Brand Name Justification_Redacted.pdf
PDF 485 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Cameras and Accessories
- Solicitation number
- N6328526QS108
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Summary
This is a Justification and Approval document for use of other than full and open competition, submitted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS-HQ) for a brand name restricted acquisition. The contracting activity is NCIS-HQ Administration and Logistics Directorate, Acquisitions Division, with a fiscal year 2026 appropriation from O,M&N funding and delivery required within 30 days of award.
The acquisition involves the procurement of specialized photographic and support equipment totaling 32 units across multiple Nikon camera systems and accessories, along with 32 Manfrotto tripods. Specific items include the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera body, Nikkor Z lenses (24-200mm and 180-600mm), EN-EL rechargeable batteries, SB-5000 speedlight flashes, WR-R11b remote controller sets, and Manfrotto 190go tripods and MH804 3-way pan-and-tilt heads. The Pelican Vault V300 case (32 units) serves as an equal alternative item. The justification for restricting competition to sole sources Nikon, Inc. and Manfrotto is based on FAR 8.405-6(b), citing equipment standardization throughout NCIS to ensure compatibility, agent training alignment, software interoperability, and cost efficiency. NCIS has standardized on Nikon mirrorless systems to facilitate smooth transition from legacy DSLR equipment while maintaining interoperability across field operations, particularly within the Office of Field Services and Major Case Response Team. The agency emphasizes that procuring alternative camera brands would necessitate comprehensive re-training, system re-configuration, and procurement of incompatible accessories. The Contracting Officer is Saniyyah Jones-Montague, and primary sources are Nikon Inc. (Craig Filosa, 631-547-4367) and Manfrotto/A Videndum plc Brand.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitation Amendment N6328526QS1080001 SF 30.pdf | ||
| Solicitation - N6328526QS108.pdf |
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Text version
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(2), Unusual and compelling urgency.
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(3), Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or capability; or expert services.
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(4), International agreement.
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(5), Authorized or required by statute.
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(6), National Security.
10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(7), Public Interest.
5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Authority. The acquisition is being conducted under the procedures of FAR 8.405-6(b) – Limiting sources; Items peculiar to one manufacturer. The justification rationale for restricting competition is: the equipment is manufactured by, and proprietary to, Nikon, Inc. and Manfrotto. The NCIS has standardized their equipment throughout the agency in an effort to make the cameras, lenses, scanners, tripods, and training all compatible. As such, only Nikon Cameras and Manfrotto tripods can be procured as all agents at NCIS are trained on that equipment. Switching to any other brand would require agency-wide efforts to re-equip and re-educate agents. Currently, agents go through a special course that is specifically designed for the equipment that is fielded to agents, one of which is the Nikon camera. Procuring a different brand of camera would also require re-vamping the existing training course for agents in order to train them on a different brand of camera and its accessories.
Additionally, current lenses and software are not be compatible with other brands of cameras, which would require the agency to procure additional components and accessories. Also, agents change their duty locations every three years and the use of non-uniform camera models will be a hindrance on cross team missions due to skill-vacuum and lack of interoperability. As such, procuring more Nikon cameras is the only cost-efficient solution for the agency.
6. Specific characteristics of the supplies or services that limit the availability to this/these source(s), i.e., unique features, form-fit-function, etc. State why the requested material or service represents the minimum requirement(s) of the Government. Describe in detail why only this/these suggested source(s) can furnish the requirement(s) to the exclusion of other sources.
Mirrorless refers to the fact that light travels directly through the camera from lens to viewfinder without being reflected within the camera by a mirror. This phenomenon was occurring regardless of which brand of camera one has (Canon/Fujifilm/Nikon). Adjusting to this change necessitates a conversion not only in camera body but also in camera lens, requiring a new type of lens or at least, use of an adapter ring. Once NCIS was aware of the forthcoming transition required from traditional DSLR camera to a mirrorless system, TSFO knew the need to drive the change within the Agency, beginning with OFS and Major Case Response Team (MCRT).
It is critical to ensure the Agency uses the Nikon camera system, which is familiar to agency personnel from the training academy through senior personnel. The new Nikon mirrorless cameras are similar in functionality to the traditional cameras. This ensures interoperability and a smooth transition despite the pace of the Agency’s conversion of all its cameras.
The Manfrotto GT XPRO Tripod Kit allows the mirrorless camera to be gripped properly when it is mounted on it. The tripod allows us to extend the boom or position the camera sideways or upside down (we do this regularly) when the mirrorless camera is mounted. This part of the requirement is essential.
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