BNJ - Radios -_Redacted.pdf

Brand Name Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: 1 SOCONS / PKC Purchase Request/ Identification Number:

Project/Program Name: Trellisware TLM Network EstimatedContractCost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

Requesting a radio man portable network (MANET) that can be transported onboard aircraft that broadcasts chat messaging, live video and GPS location using line of sight and beyond line of sight capability. The initial request would be to field 6 aircraft and 1 ground station with the appropriate accessories to integrate into our users’ already existing network. The TW-950 Radio is a lightweight, portable radio and networking system. It utilizes the TSM-6 waveform providing a BLOS networking capability at a fraction of the cost of Ku band SATCOM, KuSS or HPW. The requirement is to have a portable, scalable, and modular networking solution that works both CONUS and OCONUS and is integrated with our users and adjacent unit’s already existing TSM network.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting for a Particular Brand Name Item

(A) Trellisware that is the only provider of the TLM network that our customers and users integrate with.

(B) KLM Networks provides a similar MANET Mesh solution that is fielded to the United States Marine Corps that is a potential use however, this would require much more in funding the request in excess of The Trellisware solution is cost effective and can be implemented at the squadron level with very little maintenance and aircraft integration.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

We tested 2 specific manufacturers of a Mesh MANET radio network the Trellisware TW-950 and the Harris PRC-163. The PRC-163 overheated very easily in flight and was basically inoperative after operating in the cabin in excess of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to our aircrafts unique situation of landing in dusty environments, the small cooling fan on the PRC-163 would get clogged very easily and overheat.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Specific Brand Name Requirements

8 SOS will continue to review products on the market to determine if other manufacturers develop and build a compatible radio, meeting all required specifications for proper communication.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(SAP), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a brand name product is reasonably available.

Date Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer Signature of Contracting Officer

27 Jul 2021 TSgt Jeffrey R. Weaver / Contracting Officer