Your Options
Two Ways to Buy Without a Bid.
Depending on your agency's procurement policies and the equipment you need, one or both of these paths may be available to you. Many agencies use both.
Sole Source Justification
Under FAR 6.302-1, agencies can procure from a single source when patent rights make equipment available from only one vendor. CTS holds three US patents on the field-swappable mast platform. No competitor can legally manufacture an equivalent system. CTS provides a sole source justification letter referencing all three patents to support your agency's J&A documentation, at no charge. SOCOM has established precedent by validating CTS across all three mount configurations.
Best when:
Your agency requires a specific patented capability and your contracting officer is prepared to complete a Justification and Approval (J&A) document. CTS makes this easy with ready-to-use supporting documentation.
TIPS Cooperative Purchasing
TIPS is a national cooperative purchasing organization. Critical Tech Solutions (CTS) holds TIPS Contract #230105, allowing any eligible government agency to purchase CTS equipment at pre-negotiated pricing without going through a competitive bid. Available to local, state, and federal agencies in all 50 states. Zero membership fee to join. As CTS adds cooperative contracts, this path becomes even more accessible.
Best when:
Your agency already uses cooperative purchasing contracts or prefers a pre-established contract vehicle with minimal documentation. A standard PO referencing TIPS #230105 is all that is required.
TIPS Purchasing Process
How to Buy Through TIPS.
1
Confirm Eligibility
Verify your agency is eligible to use TIPS. Most government entities qualify — law enforcement, fire departments, emergency management agencies, school districts, and municipalities. Register free at tips-usa.com if not already enrolled.
2
Request a Quote
Contact CTS and reference TIPS Contract #230105. We will provide a formal quote configured to your mission requirements. No competitive bid process is required.
3
Issue a Purchase Order
Issue your agency PO directly to Critical Tech Solutions (Propel OPS, LLC) referencing TIPS Contract #230105. This satisfies procurement compliance requirements for local, state, and federal agencies in all 50 states.
4
Send PO to TIPS
Forward a copy of the PO to TIPS at tipspo@tips-usa.com for contract compliance reporting. No bid documents, no RFP, no delay.
Active Contract
TIPS Contract #230105
Vendor: Critical Tech Solutions (Propel OPS, LLC)
PO submissions: tipspo@tips-usa.com
Available Through TIPS & Sole Source
Eligible Products & Systems
All CTS products are available through both TIPS Contract #230105 and sole source justification at the same pricing shown on this website.
Rapid-Deploy Tower
The RATT System
Patented rapid-deploy tower platform in four configurations — hitch, tripod, wall mount, and solar trailer. RQ621, RQ610, and mast bundle options available. From ~$10,000.
View Products →Solar Trailer
FST-44 · FXT-44 · FXT-46
Autonomous remote solar trailers for long-duration deployment. From $49,995.
View Products →Masts & Accessories
Antenna & Telescopic Masts
Vehicle-mounted and fixed antenna mast systems for P25, RF, and communications elevation. Telescopic masts and mounting accessories also available. From ~$10,000.
View Products →Frequently Asked Questions
Procurement Questions, Answered.
What is TIPS and how does it benefit my agency?
TIPS is the Interlocal Purchasing System, a national cooperative purchasing organization that allows government agencies to buy from pre-vetted vendors at pre-negotiated pricing without a competitive bid. Critical Tech Solutions (CTS) holds TIPS Contract #230105. Any eligible local, state, or federal agency can reference this contract number to purchase RATT towers, solar trailers, and antenna masts directly from CTS.
What is sole source procurement and does our agency qualify?
Sole source procurement allows an agency to purchase from a single vendor without competitive bidding when that vendor holds unique capabilities no other source can provide. Under FAR 6.302-1, the existence of patent rights can make supplies available from only one source. CTS holds three US patents on the field-swappable mast platform. Whether your agency qualifies depends on your internal procurement policies and your contracting officer's determination. CTS provides a sole source letter to support the process at no charge.
Can local and state agencies use TIPS, or is it only for federal agencies?
TIPS is specifically designed for local and state agencies. Municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, state police agencies, fire departments, emergency management agencies, school districts, and municipalities in all 50 states are all eligible. Federal agencies typically use sole source justification or other federal contracting vehicles for CTS equipment.
Does using TIPS or sole source affect pricing?
No. The pricing on this website reflects the same pricing available through TIPS Contract #230105. There is no markup for using the cooperative purchasing vehicle and no membership fee for your agency. View our full pricing page for current model pricing and configuration options.
Can we use both TIPS and sole source for the same purchase?
Generally, an agency uses one path for a given purchase. TIPS is typically the simpler route for local and state agencies. Sole source is often preferred by federal agencies and agencies whose procurement policies require a formal justification document. Your contracting officer will determine the right path based on your agency's policies.
Is CTS equipment eligible for Homeland Security grants?
Yes. CTS equipment is eligible for Homeland Security grants, ARPA funding, and other federal and state grant programs commonly used by law enforcement and emergency management agencies. TIPS Contract #230105 simplifies the grant procurement process. Contact CTS for documentation to support your grant application.
How do we get started?
Contact CTS and reference your preferred procurement path — TIPS Contract #230105 or sole source justification. We will provide a formal quote and any supporting documentation your contracting officer needs. Use the Request a Quote form to get started.
Ready to Purchase
Two Paths.
One Call.
Whether you are going through TIPS or pursuing sole source justification, the first step is the same. Contact CTS, tell us your mission requirements, and we will handle the rest.
NDAA / TAA Compliant · TIPS Contract #230105 · 3 US Patents · Tennessee Built