A02-Limiting-Competition-under-SAT-0011608871-PacStar-Communication-Module_KO Rev 1_Redacted.pdf

Control No: JA-21-08-1051

Version – February 2017

Memorandum for Record – Limiting Competition at or below the Simplified

Acquisition Threshold

1. Contracting Activity: The contracting activity responsible for this action is the United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702.

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-on Requirement

Contract Vehicle: Purchase Req. Numbe __________________

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

Name of Proposed Contractor(s) and Address:

Pacific Star Communications, Inc.

15055 SW Sequoia Pkwy, Ste 100 Portland, OR 97224

Brand Name Buy: Yes No

3. Description of Services or Supplies: TATRC requires the purchase of a brand name PacStar 400 series small form factor, modular communications system for ongoing research projects being conducted at TATRC. TATRC’s research projects require a tactical communications system that includes routing, switching, advanced network services, and server modules in lightweight packaging designed with a wide variety of power options. The communications modules must be capable of being mounted in a Smart Chassis that provides the capability to house up to five (5) modules and provides mechanical and electrical, or in a standalone capability that may be utilized as a stand-alone entity, or as components in a larger system.

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:

Only one brand, PacStar, is capable of providing the communications system that can meet the Government’s requirements. PacStar is the only company that provides a small form factor, modular communications system capable of being integrated into the existing tactical radio system already deployed in the field for TATRC’s ongoing research projects. It is imperative that the system being purchased be 100% compatible with the existing two (2) PacStar Series 400 small form factor, modular communication systems already in use by TATRC for ongoing research products. TATRC is looking to expand its current capabilities by purchasing two (2) additional PacStar Series 400 small form factor, modular communication systems. The entirety of the design of the PacStar Series 400 small form factor aligns with the specifications deemed essential for the research aims of virtual hospital technology development and COVID-19 research in the National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network (NETCCN) testing environment.

Additionally, from September 2020 to April 2021 TATRC participated in Cyber Quest 20 and 21 at Fort Gordon, GA with the Air Force Research Lab and the Cyber Center for Excellence (Fort Gordon). Through participation in these exercises it was determined that TATRC needs to test and evaluate telemedicine applications such as the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit (BATDOK) on the same devices fielded during Cyber Quest, which included the PacStar Series 400 small form factor, modular communication system.

Only the PacStar Series 400 small form factor, modular communication system will meet TATRC’s research objectives. The PacStar Series 400 small form factor communications system is unique and highly specialized. TATRC requires this communication system to continue research projects with partners such as Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, which is using this same communications system. Without this system, TATRC and NETCCN’s mission to provide care extension to remote locations, including surge and forward operating environments, will be at risk for failure.

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 ______________________.

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 $250K, 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: Market research was conducted in May 2021 – July 2021 by the requiring activity and the contracting team. Market research determined that PacStar is the only brand that provides a product capable of providing a small form factor, modular communications system for TATRC’s ongoing research projects capable of being integrated with the existing tactical radio system already deployed in the field. TATRC requires this communication system to continue research projects with partners such as Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, which is using the same communications system, which limits our market research. Only the PacStar Series 400 small form factor, modular communications system will meet TATRC’s research objectives. Pacific Star Communications, Inc. is the only vendor that can provide the required communications system.

8. Other Facts: TATRC previously purchased two (2) PacStar Series 400 small form factor, modular communications systems under Delivery Order W52P1J-16-D-0016- B313.

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.