Baker US16E Ejection Seat, which is the cockpit seat that is used in all F-35 aircraft variants. The contract will be executed by means of other than full and open competition, as Martin-Baker is the OEM of the F-35 Training Cockpit Seats and is retaining ownership of the Intellectual Property of the hardware and that the design of the hardware is proprietary to Martin-Baker having been developed exclusively at private expense.
The authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 USC 2304(c)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, and required by FAR 6.303-2(b)(4).
Martin Baker manufactures the F-35 aircraft ejection seat (F-35 Mk16 US16E) and the replica version, and as such owns the design information required to manufacture a high-fidelity simulated ejection seat. These seats include the aircraft-specific connections for the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system. Martin-Baker simulated ejection seats are used in all known high fidelity F-35 simulator crew-stations - the only application for this product. The ejection seat replication needs to be as nearly identical to the aircraft as the technology permits. The non-kinetic functionality of the F-35 ejection seat, e.g., ejection seat is actuation, seat adjustments, backup O2 controls, seat arming/seat safe, etc., is needed for the simulation architecture. The high-fidelity LM cockpit integrated to JSE, including all cockpit, controls, displays, HOTAS, etc., relies on the proper fit, function, and technical performance of the replica Martin-Baker hardware.
The Government requests that initial feedback, comments and questions be submitted no later than fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of this notice posted to www.fbo.gov. In accordance with FAR 5.207(c)(16)(ii), all responsible sources may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the agency. Please submit all questions, comments and feedback regarding this SOCA via e-mail to the following Points of Contact by June 3rd, 2021 by 1:00P.M. PST:
No telephone responses will be accepted. Any information submitted by respondents to this Synopsis of Contract Action is strictly voluntary. To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such, and will be properly protected from disclosure. No classified information shall be submitted. Any response submitted by respondents to this Notice of Contract Action constitutes consent for that submission to be reviewed by Government personnel.
The Air Force Test Center has appointed an Ombudsman to consider and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. Concerned parties should address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer for resolution prior to consulting the Ombudsman. Additionally, Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation (AFFARS) 5352.201-9101 – Ombudsman, will be included in any potential solicitation and contract for this acquisition. The AFTC Ombudsman contact information is as follows: Air Force Test Center Vice Commander 1 South Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3784. Phone Number (661) 277-2810, Facsimile Number (661) 277-7593, Email: [email protected].
DISCLAIMER AND NOTICE: This is a courtesy Synopsis of Contract Action only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that AFTC/PZIEB, will take procurement action in this matter. This is NOT a request for proposals, applications, proposal abstracts, or quotation. This courtesy Notice of Contract Action only shall not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government. Further, the Government will NOT be responsible nor reimburse any submitters of information for any cost incurred in furnishing this information. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.