C10 - Redacted Brand Name Justification.pdf

MEMORANDUM

Subj: BRAND NAME MEMORANDUM TO ACQUIRE HONEYWELL BRAND POTENTIOMETERS

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Brand Justification.”

This is a brand name justification. Contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), 110 Vernon Avenue, Panama City, FL 32407-7001.

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

This action will award a firm fixed price purchase order, on a brand name basis, to acquire Honeywell brand potentiometers for the (LCAC) Vehicle. A potentiometer functions as a precision position sensor and variable resistor. Its main purpose is to convert mechanical rotary or linear motion into an electrical signal (voltage or resistance) to control, measure, or provide feedback on system positions. Competition will be limited to authorized resellers of Honeywell brand equipment.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.

The following items are being acquired:

Item Part Number Quantity

Potentiometer 176FL2-230 10

The Government’s minimum needs have been verified by the certifying technical and requirements personnel. This memo does not authorize acquisition for other requirements. This acquisition will be conducted using simplified acquisition procedures with a total dollar value above micro-purchase levels, but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000.00. All equipment will be delivered no later than thirty-six (36) weeks after award of the order..

4. Identification of the justification rationale and, if applicable, a demonstration of the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service. 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Application for brand name description FAR 6.302-1(c).

Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1), Honeywell is the only brand of equipment that will meet the Government’s needs for the following reasons. H o n e y w e l l e q u i p m e n t are required due to the brand’s ability to be compatible with the existing LCAC inventory of parts and equipment.

The LCAC 100 flight control computers are calibrated specifically for the infinite resolution output provided by Honeywell's proprietary MystR® conductive plastic elements. Stepped-resolution or wire wound alternatives introduce signal latency and control surface jitter, posing a direct safety-of-flight risk.

The Honeywell component has been previously tested and fully qualified to withstand the severe environmental profile of the LCAC 100, including MIL-STD-202 compliance for extreme salt-fog corrosion (Method 101), moisture (Method 106), and the specific high-frequency vibration profiles generated by the craft's Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines.

System Integration: The component's electrical impedance, physical mounting footprint, and connector pinouts are hard-engineered into the current LCAC 100 wiring harnesses and control logic.

Procuring an alternate manufacturer's potentiometer would require a comprehensive and costly re-engineering effort consisting of:

Extensive environmental, shock, and vibration testing to ensure the new component survives the SSC operational environment (Estimated cost: $500,000, Estimated delay: 18 months.

Re-writing and re-verifying the flight control software to interpret the electrical characteristics of a different sensor.

Updates to all technical manuals, provisioning data, and maintenance procedures.

Use of alternative parts would be more costly as it would require additional tools and labor to fit the measurement needed. Honeywell already provides parts with precise measurements needed for this project. Additionally, use of alternate equipment may introduce new or changing existing parameters that could damage or effect the proper operation of the LCAC. These parameters could be catastrophic for personnel operating with or near the LCAC system. There it is imperative that Honeywell brand equipment is acquired. These parts are being acquired to maintain that inventory to ensure the readiness of the LCAC System.

4. A determination by the ordering activity contracting officer that the order represents the best value.

The Contracting Officer has determined that the order represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, reoccurring cost, administrative costs, engineering and redesign costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs.

5. A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

For the reasons specified in paragraph 4 above, Honeywell is the only brand of battery that can meet the Government’s needs. This requirement will be synopsized on the SAM.gov website per FAR Part 5.2.

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

None

7. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.

Honeywell brand is the only brand that can meet this requirements.