80TECH24Q0043 - Brand Name_Redacted.pdf

Rev.:5/2024

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROCUREMENT OFFICE (ITPO)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(JOFOC)

For NASA LaRC TE Connectivity Optimus System

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.303-2(b)(1) – Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Justification for other than full and open competition.”

This document is a justification for other than full and open competition prepared by

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Information Technology Procurement Office (ITPO).

The procuring agency is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the contracting activity is the NASA Information Technology Procurement Office (ITPO).

2. FAR 6.303-2(b)(2) – The nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This justification provides the rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition to award a contract with a brand name description for TE Connectivity. NASA Langley Research Center requires the purchase of additional TE Connectivity Optimus hardware necessary to complete the needs of the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel (14x22) Electronically Scanned Pressure System Replacement. The full scope of the system needs was not identified until after the initial partial implementation at 14x22 and it has been determined that additional components are required.

3. FAR 6.303-2(b)(3) – A description of the supplies or services required, to meet the

Agency’s needs (including the estimated value):

The 14x22 Wind Tunnel is a large-scale subsonic wind tunnel which provides the capability to perform experiments on large scale aerodynamic test articles in takeoff and landing configurations, and low speed configurations. These experiments rely heavily on surface pressure measurements, both within the test article and on the external walls, ceiling, and floor of the tunnel. These high accuracy pressure measurements are required to ensure data capable of informing engineering decisions, as well as for comparison with flight data and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. In order for 14x22 to efficiently test, it is required to have enough equipment to fully instrument the current test article, while maintaining the capability to instrument the test article which is being built up for the next test. With current test articles requiring around 1200 pressure measurements of varying pressure ranges, pressure system test buildup can take months. This has required the need to procure an additional Optimus system, with 4 new 1-psid modules capable of measuring 64 ports each, 2 new 5-psid modules with 64 ports each, and the supporting hardware capable of supporting up to 1200 pressure measurements, while maintaining the capability of using existing systems for wall measurements, model preparation, and system development/spare.

The total estimated price of the proposed order is $ and the estimated lead-time for delivery is 60 weeks from the effective order date.

4. FAR 6.303-2(b)(4) – An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C.

3204(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(c) Application for brand-name descriptions.

5. FAR 6.303-2(b)(5) – A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

The rationale supporting the use of 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(c) is outlined below.

TE Connectivity is the required brand name for the TE Connectivity Optimus Hardware, as there are no other sources for this product. NASA Langley has invested significantly into the TE Connectivity Pressure Systems Inc (PSI) product line, which includes the Optimus and associated Electronic Scanning Pressure (ESP) modules. The Optimus is advertised as compatible with legacy modules, while still able to support the state of the art digitally thermally compensated (DTC) modules. With over 450 modules currently in use at Langley with an average replacement cost of $ each, the Optimus system is seen as an ideal solution to phase replacement and upgrade of aging center wide pressure measurement devices across Langley. The 14x22 has over 120 modules and supporting hardware in its inventory and was determined to be a good starting place for the strategic effort to replace ESP capabilities.

The 14x22 Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) architecture and software were developed to specifically interface with the Optimus system and modules, performing special configuration, in-situ calibration, and driven reference pressure capabilities. The DAS architecture includes special hardware to interface with timing modules and pressure calibration units which are part of the Optimus system. The facility has invested decades in training on the installation, maintenance, diagnostics, and operation of the Optimus system.

The facility has developed databases to inform how often preventative maintenance on this hardware should be performed to replace important O-rings which enable the system functionality and can get dirty or dry quickly in a wind tunnel environment. The use of alternate systems will require time to determine the appropriate preventative maintenance schedule and reliability, and if maintenance can be performed by end users. This increases risk to schedule and budget for test programs for NASA wind tunnels. The facility is also very familiar with how the information the system provides can lead to quick identification and resolution of pressure tubing and electrical connection issues. It would take many years (>5) to develop the level of familiarity, documentation, and training with a different product.

Selection of another product will deliver unknown data quality and unknown reliability.

Significant long-term testing and validation would have to be performed to verify vendor

9. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9) – Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

NONE

10. FAR 6.303-2(b)(10) – A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in writing in the acquisition:

N/A – Brand Name Justification.

11. FAR 6.303-2(b)(11) – A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

The Agency will continue to examine the market in the future for alternative solutions or new sources before executing any subsequent acquisitions for the same requirements. Due to the nature of the expressed requirement, there are no known actions which the agency may take to give consideration for any alternatives.