4.03 Sole Source Justification_Maser DTC Upgrades_Redacted.pdf

Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Describe in detail why only this source can furnish the requirements to the exclusion of other sources. (what specific characteristics of the supplies or services limit the availability to a sole source (e.g., unique features, function of the item, etc.)?)

The supplies or services must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit and function) with existing systems presently installed/performing. Describe the equipment/function you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system.

The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) is responsible for the production and dissemination of Precise Time, Astrometry, and Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) to the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) for use in navigation under DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4650.06. The USNO requires an ensemble of the most stable and accurate atomic frequency standards to maintain the DoD Master Clock and support the warfighter. Additionally, the USNO requires that these frequency standards have excellent long term reliability and availability. The MHM2010 series noise, most stable, and reliable commercially available atomic frequency standard available today. The number and quality of frequency standards the USNO possesses has a direct impact on both the quality and long and short term availability of the DoD Master Clock.

A patent, copyright or proprietary data limits competition.

The Microchip MHM2010 is the only domestically produced active HMaser and is the backbone of the USNO clock ensemble. The device is an extremely sensitive piece of equipment that cannot be easily moved from its deployed location and is required to run for long periods of time (>10 years) without failure. The combination of proprietary technology, unique experience, and stringent uptime requirements necessitates that only the original manufacturer service the device.

Maintaining proper operation of these instruments and returning them to operation as soon as practical in the event of failure is the focus of the proposed requirement.

Market research revealed that Microchip Technology, Inc. products and services are the only commercially available that can provide the required reliability, performance, and capability, thus meeting time-transfer techniques within the USNO and directly connected Department of Defense (DoD) customers of the USNO are very dependent upon these products and services. By procuring Microchip Technology Inc. propriety equipment, USNO is guaranteed mission success with uninterrupted performance levels. Furthermore, procuring equipment and services from another manufacturer would require an entire system overhaul, which would be cost prohibitive and would require a substantial amount of funding, plus additional training, increasing the overall cost to the Government.

Other information to support a sole source action:

These are repair parts/components for existing equipment, including an electronics upgrade package, as the old electronics are too obsolete for repair. This repair of the HMasers will be conducted at the Microchip manufacturer factory, and this service is not resold by any other vendor. The equipment identified, the HMaser, is unique to this vendor, Microchip, and is proprietary in nature, featuring both technical and security capabilities that meet the stringent performance requirements

Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Document number: N6228525RC01T2T

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF

MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROCESSING OF THIS SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

PRECLUDES THE USE OF FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION.

Date

Title

I HEREBY DETERMINE THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CONTRACT ACTION DEEM ONLY ONE

SOURCE REASONABLY AVAILABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).