(CUI) B03 Request to Restrict Competition NTE FINAL_Redacted.pdf

This is a Request to Restrict Competition memorandum from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division for a sole source procurement under FAR Part 12 procedures for a commercial product or service not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Code 655 is requesting a direct continuation of specialized fatigue testing and on-craft testing support for NAVSEA PMS 317 Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 100 Class composite propeller blades. The requirement involves structural analysis, root cause failure analysis, and on-craft demonstration loading testing necessary to qualify a new U.S. design and production source for LCAC 100 composite propeller blades. The work supports on-craft qualification testing, provides objective quality evidence for mechanical blade performance under operational loads, and serves as an alternative source for LCAC 100 composite propeller blades. The incumbent contractor is Materials Sciences LLC (MSC), located at 135 Rock Road, Horsham, PA 19044. The market research was conducted directly with the OEM by Wade Henery (215.542.8400; wade.henery@karman-sd.com). The restriction is based on compatibility with existing equipment and systems, as the required services constitute a direct continuation of highly specialized composite air propeller design, analysis, production, and fatigue testing. The justification emphasizes that awarding to any other source would introduce unacceptable programmatic risks, substantial duplication for re-learning and tooling, and significant schedule delays, making MSC the only source capable of meeting the requirement within the specified timeframe. The Contracting Officer approved the restriction on August 24, 2026.