A03 JA Solidworks redactedRedacted.pdf

J&A Control #: 20-D-583

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

Solidworks License Maintenance

1. Contracting Agency: Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground, (CCAP-SCD), Maryland 21005-3013

2. Description of Action: The purpose of this action is to procure brand-name Solidworks license maintenance for Redstone Test Center (RTC). This license is not available via Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) pursuant to a Statement of Non- Availability (SoNA) included in the Paperless Contract File (PCF). This requirement will be utilizing Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funds. RTC engineers utilize this software to create engineering drawings and computer models required to support mission and testing efforts for multiple Army, and Department of Defense (DOD) customers. Proposed award is will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: This procurement is for acquisition of maintenance for Solidworks software licenses. This requirement provides the capability to create engineering drawings, maintain a digital library of engineering documents, and provide version control and repository for engineering design changes. The total estimated cost of this procurement is

4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority for processing this requisition through other than full and open competition is 10 USC 2304 (c)(1) as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (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 .

5. Reason for Authority Cited: SolidWorks is a modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program utilized by RTC Engineers to create models and predict prototype behavior, before creating physical versions of instrumentation to support test missions. Use of the authority to purchase brand name items peculiar to one manufacturer is necessary since Solidworks is the only software that w requirements. Solidworks software is utilized by engineers in every Directorate creating compatibility in use, training, and cross Directorate sharing of designs. The solidworks tool suite increases design productivity, with file management tools, advanced photo-realistic rendering, automated cost estimation, design checking, and a parts library, utilities that search for design errors and advanced photorealistic rendering. This software significantly reduces the time and bandwidth for design and engineering of test instrumentation and reduces the time and costs for creating prototypes that will provide the required support of test and evaluation missions. Use of any other solution would not provide the efficiency, predictive behavior analysis for generated prototypes prior to physical builds, and would not provide the digital repository and version control for blueprints that can be used center wide. Cost to recreate existing blueprints and models, and train engineers to utilize new toolsets would be in excess of $300,000 and would not be recovered by the Government.

J&A Control #: 20-D-583

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: Quotes were requested from vendors participating in the CHESS ITES-SW and GSA pricing programs for items peculiar to one manufacturer, effective competition will be limited to only those vendors who can provide the Solidworks software maintenance specified to meet the requirement. Potential sources have been identified in Paragraph 8. Personal Knowledge, previous contract history and review of recent market research results from publication in the CHESS were utilized in the Market Research process. Any other brand would require additional training for RTC engineers to create designs and blueprints in support of test and evaluation instrumentation and prototype test equipment. As additional information becomes available, it will be reviewed so additional brands may be identified.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: Information has been reviewed by test center engineers.

Technical personnel continually review literature, pamphlets, and documents in addition to attending seminars and symposiums relating to changing technology and to the capabilities of manufacturers. Information on technologies available in industry is exchanged among Federal engineers and technicians at seminars, in educational classes, and through contacts with other test facilities and agencies as well as NASA and private industry. Future program requirements will be monitored, considering requirements and software commonality/compatibility requirements, in order that additional sources may be considered. As new equipment is introduced, the products will be reviewed for compatibility, cost, and user benefits. Every effort will be made to find competitive products that will meet the requirements of the RTC IM mission.

8. Market Research: An internet search of vendors from the same product area was conducted by , in June 2020. Previous contract history shows that Solidworks software maintenance products were purchased by the Army in FY18 under

Product comparison was also completed via the Army CHESS and GSA websites. This requirement has been advertised in CHESS on 4 June 2020 and no vendors submitted quotes to

The product is available from only one vendor via GSA under Because there are several authorized re-sellers, In order to obtain the most potential competition, a Request for Quote (RFQ) will be posted to FedBizOpps. Based on this review and personal knowledge of the contractor community, RTC has determined that the government's needs can be met in the commercial marketplace and FAR part 12 will be used.

9. Interested Sources: For FAR Part 13 actions, the public display and synopsis requirements of FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203are required. As a result, a combined synopsis/solicitation will be issued on FedbizOpps in accordance with FAR Part 12.603.. Additionally, because the action is a brand name restriction, over $25K, the J&A Brand Name Justification will be redacted and posted with the combined synopsis/solicitation.

10. Other Factors:

a. Procurement History - unavailable.