The U.S. Air Force has announced its intent to award a sole-source contract to Parsons Corporation for two Javelin+ Mobile Biometric Collection Kits. The notice, issued by the 81st Contracting Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, was posted on May 15 and cites Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) as the basis for non-competitive procurement.
According to the special notice published on SAM.gov, the government has determined that only Parsons can meet the requirements of the procurement, which involves field-ready biometric equipment capable of collecting facial, fingerprint, and iris data. The Javelin+ kits are designed to operate with Parsons’ proprietary Ares biometric software and backend infrastructure.
Specialized Field Biometric Capability
The Javelin+ Mobile Biometric Collection Kit is a rugged, Android-based unit tailored for military and tactical use. It integrates a two-finger Sherlock fingerprint sensor, single-iris camera, and standard smartphone camera into a compact form factor, allowing for multimodal identity checks in the field. The system is built to support a range of missions including checkpoint validation, detainee processing, and humanitarian operations.
Procurement documents suggest the Air Force views the Javelin+ system as uniquely qualified to fulfill its requirements. A supplemental attachment outlines the system’s “salient characteristics,” reinforcing the rationale for a sole-source acquisition.
Opportunity for Industry Response
While the notice is not a request for competitive proposals, the Air Force will consider capability statements or alternative quotes submitted by May 22 at 11:00 AM CDT. Interested vendors must demonstrate that they can meet or exceed the technical and operational specifications outlined in the solicitation documents.
Unless a compelling alternative is presented, the contract will proceed as a direct award to Parsons under the 8(a) sole-source provisions of FAR Part 19.8. The point of performance for the contract is Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, under the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
Source: SAM.gov
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May 15, 2025 – by Cass Kennedy
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