03-Algorithm Development 2020 IHMC - Sole Source JA_SWarner_KO.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

This justification is executed by the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC), Silver Spring, MD, on behalf of Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton, WPAFB, OH to procure a 1-year follow-on contract to the previously awarded algorithm development contract to IHMC. The contract will allow a continuation of expertise in algorithm development to support the development and seamless integration of multiple physiologic monitors and environmental sensors for in-cockpit use in tactical aviation, as well as enhancing the originally developed algorithm to improve performance, identify compatible devices, and address adaptability to the aircraft application.

2. Nature and/or description of the action.

U.S. Navy and Air Force have developed sensors to integrate into tactical aviation to detect life-support system malfunctions and changes in operator functional state. These sensor packages include, but are not limited to, measures of FiO2, SPO2, CO2 state, heart rate, breath rate, cabin pressurization, breathing gas pressure, and acceleration forces. NAMRU-D requires a 1-year continuation of the previous contract awarded to IHMC for their efforts in algorithmic solutions to integrate sensor data and provide real-time signal processing and data interpretation to support in-flight monitoring of life support system performance and operator functional state. The government intends on awarding a 1-year, firm fixed price contract. The proposed source is the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), 40 South Alcaniz Street, Pensacola, FL, 35202.

3. Description of Supplies or Services:

To combat the operational safety threat associated with Unexplained Physiological Events (UPEs) the U.S. Navy and Air Force have developed sensors to integrate into tactical aviation to detect life-support system malfunctions and changes in operator functional state. These sensor packages include, but are not limited to, measures of FiO2, SpO2, CO2 state, heart rate, breath rate, cabin pressurization, breathing gas pressure, and acceleration forces. Multisensory arrays will provide a wealth of information to diagnose and mitigate UPEs. However, developers must identify algorithmic methods to integrate sensor data and provide real-time signal processing and data interpretation.

The system must automate interpretation of data from multisensory arrays and identify problems before the operator is negatively affected. System performance must be seamless, possess high sensitivity and specificity, be capable of operating under harsh environmental conditions, and provide concise and accurate information to both the operator and ground crew regarding dangerous changes in life-support system performance and/or operator functional state.

To achieve this requires artificial neural networks that learn individual operator normative values in-flight as well as individual-specific changes that accurately predict negative performance effects.

This must be accomplished using adaptive sampling from multisensory networks through autonomous central processing units capable of real-time data integration and interpretation with high sensitivity and specificity to operator threat identification.

Iterative algorithm testing and verification can occur multiple times throughout the contract period of performance, however, final algorithm software delivery must occur at least one month prior to contract expiration. An operations manual and training must be held shortly after the delivery of the algorithm software. Vendor must have access to iRAT/ WAWF for NMRC to make payment.

NAMRU-D; LPGH-3 ($74,407), LP6H3 ($75,506), LPBH3 ($50,000) FY 2020 funds, estimated in the total amount of $200,000.00 will be used to procure the 1-year algorithm development contract continuation.

4. Identification of the statutory exceptions permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory exception permitting other than full and open competition for this acquisition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1); only one responsible source, <$250k.

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

IHMC was previously awarded the algorithm development contract; their efforts were extensive. The follow-on contract is needed to enhance the originally developed algorithm to improve performance, identify compatible devices, and address adaptability to the aircraft application as new developments/sensors/updates have been made within the past year.

IHMC possesses unique expertise in the development of algorithms and signal processing solutions for mobile instrumentation packages in harsh environments. Ongoing work at IHMC develops multisensory systems with embedded machine learning functions for novel field-deployable sensor arrays that detect and quantify parameters of environmental health to support organism physiological stasis. IHMC experts have demonstrated success in the development and commercialization of both sensor hardware (chemical, biological, and physical) and real-time signal processing solutions for multisensory arrays. IHMC experts have also shown success in the development of human-machine interfaces to present data from multisensory arrays through augmented visualization and natural language processing. Experts from IHMC possess strong publication records in the areas of algorithm development for adaptive sampling from mobile and autonomous sensor networks and aerospace physiology including work to identify and classify common UPE causal factors. There is no other identified team with these unique capabilities in both aerospace physiology and signal processing for multisensory array development.

6. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

Market research was performed, the results of which are in paragraph 8. This requirement will be posted to NECO and/or FedBizOpps in accordance with FAR 5.202. The Government will evaluate any responses received.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer shall determine the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this Justification and Approval will be fair and reasonable by conducting a price analysis before an award is made. In addition, the Government anticipates that the negotiated contract price will reflect a discount from the vendor’s commercial price list and will be determined fair and reasonable.

8. Description of the market survey conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

A. Prices from previously purchased algorithms in were reviewed on various sites to compare with the estimated cost from IHMC for the desired algorithm. Research on these contracts was completed between JUN 2019-MAY 2020. The process for each algorithm development is comparable to the process needed for this desired algorithm. The website for the U.S. Department of Defense was used to look at the various contracts that have been awarded for the service similar to the one provided by IHMC. Within the archives for recent contracts, the prices for the vendors below were found and documented. For each of the reviewed contracts, a pdf file of the contract information page is attached.

B. Iterative algorithm testing and verification can occur multiple times throughout the contract period of performance, however, final algorithm software delivery must occur at least one month prior to contract expiration. An operations manual and training will be provided shortly after the delivery of the algorithm software. Vendor must have access to iRAT/ WAWF for NMRC to make payment.

C. The following includes a range of prices encountered for previously executed algorithm development contracts, as well as the quote received from IHMC:

1. Infoscitex shows a price of $48,443,038 on 24 Aug 2018 for a previously purchased algorithm. Each requirement of the algorithm was met. The contract here is expected to be completed by 25 August 2023. https://www.infoscitex.com/; (781) 890-1338

2. HRL Laboratories LLC shows a price of $9,911,662 on 1 May 2018 for a previously awarded algorithm development contract. Project completion is estimated at 1 May 2022.

https://www.hrl.com/; (310) 317-5000

3. Northrup Grumman shows a price of $7,255,244 on 24 April 2018 for a previously awarded algorithm development contract. Completion is expected by December 2019.

http://www.northropgrumman.com/Pages/default.aspx; (516) 575-0574

4. Northrup Grumman shows a price of $475,000,000 on 5 March 2018 for a previously awarded algorithm development contract. Completion is expected by 2 March 2023.

http://www.northropgrumman.com/Pages/default.aspx; (256)830-3227

5. Modern Technology Solutions shows a price of $10,000,000 on 23 October 2018 for a previously awarded algorithm development contract. Project completion is estimated for 25 August 2019. https://www.mtsi-va.com/; (703) 564-3800

6. Modern Technology Solutions Inc. shows a price of $11,141,208 in JAN 2020 for a previously awarded algorithm development contract. Project completion is projected for JAN 2025. http://www.mtsi-va.com/; (800) 313-6874

7. The Design Knowledge Co., shows a price of $15,000,000 in July 2019 for a previously awarded algorithm development contract. Completion is expected by Sept. 2025.;

http://www.tdkc.com/; (937)427-4276

8. RDA Inc., shows a price of $9,324,321 in DEC. 2018 for a previously awarded algorithm development contract. Completion is expected by DEC. 2022.

http://www.rdainc.com/company.html; 215-340-9514

9. IHMC quoted a price of $200,000 in May 2020. https://www.ihmc.us/.

9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

The requirement for algorithm development was awarded to IHMC in September 2019 through contract number N32398-19-P-0063, totaling $116,000.00. The extensive efforts of IHMC produced the product. Sensor research and development has continued throughout the past year and necessitated enhancements to the existing and current algorithm development. As IHMC and their experts are currently in development, a 1-year, follow-on contract to the existing IHMC contract is needed.

10. Listing of Sources, if any, which expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

To date, no other sources have written to express an interest. This requirement will be posted on FedBizOpps in accordance with FAR 5.202. Any sources expressing interest in response to the synopsis will receive consideration.

11. Statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

Future requirements will be synopsized in accordance with FAR 5.203. For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, NMLC has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NAMRU-D will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible. However, there is constant attention to the market to insure that shall technology change, the source selection is reconsidered. U.S. Navy Subject Matter Experts are required to take into consideration the impact on the installed base of equipment when source selection occurs. All necessary components of integrated logistics support are taken into consideration.

12. Point of Contact.

The point of contact at the Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, regarding the contents of the sole source justification is , Deborah M. Sharpe, who may be reached at (301) 319- 6471 or Edilberto Calma 301-319-6481.

The point of contact at Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton regarding the contents of the Justification and Approval is Stephanie Warner, who may be reached at 937-938-3917, stephanie.warner.3@us.af.mil.

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

BY NAVSUP 4200.83 series

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and approval and which form a basis for this justification are complete and accurate.

Technical Cognizance

937-938-3917 1 JULY 2020

Name (PI): Stephanie Warner Phone Date Title: Biomedical Engineer Department/Command: Environmental Physiology / NAMRU Dayton

Requirements Cognizance

937-938-3871 1 JULY 2020

Name (Dept Head): CDR Cheryl Griswold Phone Date Title: Naval Aeromedical and Operational Physiologist (NAOP) Department/Command: Environmental Physiology / NAMRU Dayton

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Deborah M. Sharpe Phone Date Contracting Officer

Edilberto P. Calma Phone Date Contracting Officer

Technical Cognizance