BAF-Antenna_Justification_and_Approval_Document-241127_Redacted.pdf

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

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I. Agency and Contracting Activity.

The contracting organization that is responsible for the proposed contract action is the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), Directorate of Contracting, Test Range and Specialized Contracting Division, AFTC/PZZ, 5 South Wolfe Avenue, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-1185. The Contracting Officer for this acquisition is Mr. Marc Venzon. This is a Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition. The requiring activity is the 772 Test Squadron.

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

This Justification and Approval (J&A) is for a single contract award based on the outcome of the effort procured on contract (FA865018D1639 TO-FA865018F1642) and the results of the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) Antenna Systems Request for Information (RFI)-PZZDEWG240009. This will be a new 5 year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF)/ Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract to develop an antenna system to support Electronic Warfare (EW) threat generation requirements within the Benefield Anechoic Facility. Test and evaluation utilizing this antenna system will help advance the warfighter's offensive, defensive and counter-attack capabilities. The proposed source is Applied Research Associates (ARA), 4300 San Mateo Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87110, CAGE Code: 9R446, Unique Entity Identifier Code:

LTMGBJ76B9D8.

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

The BAF requires an antenna system capable of meeting the following performance parameters while staying within programmatic cost and schedule constraints.

Performance Parameters:

1. Radio Frequency (RF) aperture required for the BAF Threat Simulator System, an antenna or antenna(s) able to radiate at frequencies of 2 gigahertz (GHz) – 18 GHz.

2. Frequency: Ability to transmit 2-18 GHz from single location (not necessarily a single aperture)

3. RF input channels: Multiple independent and simultaneous

4. Beamwidth: Variable (to accommodate testing with both fighter and bomber sized system under test (SUTs))

5. Radar Cross Section: Low RF Reflectivity (to minimize bi-static reflections)

6. Polarization: linear required, circular desired

7. Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP): >60 decibel-milliwatts (dBm) across frequency range (with large dynamic range to simulate ingress/egress)

8. Attention to test efficiency and effectiveness throughout

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a method for estimating the maturity of a given technology, with higher numbers representing greater maturity. A demonstrated TRL of 6 or higher is required for this effort. The BAF Threat Simulator System will be utilized for installed systems testing, on the ground, inside a chamber, and at a range of approximately 80-100 ft. This use case requires a wider antenna beam than other common EW applications. To present diverse angles of arrival, the system is expected to be comprised of multiple (on the order of 6-12) mobile carts, each complete with the antenna system(s) necessary to radiate at frequencies of 2 GHz - 18 GHz. The system must be able to change polarizations and beamwidths. A large dynamic range with regards to effective radiated power is also required. Setup and test efficiency is also key in this effort. Every aspect of the development needs to take setup time into account. This is true for pre-test setup, as well as intra-test adjustments. The antenna system(s) will operate in a diverse environment, alongside other simulators and radiators. The antenna system(s) will need to have a predictable pattern and low reflectivity to maintain an effective presentation of signals to the SUT.

Current Estimate: $20,287,129.57 This is a Non-Commercial R&D effort.

The summary of the anticipated basic Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)s are as follows:

CLIN 0001 - Labor CLIN 0002 - Travel CLIN 0003 - Materials CLIN 0004 - Other Direct Costs (ODC) to include subcontract work

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CLIN 0005 - Technical data is not separately priced (NSP)

IV. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited above.

The Air Force Test Center, Specialized Contracting Branch has determined that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Government's requirements.

ARA has the specific capabilities required to meet this need. Their proposed approach consists of Furthermore, the existing design is part of ARA's

The proposed feed network is also . ARA also discussed their organic expertise to include:

By pursuing a system of ARA's solution demonstrates their unique ability to meet all of program technical requirements while also minimizing all forms of risk. Several of ARA's have already been successfully demonstrated in an operationally relevant environment. With a government assessed ARA's solution sets itself apart as the sole, responsible source.

V. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under

FAR 5.202 applies.

Studies performed under the contract FA865018D1639 TO-FA865018F1642 as well as a RFI PZZDEWG240009 that was previously sent to other potential sources resulted with ARA still being the only vendor capable of providing the RDT&E efforts needed to support the warfighter as mentioned in the Market Research document resulting from the RFI.

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

The Contracting Officer will determine that costs to the Government will be fair and reasonable by utilizing a combination of proposal analysis techniques as outlined in FAR 15.404-1(b) Price analysis for commercial and non-commercial items.

Specifically, proposed product prices and labor rates will be compared to historical prices paid for similar products and services, comparison of labor rates to published labor indexes, and comparison of proposed prices with prices obtained through market research for the same or similar products and services. Additionally, DCAA/DCMA audit and technical support will be requested. A technical analysis will be provided by the Government Program Manager and will provide technical assistance in evaluating labor mix/categories for threat testing capabilities and unique antenna systems.

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

Several methods of market research were performed. Technical subject matter experts (SMEs) provided research and analysis based on years of developmental work associated within the BAF. Technical SMEs reviewed on-line vendors and searched for capable vendors. A Sources Sought Synopsis and Request for Information(RFI) - PZZDEWG240009 was posted on SAM.gov on 02 Feb 2024. Of the 10 responses, 3 were assessed to lack any ability to meet the program requirements. The remaining 7 responses demonstrated the necessary expertise and their current maturity was assessed using TRL as discussed above.

ARA is the only respondent that meets the government requirement. The requirement, although largely technical, also consists of schedule and budgetary constraints. For the purposes of this evaluation, used as a proxy to assess the relative cost and schedule associated with each response. Utilizing for this purpose is a well established practice within industry and the DoD. ARA provided the only response assessed .

is seen as a critical turning point in the maturity of a design. Prior to a system has not been demonstrated, and

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The BAF requires a 2-18 GHz antenna system to complete its threat simulator system. Failure or delay will impact the BAF's ability to: 1) replicate near-peer adversaries 2) fully meet T&E customer requirements and 3) effectively and efficiently conduct test events.

In addition, there would be no anticipated cost savings if this effort were competed. The design portion is inherently risky.

Competition may lead to lower initial bids but historical experience with the ADTRA program demonstrated that despite the best efforts to provide a realistic estimated price at the onset, based on the developmental nature of the program, cost growth is certainly likely.

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

The following companies expressed interest: Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), EWA Warrior Services, Textron Systems, Contact Corporation, ARA, SRC, L3Harris, Microwave Applications Group (MAG), Toyon Research Corporation, and BlueHalo.

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

As technology and other capabilities expand over time, other vendors may be capable of performing similar work that can out perform the current system currently on site. The program office will continue to conduct market research and surveys to determine potential future competition to limit Single Source Awards and sustain an open market for fair and reasonable competition.

XI. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

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

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