B25_Redacted DF-BundConsol.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER

PHILADELPHIA DIVISION

5001 SOUTH BROAD STREET

PHILADELPHIA PA 191112-1403

I N R E P L Y R E F E R T O

D&F No. 0241-25-017-00.1

DETERMINATION AND FINDINGS

Upon the basis of the following findings, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 657q as implemented in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 7.107-2 and Navy Marine Corps Acquisition Regulation Supplement (NMCARS) 5207.107-2, it is hereby determined that the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) Program Management Support and Associated System Engineering Service Support for In-Service Amphibious Ships and Surface Ships Integration requirements may be consolidated.

FINDINGS

1. Identification of Directorate and Contracting Activity

This Determination and Findings (D&F) has been prepared by the NSWCPD Contracts Department, Code 02.

2. Nature/Description of Action

NSWCPD is planning to issue a single solicitation to provide program management, engineering, technical, logistics, and financial support to Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) systems and equipment needs of U.S. Navy’s ships for NSWCPD Department 20 in support of the Amphibious Acquisition, Auxiliary, and Sealift (A3S) code as well as the ISAS3I code.

The A3S and ISASSSI branches provide engineering services and technical products needed to support the U.S. Navy’s ships. The engineering and technical solutions, and associated program management support, are provided throughout all phases of modernization, upgrade, inspection, maintenance, repair, and project/program management, and spans across several locations, which includes shipboard work.

The AAAS and ISASSSI branches are responsible for a broad spectrum of program management support and associated systems engineering efforts in the areas of Financial Management Systems, Risk Management, Naval Message/Advisory and Message Center Support, System Health Assessments (SHA) Support, Database Support, PowerApps and SharePoint Support, Sustainment Steering Committee (SSC) and Class Management Teams (CMT) Support, Regional Maintenance and Modernization Coordination Office Tracking, Schedule Development and Tracking, Dashboard Development and Tracking, Cybersecurity Coordination, Ship Change Document Tracking, Material Tracking, Engineering Change Proposal Tracking, Advisories/Naval Message Tracking, Travel Tracking, Shipboard Testing, Data Call Support, Contract Tracking, Meeting Support/Action

CUI

SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – SEE FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104

Item Tracking/Briefs, Quality Assurance Tracking, Share Drives/SharePoint Usage, Deliverable Tracking, System Safety Plan Tracking, Collaboration and Content Sharing Tool Support, Integrated Logistics Support, and Post Delivery and In-Service Technical Support. NSWCPD provides fleet Research Development, Test, & Evaluation (RDT&E) and In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) support at command, intermediate maintenance, and fleet field sites throughout the U.S. Additionally, support in these technologies is also provided to U.S. Marine Corps and Army assets.

This proposed requirement is mainly a follow-on to Seaport NxG Task Order No. N64498-21-F- 3048, in addition to some specific task areas from other NSWCPD Task Orders. NSWCPD Department 20 has gone through a reorganization and reallocation of program responsibilities. As a result, various programs have been moved from one (1) Department 20 branch to another. The responsibility of major programs: LHD Midlife, LCS In-Service, and Voyage Data Recorder (VDR), have been moved to ISAS3I. The requirements associated with these programs will not be included in their respective follow-on efforts because the work associated with these programs will now fall under this Program Management Support requirement for A3S and ISAS3I. In addition to these major programs, Amphibious Auxiliary & Sealift Acquisition Support (previously SeaPort- NxG Contract N00178-04-D-4089 Task Order N64498-20-F-3902) will be added to this requirement.

This procurement action will consolidate these requirements which had been previously contracted separately by four (4) Contractors: Noblis MSD, LLC (Noblis), Life Cycle Engineering, Inc. (LCE), Orbis Sibro, Inc. (Orbis), and NDI Engineering Company (NDI). Currently, Noblis is performing Program Management Support and VDR Support requirements under paragraphs (a) and (c); LCE is performing LCS In-Service Program Management Support under paragraph (b); Orbis is performing LHD/LHA Readiness, Sustainment, and Modernization Effort requirements under paragraph (d); and NDI performed Amphibious Auxiliary & Sealift Acquisition Support requirements under paragraph (e) as detailed below:

a. Program Management Support Task Order

On 16 July 2021, SeaPort-NxG Contract No. N00178-19-D-8085 Task Order N64498-21-F- 3048 was competitively awarded to Noblis for to provide program management support and associated systems engineering services for NSWCPD’s In-Service Ships & Cross Platform Engineering branch. This Task Order expires on 15 July 2026 where all scope will be included in the consolidated effort.

b. LCS In-Service Program Management Support Task Order

On 24 July 2024, MAC IDIQ Contract N64498-21-D-0010 Task Order N64498-24-F-3079 was awarded to LCE for to provide program management, engineering, and financial support for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) In-Service and Modernization Program, test sites at NSWCPD, and other locations as needed to the Combatants Acquisition branch. This Task Order expires on 30 September 2026 where all scope will be included in the consolidated effort.

c. VDR Support Task Order

On 27 September 2018, SeaPort-NxG Contract No. N00178-04-D-4078 Task Order N64498-18-F-3005 was competitively awarded to McKean (Noblis) for to provide engineering, technical, programmatic, drawing, management, onsite, and logistics support to oversee ship maintenance, installations/alterations, and life cycle management to the Surface Ship Modernization code. This Task Order expired on 27 September 2024 where only the scope related to VDR Support will be included in the consolidated effort.

d. LHD/LHA Readiness, Sustainment, and Modernization Effort Task Order

On 09 March 2023, SeaPort-NxG Contract No. N00178-19-D-8239 Task Order N64498-23- F-3049 was competitively awarded to Orbis for to provide program management, engineering, technical, logistics, and financial support to U.S. Navy ships HM&E systems and equipment. This Task Order expires on 08 March 2028 where only the scope related to LSD/LHA will be included in the consolidated effort.

e. Amphibious Auxiliary & Sealift Acquisition Support Task Order

On 13 December 2019, SeaPort-NxG Contract N00178-04-D-4089 Task Order N64498-20- F-3902 was competitively awarded to NDI for to provide engineering, technical, and project management support of design, modification, alteration, and testing of ship design integration, auxiliary air and fluid systems, propulsion, electric power generation/distribution, machinery control and automation, and mechanical deck systems on U.S. Navy amphibious/auxiliary class ships and crafts, as well as Foreign Military Sale (FMS) surface ship platforms. This Task Order expired on 12 December 2024 where all scope will be included in the consolidated effort.

The total contract value of the five (5) Task Orders is ; however, it should be noted that of the five (5) Task Orders, three (3) will have their own follow-on efforts and only select portions of the scope taskings (associated with the four (4) programs listed above) are moving to this consolidated effort, which is incorporated under Attachment 1. After consolidation, the combined efforts will have an estimated value of and will be competed as a Small Business Set-Aside under SeaPort-NxG with a Period of Performance (PoP) of one (1) twelve (12) month base period and four (4) twelve (12) month option periods. The difference in value is attributed to the fact that only portions of three (3) of the orders are moving to this consolidated effort.

3. Results of Market Research

As discussed in detail below, market research indicates that there are four (4) small businesses and three (3) large businesses that appear capable of providing the required services at fair market prices.

However, when the market research was executed, Orbis was a small business, but is now currently a large business. In accordance with FAR 19.502-2(a), this requirement shall be set aside for Small Businesses. Thus, consolidation would have minimal negative impact on Small Businesses. In

Of the five (5) responses received, two (2) of the small businesses and one (1) large business appeared to be technically capable and qualified to complete all requirements as outlined in the SSN. As a result of the technical review of submissions, it was determined that there is a reasonable expectation that an offer will be obtained from at least two (2) responsible Small Business concerns and that an award will be made at fair market prices. As a result, this acquisition will be procured as a Small Business Set-Aside.

Program History: Historically, Program Management Support, LCS In-Service Program Management Support, VDR Support, LHA/LHD Readiness, Sustainment, and Modernization Effort, and Amphibious Auxiliary & Sealift Acquisition Support contracts were awarded to Noblis, LCE, Orbis, and NDI respectively through soliciting these requirements as unrestricted acquisitions and total Small Business Set-Asides. Below is recent history:

a. Program Management Support Contract (N64498-21-F-3048)

In 2021, when this requirement was competed, there were seven (7) offers received in response to the solicitation, which were from both small and large businesses: Gryphon Technologies, Inc., Intellisys Solutions Group, LLC, McKean Defense Group, LLC, NDI Engineering Group, LLC, Orbis Sibro, Inc., Q.E.D. Systems, Inc., and Strategic Technical Services, LLC. This requirement was solicited as an unrestricted acquisition, which maximized the chance of receiving adequate competition, and was awarded to Noblis MSD, LLC.

b. LCS In-Service Program Management Support Contract (N64498-24-F-3079)

In 2024, when this requirement was competed amongst the two (2) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) holders, there was one (1) offer received in response to the solicitation, which was from a large business: Life Cycle Engineering, Inc. This requirement was solicited as an unrestricted acquisition under the MAC, which maximized the chance of receiving adequate competition, and was awarded to an Other Than Small Business.

c. VDR Support Contract (N64498-18-F-3005)

In 2018, when this requirement was competed, there were two (2) offers received in response to the solicitation, which were from small businesses: NDI Engineering Company and McKean Defense Group, LLC. This requirement was solicited as an unrestricted acquisition, which maximized the chance of receiving adequate competition. At the time of award, the awardee, McKean (Noblis) was a small business; however, Noblis is now currently a large business.

d. LHD/LHA Readiness, Sustainment, and Modernization Effort Contract (N64498-23-F-3049)

In 2023, when this requirement was competed, there were eight (8) offers received in response to the solicitation, which were from small businesses: Orbis Sibro, Inc., NDI Engineering Company, Patrona Corporation, Green Expert Technology, Inc., Sellers & Associates, LLC, Strategic Technology Institute, Inc., TDI Technologies, Inc., and

Advanced Internet Marketing, Inc. (DBA The GBS Group). At the time of award, this requirement was set-aside for Small Business and was awarded to Orbis; however, Orbis is now currently a large business.

e. Amphibious Auxiliary & Sealift Acquisition Support Contract (N64498-20-F-3902)

In 2019, when this contract was competed, there were two (2) offers received in response to the solicitation, which were from a small and large business: NDI Engineering Group, LLC, and Reliability & Performance Technologies, LLC. This requirement was set-aside for Small Business and was awarded to NDI whom remains a small business.

Small Business Impacts: NSWCPD has considered the potential impacts of this consolidation to Small Businesses. As noted above, market research indicates a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two (2) or more responsible Small Business concerns that are competitive in terms of fair market prices, quality, and delivery. Therefore, in accordance with FAR 19.502-2(a), this requirement shall be set aside for Small Businesses. Thus, in accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 657q(c)(1)(D) and FAR 7.107-2(a)(4), NSWCPD has found that this consolidation in-and-of-itself will ultimately have minimal impacts on contracting with small business concerns. The only small business that is currently still small and performing any of these efforts being consolidated is NDI, and they are interested and deemed capable from the SSN. This consolidation determination has received concurrence from NSWCPD’s Office of Small Business Programs (00K) on 20 May 2025.

4. Benefits of Planned Consolidation

In accordance with FAR 7.107-5(c), a seven (7) day determination notice about consolidation will be issued prior to the issuance of the solicitation. NSWCPD has determined that the consolidation of these five (5) previously separate requirements awarded to Noblis, LCE, Orbis, and NDI into one

(1) combined follow-on action provides substantial benefits to the Government. These benefits are both tangible to the Government in terms of efficiency and quantifiable in terms of favorable cost impact. The expected benefits in terms of quality, schedule, and workforce are critical to NSWCPD’s mission success, allowing for A3S and ISAS3I to rapidly deliver program management support and associated system engineering service support that enhance warfighter capabilities.

These benefits are as follows:

Quality and Schedule: Consolidating the requirements of N64498-21-F-3048 (entirely), N64498- 24-F-3079 (in part), N64498-18-F-3005 (in part), N64498-23-F-3049 (in part), and N64498-20-F- 3902 (entirely) into one (1) SeaPort Task Order directly aligns with NAVSEAs and NSWCPDs missions and will improve the quality of the end product. The technical services obtained through these five (5) Task Orders are similar in that they support the programmatic, engineering, technical, financial, logistics, and administrative support services to NSWCPD machinery programs and platforms. The regular analysis and assessment of the structures/materials is imperative due to the 50+ year service life of ships. Consolidation will facilitate an increase in overall quality and timeliness of the Contractors delivered products, allowing one (1) Contractor to effectively integrate support services and adjust resources as necessary. Consolidation will also increase the quality and timeliness of services provided by having one (1) Task Order with standard terms and conditions, with one (1) Program Manager responsible for resultant Task Order performance. Such efficiencies promote consistency and compliance with NSWCPD quality control processes and procedures. Furthermore, a Contractor executing the requirement under a single Task Order encourages higher quality and consistent deliverables when compared to the potential of having two (2) or more Contractors executing related requirements under separate contracts. A single Contractor, in concert with any Subcontractors, may be more invested in delivering higher quality support requirements. Furthermore, consolidation encourages innovation with respect to integration across functional areas.

Ultimately, to solicit and award separate Task Orders for services that are very similar in scope is inefficient. This approach would lead to higher contract costs, slippage of milestones and schedules, and quality control redundancies. There would be duplicative quarterly program review support, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and Data Item Descriptions (DID) deliverables, and management of CDRLs and DIDs. The consolidation of the requirements is expected to lead to a comprehensive, well-rounded technical proposal, leading to overall improvement of the delivery and quality of supplies and services. Consolidation of the engineering support will increase the quality and timeliness of services provided by having one (1) SeaPort Task Order and enabling standard terms and conditions. Unquantifiable benefits also include eliminating duplication of processes for concurrent requirements. The development of multiple acquisition documents (Request for Proposals, Business Clearance Memorandums, technical evaluations, etc.) are also eliminated.

Consolidation will increase the quality of the supplies and services provided by:

Having one (1) SeaPort Task Order with standardized terms and conditions;

Having a single Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO), Contract Specialist, Contracting

Officer’s Representative (COR), and Contract Program Manager for the service performance; and

Promoting consistency and accountability in the execution of the Statement of Work

(SOW).

Consolidation of the identified requirements ensures that such program management, engineering, technical, logistics, and financial support are managed under a single Task Order. Such efficiencies promote consistency and compliance with Program Management Support and Associated System Engineering efforts processes and procedures. Experience has shown that having these requirements managed under one (1) Task Order will significantly improve the quality of the Navy HM&E systems and will substantially benefit mission execution of the fleet and warfighter.

Workforce Benefits: The consolidation of the efforts will enable the Contractor to provide a better and more efficient service by streamlining processes, reducing redundancies, and optimizing resource allocation, ultimately leading to improved quality and cost-effectiveness. Consolidating the required effort under a single SeaPort-NxG Task Order would provide an overall increase in workforce stability and provide consistent workforce expectations across staff supporting the effort.

One (1) enterprise Task Order is more beneficial than multiple similar Task Orders since there will be a specific point of contact for both the Government and Contractor, and there will be the ability to incorporate more than one (1) requirement into each order, ultimately reducing the number of orders placed.

The ISAS3I branch will also increase efficiency by having all of its work performed under one (1) Task Order. It is more expedient to only have one (1) Contractor perform the required services, as this requires less oversight and tracking, and eliminates the need to coordinate between Contractors.

Furthermore, this would allow for more efficient analysis of funding, progress, issues, resolutions, contractor performance, and future planning. Currently, ISASSSI utilizes multiple contracts within Department 20. Consolidating these efforts into one (1) Task Order also ensures it would only work with one (1) point of contact for each role (COR, Contract Specialist, Contracting Officer, etc.) in the contracting process, which increases continuity and efficiency.

Reduction in Acquisition Cycle Times: Duplication of processes and document requirements is a significant strain on acquisition productivity. The proposed consolidation drastically reduces the documentation required to acquire the services desired thereby reducing the technical, contractual, and administrative burden of conducting multiple simultaneous competitions. There is significant benefit in consolidating these Task Orders, as removal of duplicative acquisition steps (e.g., solicitation, business clearance drafting and approval, and completion of negotiations) will reduce acquisition personnel support by at least twelve (12) months from the alternative acquisition strategies. This estimate is based on the average time to conduct a tradeoff competition combined with the average manpower required to evaluate multiple proposals for each competition.

Consolidation reduces acquisition, program management, contracts, and legal manpower requirements. Consolidating these requirements creates efficiencies through the reduction of Government pre-award solicitation development and proposal evaluation, as well as post-award monitoring, administration, and closeout.

Cost Savings: Pursuing N64498-21-F-3048, N64498-24-F-3079, N64498-18-F-3005, N64498-23- F-3049, and N64498-20-F-3902 as separate Task Orders would incur additional costs over a five

(5) year period, as outlined below.

a. Source Selection: Reducing the solicitations released from five (5) to three (3) will result in a source selection costs savings.

b. Contract Administration: If all Task Orders were consolidated, redundant tasking within Technical Instructions (TIs) and Task Orders could be eliminated to reduce the number of modifications and Task Order solicitations. There are administrative costs to award a modification or a new order under the MAC, which could have led to additional reductions in administrative costs. Also, there would be a reduction in additional administration staff if all Task Orders were consolidated. With five (5) contracts in place, there is duplication of efforts for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Quality Assurance, Security, and DCAA auditing support. The consolidation of Task Orders would result in additional administrative cost savings.

Favorable cost impacts are expected to be realized by a reduction in contract administration costs. If five (5) separate follow-on Task Orders are awarded, the Government is expected to incur additional administrative costs over a five (5) year period. Although these cost savings would not alone qualify as “substantial” under FAR 7.107-2(d), they do represent an actual benefit of the consolidated approach in addition to the substantial non-monetary benefits described above.

Furthermore, this consolidation strategy is considered to be critical to the agency’s mission success by increasing NSWCPD’s ability to efficiently and quickly adapt to changing mission requirements and reduce potential delays and flexibility to deal with urgent needs. It is also considered to have minimal negative impact on Small Business participation.

5. Alternate Acquisition Strategies

The alternative approaches considered were to maintain the status quo and continue issuing separate competitively awarded contracts for the Program Management Support and Associated System Engineering Service Support for In-Service Amphibious Ships and Surface Ships Integration requirements and to have a separate task order solely for Amphibious Acquisition, Auxiliary, and Sealift requirements. This was determined to not be in the best interest of the Government.

DETERMINATION

Based upon the foregoing findings, I hereby determine that the consolidation of requirements described in such findings is necessary and justified, pursuant to 15 U.S.C § 657q, as implemented in FAR 7.107-2 and NMCARS 5207.170-2.

17 September 2025 Nigel C. Thijs Date Technical Director, NSWCPD