Sole_Source_Memo_Redacted_FBO.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION MEMO

FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS

From: , Code 612

To: Simplified Acquisition Branch, Code 02

Subj: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

1. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED SUPPLIES/SERVICES, ESTIMATED

VALUE, AND DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD), Code 612 is tasked to provide engineering and material testing support for the PMS 397 Diesel Exhaust Program. The Navy requirement is for Rising Step Load testing on four different government-furnished alloy samples, (6 specimens for each type of alloy), each with a measured size of 1” x 0.4” x 6”. The Rising Step Load testing, per ASTM F1624-12 guidelines, is the standard test method for measurement of Hydrogen embrittlement thresholds in steel.

The contractor shall notch and pre-crack the government-furnished alloy specimens followed by the RSL testing. The RSL testing will measure the threshold stress intensity of the four alloy specimens after 5,000 hours of thermal exposure to temperatures ranging from room temperature (control specimen) to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. The procurement of these testing services will allow Code 612 to determine which alloy is most susceptible to a time-delayed failure by measuring the onset of subcritical crack growth.

The estimated value of this procurement is . The period of performance for the requested testing services is from the contract award date through 31 March 2019.

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SOLE SOURCE BASED ON

CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE

ACQUISITION

The procurement is for services of a highly technical nature and only one firm can perform these services. L. Raymond & Associates developed and commercialized the ASTM F1624-12 test technique and is the only source for providing the specified test services, as verified through a Market Research Survey. While the test technique is not proprietary, as anyone can perform the test based on publicly available ASTM standard, the testing services are currently only offered by L. Raymond & Associates.

Furthermore, L. Raymond & Associates is a manufacturer and wholesaler of certain specialized equipment that is used to perform the requested engineering and material testing services. Market research was able to identify private companies and universities who have purchased the equipment used for the ASTM F1624-12 testing, but these entities do not offer the commercial testing services that are requested. L. Raymond & Associates has unique facilities that are capable of supporting the type and quantity of specified testing services in the required amount of time.

3. MARKET SURVEY

The NSWC Carderock Division, Physical Metallurgy and Fire Protection Branch are one of the Navy’s experts in materials testing. The Physical Metallurgy and Fire Protection Branch works with NAVSEA, the entire Naval Enterprise, academia, and industry to understand the materials testing market. This includes insight into the various testing technologies and their respective capabilities. The Physical Metallurgy and Fire Protection Branch maintains this knowledge through routine attendance at industry conferences such as The TMS 2017 Annual Meeting, and through active committee participation in related professional societies such as the American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM). The Physical Metallurgy and Fire Protection Branch surveyed market capabilities during the 1st Quarter of FY 2017 of all comparable materials testing laboratories. Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10, by telephone calls to vendors and an internet search. L. Raymond & Associates was identified as the only source for the required services.

Furthermore, at the US Naval Academy, was contacted as a potential source to provide the required services. However, due to the large number of specimens that require testing and program deadlines, he responded that he would not be able to satisfy the requirements of the contract.

Market research was also conducted through various internet search engines in regards to ASTM F1624-12 testing. These internet searches produced published guidelines for administering the “Standard Test Method for Measurement of Hydrogen Embrittlement Threshold in Steel,” but did not result in any companies or institutions that offer the testing services. These guidelines were PDF formats that were originally published in various different technical and scientific journals as proper testing techniques.

Finally, in accordance with DFARS PGI 206.302-1(d), the Government issued a Sources Sought through FedBizOps, on 30 October 2017. No responses were received and no parties identified an interest or capability to meet the requirements as requested in the sources sought synopsis.

4. ADDITIONAL FACTS

None.

5. CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

I certify that the statements and information provided above, are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the processing of this sole source justification precludes the use of full and open competition.

Signature of Requisition Originator Date

Signature of 1 Level Supervisor Date

Signature of Contracting Officer Date