24-SIMACQ-N00-0006_JA_Redacted_05102024.pdf

PDF 136 KB Posted

Attached to
24-SIMACQ-N00-0006 SPY Target Covers
Solicitation number
N6339425P0002
Issued by

About this file

This document is a Brand Name/Sole Source Justification under $250K for the procurement of 3M ceramic targets for survey measurement applications. The Navy's Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Huddleston Division (NSWC PHD) requires these ceramic targets, which are designed to fit Spherically Mounted Retroreflectors used with laser tracker instruments to measure equipment angular orientation. 3M Technical Ceramics is identified as the sole source provider, as they are the only vendor authorized and approved to manufacture the proprietary silicon nitride ceramic material that meets the required specifications. Market research was conducted, but no other vendors were found to be capable of producing a material that is compatible with the Navy's existing systems. The justification notes that if 3M were unable to continue providing the material, significant testing and analysis would be required to qualify an alternative product, resulting in substantial duplication of costs. The related federal contract opportunity is for the award of contract N6339425P0002 to 3M Technical Ceramics Inc. for $58,281.92 on October 23, 2024.

View the file

On GovTribe

Work with this file

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Text version

Brand Name/Sole Source Justification under $250K

PMD Number: N63394-24-SIMACQ-PHD-N00-0006

Department: PD4 Fleet Readiness Portfolio Department

Company Name/Brand: 3M Technical Ceramics

Description of Product, Supplies or Services required to meet the needs:

NSWC PHD requires 3M Ceramic targets to be for survey measurement applications. These Ceramic targets are designed to fit Spherically Mounted Retroreflectors used with laser tracker instruments to measure equipment angular orientation

. The ability to measure ceramic targets directly affects lifecycle sustainment of new construction and in-service

Identification of Justification Rational:

The Material or service must be compatible will aspects (Form, Fit, and Function) with existing systems presently installed.

A patent, copyright, proprietary data, or licensing agreement limits competition.

These are parts/components for existing equipment.

Urgency.

Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( ). Insert the title of the authority IAW FAR 6.303-2(b)(4).

Identification of the Justification Rationale Explained: **If using form, fit, and function, describe the current equipment and how the new item/service must coordinate or interface.

**If using patent, copyright, proprietary data, describe the proprietary data. **If using direct replacement, describe this below.

The ceramic target material is used on board all s and . In order to maintain configuration management and to ensure that all ceramic target materials are interchangeable, and integration and interfaces are maintained, the ceramic target material must meet or exceed the material properties of the original ceramic target material.

All previous silicon nitride ceramic targets were purchased through and manufactured by 3M Technical Ceramics (f.k.a. 3M Ceradyne, Inc.). Material testing and analysis was conducted by NSWC Carderock on both the 3M Technical Ceramics legacy material and new 3M Technical Ceramics material to ensure the new material properties meet or exceed that of the legacy material. NSWC PHD Chief Scientist provided final approval and authorization allowing for the use of the 3M Technical Ceramics sintered silicon nitride (SSN) material onboard

No other ceramic target material was approved and authorized.

Specific Characteristics of the Item or Service required that Limit the Availability to a Sole Source or Brand Name: **This is the most important section. Explain in detail why this company or brand are the only ones that can meet the requirement.

As stated, 3M Technical Ceramics material is the only ceramic target material that has been approved and authorized for use . 3M Technical Ceramics is the only vendor that can manufacture this item due to the material specifications in support of ORDALT 77292. 3M does not have any third party and/or outsourced vendors. The ceramic material produced by 3M, which has been the only material used on for this specific application, is a proprietary material only offered, developed, and manufactured by 3M.

If 3M were no longer in service or unable to continue to manufacture the SSN material, NSWC PHD PD416 would have to conduct significant laboratory and shipboard testing and analysis in the development and research of another product, resulting in a substantial duplication of cost that is not expected to be recovered through competition. Currently, all ceramic products not produced by 3M do not meet the material physical requirements and would not be interchangeable for this US Navy application. Additionally, there would be unacceptable delays in fulfilling .

Market Research Conducted:

Market Research was conducted with Greenleaf, Coorstek, and Morgan Technical Ceramics.

Greenleaf will have to conduct analysis on 3M SSN material to determine if they can produce a similar material. At this time, Greenleaf does not produce SSN material. Coorstek does not produce any variation of SSN material. Morgan Technical Ceramics produces an SSN Nilcra E material; not all material properties meet the threshold requirements to that of 3M SSN, for the required naval application. Market Research was also conducted on all Mandatory Sources, and it was found that none of the sources could provide the required material.

Statement of Actions if any to Remove Barriers to Competition in the Future:

NSWC PHD Contracts Office will continue to conduct market research as warranted to provide a broader vendor base as applicable for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NSWC PHD will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.

Technical Representative:

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

Mechanical Engineer Signature:

Contracting Officer:

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

Myriam Padua-Preissler Contracting Officer Signature:

PADUA-PREISSLER.MYRIAM.1390814891 Digitally signed by PADUA-PREISSLER.MYRIAM.1390814891 Date: 2024.04.19 11:04:23 -07'00'

Legal Counsel:

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

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .