A.02.Limiting Competition redacted.pdf

Control No: JA 21-07-00361

Memorandum for Record – Limiting Competition at or below the Simplified

Acquisition Threshold

1. Contracting Activity: U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, acting on behalf of the U.S. Army Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC).

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-on Requirement

Contract Vehicle: Purchase Order Number ___0011663471 ___ __

Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Number ____________ Order/BPA# _______ against FSS Contract #_____ ______ Order #___________ against Multiple Award IDIQ Contract Name or #______________

Order #_______ against a single award IDC Contract

Modification # _______ to existing PO/TO/DO/Call Order

Pricing/Contract Type: Fixed Price Time & Materials/Labor Hours Cost Reimbursable Hybrid

Funds: Operations & Maintenance, Army (OMA) Other Funds: Defense Health Program (DHP) Research and Development (R&D) (2 Year appropriations)

FY: 2020/2021

Name of Proposed Contractor(s) and Address:

4K Solutions, LLC 11255 Rambling TRL Midland, GA 31820

DUNS: 827623526

CAGE: 55FR8

Khepra, Inc.

28310 Roadside DR STE 246 Agoura Hills, California 91301-4945

DUNS: 080618900

CAGE: 837F2

Alvarez, LLC 8251 Greenboro Dr.

Tysons Corner, VA 22102 Duns: Y928UVG75CT6 Cage:35LK3

Brand Name Buy: Yes No

3. Description of Services or Supplies: This is a Brand name only requirement in support of Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), Medical Modeling Simulation, Informatics and Visualization (MMSIV) Lab. This procurement is for a Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) Mobile Broadband Kit with embedded 4G LTE modem integrated into a mil-spec case that provides 4G/LTE back-haul networking.

The Mobile Broadband Kit must provide back-haul networking in support of MED-RAS research projects at validation and training exercises in addition to prolonged field care training at TATRC lab.

The system must support First Responder & Emergency Management operations. The system must include a Cradle point IBR1700 series model router with an embedded LTE Advanced 600 Mbps 4G LTE modem. This modem must support worldwide, SIM-based, Auto-carrier selection and also FirstNet; Band14 MC400 modem. The system must support approximately 50-60 devices. The system must include a 4K Rugged Power Center (RPC-8) LifePo4 power supply that provides 12-14 hours of run time. The system must be integrated into a mil-spec case. The System must include one year of replacement warranty coverage on all hardware and support 4G/LTE back-haul networking.

The system must be field-upgradable with 2nd modem (second wireless carrier) for continuous connectivity + Precision GPS with dead-reckoning that enables location-based applications + OBD-II support for vehicle health and diagnostics reporting + Extensibility with GPIOs, Router SDK, NCM API. And include a 4G M2M ClearRF WRE5500-S Cellular Amplifier WRE5500-S that enhances 4G signal strength and extends signal range of any cellular-based devices used for telemetry. The WRE5500-S enables devices to communicate to and from the cell tower which is vital for companies that require real-time data communications and visibility from remote telemetry systems and assets. The WRE5500-S connects in-line with any cellular router, modem, module or existing telemetry system.

TATRC also requires Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Intelligent Core System to support networking and radio equipment configured for the US Army Futures Command that includes a Gridless CORE UPS with 1000AC Rapid Charger for 1 hour charge time, a 250V Auto charging cable, and a 200W foldable solar panel.

Additionally TATRC requires the 4K Solutions Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Mobile Communication Solution configured for the US Army Futures Command.

that consists of; • 2x Cambium MLOS CK, PTP700 radios • Rugged case with custom laser-cut foam inserts This system will be used to extend tactical communications to Fort Detrick training Area B.

The complete part list is provided below:

4K Solution custom Mobile Broadband Kit (MBK)-Part# 4K-MBK-17PDP-SA3 – Qty.1 4K Solution custom Antenna Accessory Kit –Part# 4K-AC-17-PP-SMW-Qty.1 4K Solution Integrated Mobile Radio Gateway–Part# 4K-MRG-4V-CS- Qty. 2 4K Solution Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Intelligent Core System – Part# 4K-DRC-1CSS-AFC- Qty. 1 4K Solutions Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Mobile Communication Solution – Part# 4K-DRC-MCS-CR-AFC

Required Delivery Date (RDD): 30 October 2021

Total Value: $ 97,145.00.

4. Authority:

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), only one source reasonably available, urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization.

Or

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) and 8.405-6(b)(1)Brand Name FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A) Urgency FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) Only One Source is Capable FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C) Logical Follow-on

Or

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) Only One Awardee is Capable FAR 16.505(a)(4) Brand Name FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A) Urgency FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C) Logical Follow-on FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D) Minimum Guarantee

5. Reasons for Authority Cited:

The 4K Solutions Brand Mobile Broadband Kit (MBK) manufactured by 4K Solutions is the sole product in the marketplace, that was located by market research that meets the minimum essential characteristics (MECs) outlined in Section 3 of the subject document. The entirety of the design aligns with the specification deemed essential for the research aims of Virtual Hospital technology development and COVID-19 research in the NETCCN testing environment.

Required MEC: The Mobile Broadband Kit with embedded 4G LTE modem integrated into a mil-spec case that provides 4G/LTE back-haul networking. The internal 4G modem shall accept SIM Cards to all backhaul communications or networking.

Required MEC: The system shall support First Responder & Emergency Management operations. The system must include a Cradle point IBR1700 series model router with an embedded LTE Advanced 600 Mbps 4G LTE modem. This modem must support worldwide, SIM-based, Auto-carrier selection and also FirstNet; Band14 MC400 modem. The system must support approximately 50-60 devices. The system must include a 4K Rugged Power Center (RPC-8) LifePo4 power supply that provides 12-14 hours of run time. The system must be integrated into a mil-spec case. The System must include one year of replacement warranty coverage on all hardware and support 4G/LTE back-haul networking.

Required MEC: The MBK shall be field-upgradable with 2nd modem (second wireless carrier) for continuous connectivity + Precision GPS with dead-reckoning that enables location-based applications + OBD-II support for vehicle health and diagnostics reporting + Extensibility with GPIOs, Router SDK, NCM API. It shall include a 4G M2M ClearRF WRE5500-S Cellular Amplifier WRE5500-S that enhances 4G signal strength and extends signal range of any cellular-based devices used for telemetry. The WRE5500-S enables devices to communicate to and from the cell tower which is vital for companies that require real-time data communications and visibility from remote telemetry systems and assets. The WRE5500-S connects in-line with any cellular router, modem, module or existing telemetry system.

It is critical that the MBK system purchased be fully compatible with the current 4K Solution MBK System at TATRC.

6. Publicizing Contract Actions: For FAR Part 13 actions, the public display and synopsis requirements of FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203 do not apply due to the $ threshold, apply and will be followed, or do not apply due to an exception at

5.202 (a)(13)(i) is for an amount not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition amount.

Requirement to post justification in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(b)(3), FAR 13.105(c), or FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii)(A)

Action is NOT a brand name restriction and is under $150K, no posting required

Action is a brand name restriction, under $25K, no posting required Action is a brand name restriction, over $25K. It will be redacted and posted with the solicitation.

Action is a brand name restriction over $25K but will not be posted due to exception:

FAR 6.305(f) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(A)

FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(B) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(C) FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii(C)

7. Market Research: TATRC conducted extensive market research into the available options for mobile broadband. Only 4K Solutions, LLC Brand Mobile Broadband Kit (MBK) was found to be capable of meeting all of the Government’s needs. 4K Solutions is the manufacture and distributor of the system.

Market research was conducted from 27 May 2020 through 31 July 2020 by the requiring activity: Larry Markins (TATRC) and refined by MAJ Jessie Hart (USAMRAA).

Market research included an internet search; review of the Government Service Administration (GSA) schedule; discussions with the manufacturer; emails to companies to obtain quotes for providing the services outlined in the MECs; and publishing an RFI on Army CHESS. The goal was to find potential sources capable of providing the desired mobile broadband kit outlined in the MECs. Three small businesses were located (4K Solutions, CDCE Inc., and DH Wireless Solutions) DH Wireless Solutions offers “5G” compatible devices – which exceeds the requirement - and a rugged aluminum housing for the router but does not connect to FirstNet. CDCE connects with FirstNet but uses a non-rugged router. Of the three companies located-only 4K Solutions provides for both the connection to FirstNet and has a rugged router that meet TATRC research need.

TATRC currently has 1 MBK system purchased under contract #W81XWH20C0110 that is utilized in various exercises training events and demonstrations. The requested radio systems have been evaluated a multiple field exercises such as Cyber Quest 20 and 21 at Fort Gordon, GA with the Air Force Research Lab and the Cyber Center for Excellence (GORDON). Through participation in these exercises it was determined the only brand available that can meet all of the requirements identified in the MEC for this requirement is 4K Solutions brand Mobile Broadband Kit

Moreover, market research determined that 4K Solution has authorized small business resellers (Khepra Inc., and Alvarez, LLC). As two small business resellers were located (in addition to the manufacturer, who is a small business), proposals will be solicited solely from small businesses (the manufacturer and 4K Solutions authorized small business resellers).

8. Other Facts: TATRC previously purchased 1 MBK System and is purchasing additional systems and accessories on the request that only 4K Solutions Brand MBK can provide.

9. Technical/Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

10. Contracting Officer Certification/Approval: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based upon price analysis.

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that completing this purchase as a sole source is in the best interest of the Government. Additionally, I approve this justification to limit competition subject to the availability of funds and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.