Attachment 3 - Brand Name Justification.pdf

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION March 2023 Page 1 of 4

Is this a new or amended J&A Document? New Amended ( Prior to Award Only! )

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Funding level for this acquisition:

Contracting Activity: 36th Contracting Squadron

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F1C3445027AC01

Program / Project (and PE, if applicable): 36 CS - Spectrum Analyzer

Program Type (PEO or Other Contracting): 36th Contracting Squadron

Authority: AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3403, Special Emergency Procurement Authority (41 U.S.C. 1903)

Estimated Contract Cost (including options): Justification Type: Class Individual

COORDINATION ( AFFARS 5306 . 304 ( a)) ** The text in the signature blocks below is editable, including the title.

** To remove a row, click the "X" next to the signature block. CAUTION: Once removed, it can only be restored by downloading the BLANK FORM again.

X

X

APPROVAL (AFFARS 5306 . 304 ( a))

Date

22 Jul 2025

Chief of the Contracting Office (COCO) Brandon M. Reeves, Lt Col, USAF 36 CONS/PKC, 315-366-4214

Signature REEVES.BRANDON.M.13 Digitally signed by

62413580

REEVES.BRANDON.M.1362413580

Date: 2025.07.22 11:58:30 +10'00'

NOTE: If a Justification was approved for the preceding acquisition, a copy of the approved Justification for the predecessor action must be included in the staff package for approval of the instant Justification. This applies to Justification staff packages that are submitted for review and approval at a level above the contracting officer. The predecessor Justification will be used as a reference document by the approving official.

Sign and Save Procedure

18 Jul 2025

36th Communications Squadron SSgt Darius Mitchell

SCXP 315-362-4597

Signature MITCHELL.DARIUS.AL Digitally signed by

EXANDER.154187550 MITCHELL.DARIUS.ALEXANDER.15

41875502

2 Date: 2025.07.21 08:16:18 +10'00'

18 Jul 2025

Contracting Officer Lee Michael D. Rosario, USAF

36 CONS/PKB, 315-366-4257

Signature ROSARIO.LEE Digitally signed by ROSARIO.LEE

MICHAEL.D.13936991 MICHAEL.D.1393699180

Date: 2025.07.21 13:32:40

80 +10'00'

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION March 2023 Page 2 of 4

I. Contracting Activity.

36th Contracting Squadron

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

The procurement of a Rhode & Schwarz PR200 portable receiver. This is a wide band monitoring receiver covering the frequency range from 100 kHz to 8 GHz. It's commonly used for signal monitoring, spectrum analysis, and radio direction finding applications across various sectors.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

36 CS requires the unimpeded use of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) for radio and satellite communication to accomplish its mission. The 36 CS requires capabilities to monitor, detect, and mitigate any interference in the EMS.

The spectrum monitoring equipment required needs a frequency range of 8kHz-8GHz, 40MHz or greater, gapless real-time processing bandwidth, scan speeds of 60GHz/s, Angle of Arrival(AoA) and Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) direction finding capability with a typical system accuracy of less than 3 degrees, handheld portability, local area network (LAN) remote control, recording capability, mapping features, and the ability to remotely monitor the system over a Wide Area Network (WAN) connection through their CEPTOR Software.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

6.302-1 – 10 USC 3204(a)(1), Only One Responsible Source - No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

As no other known brand produces a spectrum analyzer that satisfies all these requirements without additional modifications or supplemental purchases, this procurement qualifies for brand-name acquisition under 10 U.S.C.

3204(a)(1).

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

To ensure the 36th Communication Squadron's operational readiness and mission success, extensive market research was conducted to identify equipment that meets the highly specific and non-negotiable technical requirements. This thorough research revealed that only Rhode & Schwarz equipment possesses the precise frequency ranges, required power output, and other mandatory performance characteristics vital for the reliability and accuracy of our communication systems. Rhode & Schwarz also has the spectrum waterfall function, allowing for unique capabilities in monitoring intermittent signals that the 36 CS requires. The Rhode & Schwarz PR200 with auxiliary components and software suite is the only hardware/software solution that fills all of these requirements providing capability for seamless monitoring, reporting, and logging of all remote sensors simultaneously. 36 CS requires these items due to the widespread use of the Rhode & Schwarz items, and the importance of network and communications equipment compatibility with other joint forces and local units.

All other brands evaluated during this process were found to be technically non-compliant, posing significant risks to mission effectiveness. Market research also successfully identified multiple authorized small business resellers of Rhode & Schwarz equipment, which not only facilitates competitive procurement but also aligns with our commitment to supporting small business enterprises. The following similar brands cannot meet the mission requirements for the following reasons:

FieldFox 44GHz:

The Keysight FieldFox 44GHz Microwave Spectrum Analyzer is deemed unsuitable for operational use due to a critical deficiency: its lack of seamless and verified integration with Department of Defense (DoD) spectrum management databases. This absence presents unacceptable risks to operational effectiveness, data integrity, and security. The Rhode & Schwarz PR200 remains the only acceptable solution due to its established and validated integration with

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION March 2023 Page 3 of 4 required DoD spectrum management systems.

CellAdvisor (Up to 6 GHz):

The CellAdvisor analyzer, with its operational limit of 6 GHz, fails to meet the minimum frequency requirement of 8 kHz to 8 GHz or greater. This limitation in frequency coverage restricts its utility within the intended operational parameters.

LMR Master (500kHz-1.6 GHz):

The LMR Master, operating within a frequency range of 500kHz to 1.6 GHz, does not satisfy the minimum frequency requirement of 8 kHz to 8 GHz or greater, thereby limiting its applicability.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

The requirement is for the brand-name Rhode & Schwarz PR200 Spectrum Receiver Module, as extensive market research has confirmed it is the only brand meeting essential technical needs. Despite initial limited interest from a sources-sought notice, further market research successfully identified multiple small business authorized resellers, including GovSmart, Betis, Channel Comp, and Tevet, all of whom have expressed capability and interest. This is further supported by a previous successful small business competition for a similar brand-name item. Therefore, this solicitation will be set aside for small businesses and publicly advertised on SAM.gov, with additional direct outreach to identified qualified resellers to ensure maximum participation and competition.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. While the requirement is for a specific brand-name item (Rhode & Schwarz PR200) due to technical necessity, market research confirms the availability of multiple authorized small business resellers capable of providing this product. This anticipated price competition among qualified offerors, combined with the development of an Independent Government Estimate and analysis of market data, will provide a robust basis for the Contracting Officer to ascertain that the final award price represents fair and reasonable value to the Government.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Searches through Google, Industry catalogs, and various consumer websites.

GSA Advantage and CCS-3 did not provide the spectrum receiver module. Since only one vendor expressed interest on the sources-sought on NASA SEWP, there was not adequate competition to post on Sewp.nasa.gov.

Further market research was conducted and found that there are several small businesses that are authorized resellers for Rhode & Schwarz products. GovSmart, Betis, and Channel Comp, and RFIs were sent to both Tevet and Channel to see if they were capable and interested in providing the PR200. Both businesses stated that they were able to provide the PR200.

A previous, unfunded requirement from last year (solicitation FA524024QM077) sought a brand-name Rhode & Schwarz Spectrum Analyzer, the brand-name J&A was signed by the Chief of the Contracting Office and the solicitation resulted in three technically acceptable offers from small businesses.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

The Rhode & Schwarz is the only brand to meet all the requirements needed after searching various vendors of the spectrum receiver module. Rhode & Schwarz is a large business and the anticipated dollar threshold for this requirement is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and small businesses should be considered for award if available. Market research indicates authorized small business re-sellers of their products exist in the commercial marketplace, therefore this solicitation will still be set aside for small business.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION March 2023 Page 4 of 4

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

The brand-name requirement for the Rhode & Schwarz PR200 is a technical necessity that cannot be removed for this acquisition without unacceptable delays or costs. However, for future acquisitions, the Agency will continue to conduct ongoing market research for emerging technologies and "or equal" solutions and will periodically re-evaluate the technical requirements to determine if the brand-name restriction can be lifted. In the interim, the Agency will continue to maximize competition by soliciting offers from all available authorized small business resellers of the Rhode & Schwarz PR200.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my signature above, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

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