D and F Redacted.pdf

This is a Determination and Findings (D&F) document for a sole-source acquisition of noncommercial products/services under the simplified acquisition threshold issued by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division is procuring Hydrophone Backing Plates in the following quantities: US (OHIO) Qty 122, US (CLB) Qty 18, and UK (UKV) Qty 35. The requirement is for noncommercial supplies/services with a required delivery/performance date of September 28, 2026, for both US and UK deliveries. The contracting officer has determined that only one source is reasonably available for this procurement based on prior qualification requirements per SP-24 specifications. The three vendors available for limited competition are: Brownstown Quality Tool & Automation (Brownstown, IN – 9JDM3), Wagler Competition Products (Odon, IN – 83MT9), and Stark Precision Machine (Terre Haute, IN – 8VNX3). The rationale for sole-source justification centers on the fact that only pre-qualified and approved vendors can manufacture the backing plates (P/N: 6029155-001), which are critical components requiring extensive qualification testing at three levels over 18 to 24 months. The estimated qualification costs are substantial, making it cost-prohibitive to approve new vendors. These backing plates are essential replacement assets for Trident submarine hydrophone systems and directly support the Strategic Missions Focus Area. The determination was signed by Contracting Officer Helton Morgan Michelle Junalee on July 8, 2026.