Justification & Approval- Baxter Aerospace Sole Source Award

Background
The Department of the Air Force, specifically the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), is issuing a justification for a sole source contract awarded to Baxter Aerospace. This contract is critical for the immediate procurement of Tactical Airborne Communication Kits (TACKits) and associated services to support Operation Epic Fury.

Baxter Aerospace is uniquely qualified as they are the original vendor of the TACKit system, having co-developed, tested, and qualified it under previous contracts with the USAF. Their existing relationship and expertise position them to meet the urgent needs of the USAF effectively.

Work Details
The contract includes the manufacture and installation of Tactical Airborne Communication Kits (TACKits), which consist of digital subscriptions necessary for operation. Each TACKit requires specific components for functionality.

Additionally, Field Service Representatives (FSRs) will be provided to support operators during deployment, oversee installation on aircraft, and deliver initial training. The estimated value for this effort is Not-to-Exceed HE inclusive of all options. The USAF anticipates exercising options as early as May 2026.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
The prior award details indicate a confirmed incumbent relationship with Baxter Aerospace under contract FA248726DB001, valued at $2,383,860 for initial delivery of 46 F-15 Tactical Airborne Communication Kits (TACKits) during 01/29/26–01/28/29 (with an initial delivery order period also shown as 01/29/26–01/28/27). The current sole source justification for immediate procurement of TACKits and associated TACKit Field Service Representative (FSR) support/subscriptions appears to align with that earlier effort focused on manufacturing/delivery of the same TACKit system for F-15 operations, suggesting continuity in supplying and supporting the kit capability.