1.24 J&A_Final_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for the use of other than full and open competition for federal contract number J&A No. 25-230-0006. The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department in Monterey, CA, through NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego, is procuring a commercial machine from Metal Powder Works, LLC (Clinton, PA) that converts metal bar stock into metal powder for 3D printing and cold spray applications using the M-175 equipment.

The contract is a firm-fixed-price sole-source award with delivery required no later than 90 days after award and contract award contemplated by June 30, 2025. The procurement uses FY25 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) funds and supports the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE) educational and research objectives. The justification cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as the statutory authority, stating only one responsible source exists that can satisfy agency requirements. The M-175 system specifications include powder collection unit, 220V/120V operation, maximum dimensions of 9' x 6' x 8', lathe spindle speed of 6000 RPM with 15 HP power, ambient operation conditions, 150 micron sieve, versatility for multiple metal types including aluminum and steel alloys, and appropriate electrical/HVAC connections. Market research confirmed no alternative vendors could provide equivalent mechanical metal powder conversion capabilities, with atomization processes being the closest but limited alternative requiring high heat and chemical combinations.