2021-03-31_JA_SAP_Mersen_DisconnectSwitch_signed (002).pdf

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

Determination Memorandum for Sole Source Acquisitions Over $3,000 but not Exceeding $150,000

SOLICITATIONS MAY BE LIMITED TO ONE SOURCE ONLY IF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER DETERMINES THAT ONLY ONE SOURCE IS REASONABLY AVAILABLE. WHEN THE CUSTOMER DESCRIBES AN ITEM OR SERVICE, WHICH LIMITS THE AVAILABILITY TO ONE SOURCE, THE DETERMINATION MUST EXPLAIN WHY THE ITEM OR SERVICE PROVIDER IS THE ONLY ONE THAT WILL MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENT. STATEMENTS SUCH AS "ONLY KNOWN SOURCE" OR "ONLY SOURCE WHICH CAN MEET THE REQUIRED DELIVERY DATE" ARE INADEQUATE TO SUPPORT A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE. THIS FORM MAY BE USED IN LIEU OF THE DETERMINATION DESCRIBED IN FAR 13.106. THE CUSTOMER SHALL

PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

1. PURCHASE REQUEST OR REQUISITION NUMBER: 2. PROJECT/TASK NUMBER:

219TT-20-009

3. ESTIMATED AMOUNT:

$82,000.00

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED AND THE INTENDED USE:

Two disconnect switches, one single-pole double-throw (SPDT) and one six-pole double-throw (6PDT). Disconnect switches are large, mechanical switches that physically disconnect electrical contacts to isolate input from output. They are used throughout industry as energy-isolating devices to readily disconnect electrical power so that maintenance can be performed safely on high-power electrical equipment.

The Strategic Technologies Branch conducts Science & Technology (S&T) research to address capability gaps. S&T was awarded NISE funding to pursue technologies that will enable concurrent maintenance for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). At present, maintainers are unable to repair downed EMALS equipment while aircraft are launched on working catapults elsewhere in the system. In addition, maintenance cannot be performed until multiple hours after EMALS is turned off since it takes time for the system to shut down completely. Through research, S&T identified a potential solution to this high-priority capability gap. S&T plans to purchase disconnect switches and perform electrical testing to demonstrate feasibility for this application. If successful, S&T will transition the technology to EMALS.

5. UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS THAT LIMIT AVAILABILITY TO ONLY ONE SOURCE, WITH THE REASON NO OTHER SUPPLIES OR

SERVICES CAN BE USED:

EMALS is a unique, pulsed-power application that utilizes high voltages/currents to launch aircraft. Disconnect switches would be located in a Direct Current (DC) portion of the EMALS power architecture, and subjected to pulses of 2200VDC/2200A electricity, with the potential for even higher fault currents. No existing COTS disconnect switches were identified that meet EMALS requirements for several reasons: (1) Most disconnect switches are rated for continuous power, but EMALS only provides power when pulsing (3 sec) to launch an aircraft. (2) Most switches are rated for Alternating Current (AC) since power distribution networks primarily use AC; EMALS requires DC switches. (3) COTS switches are only rated for approximately 1500V/1600A, which does not meet EMALS requirements. (4) Many COTS switches are "load break" switches, that is, they can be actuated/switched while power is flowing through them; however, since EMALS power is pulsed (not continuous), switches will only be actuated while under no electrical load. Due to the uniqueness of the EMALS application, a unique disconnect switch is required. Mersen was the only company found that can produce a modified COTS/custom switch that meets EMALS requirements.

6. EXPLAIN WHY AN ADEQUATE PURCHASE DESCRIPTION OR OTHER INFORMATION SUITABLE TO SOLICIT MORE THEN ONE

SOURCE HAS NOT BEEN DEVELOPED:

Extensive market research was conducted, but only one company capable of meeting requirements (Mersen) was identified. An RFI was posted (twice). The RFI received no responses during the first posting. When it was reposted, S&T reached out directly to 20 companies to notify them about the RFI. In spite of this, Mersen was the sole-respondent. Since the RFI only contained basic requirements, a detailed specification (which is ITAR Restricted) was developed by S&T in collaboration with EMALS SMEs. In parallel, the team identified a switchgear SME at NSWCPD (Philadelphia) and discussed the application. He sent a datasheet for a similar but less capable switch used on submarines, and provided a list of switch POCs at Eaton, L3Harris, and DRS. Requirements from the spec were shared with these three companies and Mersen in November 2020. Mersen confirmed that they were still capable of meeting requirements and provided a quote and drawings. Eaton claimed they would review the spec, but have not provided a response to date despite multiple reminders. L3Harris has experience, but no solution and would require time/funding to potentially develop a product capable of meeting requirements. No response was received from DRS.

7. PROVIDE A STATEMENT OF ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE GOVERNMENT MAY TAKE TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO

COMPETITION BEFORE FUTURE ACQUISITIONS ARE REQUIRED:

The government team attempted to remove barriers to competition throughout. This included cold calling, posting two RFIs, directly notifying companies about the RFI, communicating with a NAVSEA switchgear SME, and contacting additional switchgear defense contractors. In the end, only Mersen responded that they were capable of meeting EMALS specifications, and provided information to support their claim. In order to prove that Mersen's switch meets or exceeds requirements, the switch must be tested to demonstrate feasibility. Mersen (after conducting extensive research in their own right), identified an accredited lab that can closely mimic EMALS pulses to test the switch electrically and thermally under repeated cycles. High-power switchgear is a small niche. Mersen appears uniquely suited to produce a product for the EMALS application due to prior experience in the high-power rail (traction) industry. The few other companies active in this space are unable or unwilling to provide a COTS, modified COTS, or custom product that meets requirements. Companies may be unlikely to invest upfront engineering costs required to develop such a specialized switch as profit potential is limited and commercial applications are nonexistent.

8. CUSTOMER

8a. Name: Sean Zabriskie 8b. Code: BL33500 8c. Phone#: 732-323-4708

8d. Signature/Date:

9. CONTRACTING OFFICER

9a. Name: Evan Schlisserman 9b. Code: BL34400 9c. Phone#: 732-323-4763

9d. Signature/Date:

NAWCTSD 4200/6 (REV 06/24/2013)

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

Determination Memorandum for Sole Source Acquisitions Over $3,000 but not Exceeding $150,000 SOLICITATIONS MAY BE LIMITED TO ONE SOURCE ONLY IF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER DETERMINES THAT ONLY ONE SOURCE IS REASONABLY AVAILABLE. WHEN THE CUSTOMER DESCRIBES AN ITEM OR SERVICE, WHICH LIMITS THE AVAILABILITY TO ONE SOURCE, THE DETERMINATION MUST EXPLAIN WHY THE ITEM OR SERVICE PROVIDER IS THE ONLY ONE THAT WILL MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENT. STATEMENTS SUCH AS "ONLY KNOWN SOURCE" OR "ONLY SOURCE WHICH CAN MEET THE REQUIRED DELIVERY DATE" ARE INADEQUATE TO SUPPORT A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE. THIS FORM MAY BE USED IN LIEU OF THE DETERMINATION DESCRIBED IN FAR 13.106. THE CUSTOMER SHALL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

8. CUSTOMER

9. CONTRACTING OFFICER

NAWCTSD 4200/6 (REV 06/24/2013)

9.0.0.2.20120627.2.874785

The Strategic Technologies Branch conducts Science & Technology (S&T) research to address capability gaps. S&T was awarded NISE funding to pursue technologies that will enable concurrent maintenance for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). At present, maintainers are unable to repair downed EMALS equipment while aircraft are launched on working catapults elsewhere in the system. In addition, maintenance cannot be performed until multiple hours after EMALS is turned off since it takes time for the system to shut down completely. Through research, S&T identified a potential solution to this high-priority capability gap. S&T plans to purchase disconnect switches and perform electrical testing to demonstrate feasibility for this application. If successful, S&T will transition the technology to EMALS.