DAR-400 JA.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

18 Jun 2019 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 4

NOTE: If a Justification was approved for the preceding acquisition, a copy of the approved Justification for the predecessor action must be included in the staff package for approval of the instant Justification. This applies to Justification staff packages that are submitted for review and approval at a level above the contracting officer. The predecessor Justification will be used as a reference document by the approving official.

Is this a new or amended J&A Document? New Amended ( Prior to Award Only! )

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Funding level for this acquisition: >SAT and < $700K > $700K and < $13.5M

Contracting Activity: AFLCMC/HBSK

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F2BDBD0321A001

Program / Project (and PE, if applicable): AWACS - Block 40/45 Upgrade

Program Type (PEO or Other Contracting): PEO Digital

Authority: AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 2302b, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 2304a, Special Emergency Procurement Authority (41 U.S.C. 1903)

Estimated Contract Cost (including options): $520,200.00 Justification Type: Class Individual

COORDINATION (AFFARS 5306.304(a)) Sign and Save Procedure

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Date Program Manager Davis M. Roberts, 1st Lt

AFLCMC/HBSB; DSN: (781)225-4497

Signature

X

APPROVAL (AFFARS 5306.304(a) )

Date Contracting Officer Christopher D. Unger, 1st Lt

AFLCMC/HBSB; DSN: (781)225-6896

Signature

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

18 Jun 2019 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 4

I. Contracting Activity.

The contracting organization that is responsible for this Limited Sources Justification is Air Force Material Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Digital Directorate, AWACS Division Contracting Office (AFLCMC/HBSK), 3 Eglin Street, Bldg. 1612, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2100. The Contracting Officer is 1st Lt Christopher Unger.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

AWACS Block 40/45 has a requirement to protect data up to the secret level with an NSA-approved hardware based encryption solution. The device must include a hard-drive internal to the encryption device in a form factor that can be easily integrated into an existing, space-constrained system. The General Dynamics Mission Systems (General Dynamics) developed Protect D@R PC Encryptor (DaR-400) are part of the technical upgrade and are being used to satisfy the security requirement. The protection of data within the AWACS 40/45 architecture is crucial in preventing the theft or loss of critical information and classified data. Such an event will have serious damage to national security.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

The Government intends to purchase forty (40) DaR-400 units, consisting of: ProtectD@R PC Encryptors with internal one (1) terabyte Solid State Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive, four (4) Crypto Ignition Keys (CIKs), and necessary cabling and power supply. This effort also includes a base three (3) year hardware/software warranty and 24/7 Help Desk support, with an additional fourth (4) year of hardware/software warranty and 24/7 Help Desk support added.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

10 USC 2302(b) and FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii), “Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures [for sole source acquisitions]."

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

The DaR-400 units mentioned in Sections I and II, designed and produced by General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS), were part of the Boeing (the prime contractor) design of the AWACS Block 40/45 Enterprise operating system. Contract FA8730-17-F-0017 was initially awarded to procure eighty (80) DaR-400 PC Encryptors. This requirement is driven by operational need and the configuration of the baseline cannot be manipulated to accommodate other than the specified brand name COTS software products and support.

While there are other potential software companies, the Block 40/45 upgrade would be rendered inoperable without the presence of these specific OEM devices. The contractor pursued various potential alternatives to meet the needs of AWACS, however no other viable solution was available. There would be added costs and negative impact to allow other OEMs the opportunity to develop an "or equal" software/hardware solution and acquire the necessary licenses.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

N/A as this is a sole source requirement. That said, this J&A will be posted within 14 days after contract award, IAW FAR 13.501(a)(1)(iii).

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

IAW FAR Part 13.106-3, the Contracting Officer will determine the proposed price to be fair and reasonable before contract award.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

AFLCMC/HBS conducted market research by inquiring with GSA Advantage Schedule 70 contractors and NASA SEWP managing personnel, and found that neither contract vehicles offered the requested products, or offered products of equal characteristics that were compatible with the systems and infrastructure within the AISF Block 40/45 SDE laboratory. Further Internet research could find no other providers of the DAR-400 version required by the Contractor for AWACS Enterprise needs.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

A NOCA was also posted on 19 Oct 2020 for 15 days, resulting in no responses from industry. Moreover, General Dynamics provided a letter stating that they were the sole distributor of the requested items, as they have not authorized resale.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

No sources expressed interest in this acquisition.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

AFLCMC/HBS will conduct ongoing market research surveillance to try and identify alternatives to the OEMs listed in Section B for existing/new mandatory use of contract vehicles. Research will also include the reassessment of the scope of eligible OEM's/distributors in the case that competition materializes within each OEM for product support that meets data requirements and the DMS baseline as upgrades to the system continue. This research will be documented in detail to show that an extensive and thorough effort was made to identify potential available sources. Additionally, when there are opportunities to update the system, there will also be opportunities to move away from sole source requirements as technical requirements may change per upgrades along with licensing requirements. The opportunities for competition will be researched as the upgrades may allow for additional software performance beyond the stated OEMs in Section B. Finally, efforts will be made to encourage existing contract vehicles, such as those mentioned in Section D, to add said products to their price schedule.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my my signatures above, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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Remove the Guidance pages below.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items 18 Jun 2019 Page of International Agreement Competitive Restrictions (IACR) March 2018 Page of NOTE: If a Justification was approved for the preceding acquisition, a copy of the approved Justification for the predecessor action must be included in the staff package for approval of the instant Justification. This applies to Justification staff packages that are submitted for review and approval at a level above the contracting officer. The predecessor Justification will be used as a reference document by the approving official.

Is this a new or amended J&A Document?

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Funding level for this acquisition:

Authority:

Justification Type:

COORDINATION (AFFARS 5306.304(a)) ** The text in the signature blocks below is editable, including the title.

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APPROVAL (AFFARS 5306.304(a)) NOTE: A signature block will appear here based on the funding level selected above.

(See "Specific Guidance for Completing this Template" below.)

I. Contracting Activity.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

Specific Guidance for Completing this Template

I. Contracting Activity. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(1))

Fully identify the contracting agency and organizational activity responsible for the proposed contracting action.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(2))

State whether the action will be awarded as a new contract or by modification to an existing contract (identify contract number) and identify the type contract planned (FAR 12.207 and DFARS 212.207).

An individual Justification cannot be used to support more than one contract irrespective of the quantities or the dollar value stated therein. If a proposed contract will contain unpriced options (including NTE prices), those options must be supported by a separate Justification prior to option exercise or the Justification supporting the basic contract must be a Class Justification. For Class Justification situations (covers more than one contract) where the number of contracts in the class can be identified: (1) Provide a brief general description of actions; (2) identify the supplies and services that are being acquired; and (3) for each contract in the class identify the contractor, estimated value, type of contract and rationale for contract length, and estimated award date. Where the same information applies to more than one contract within the class, it need only be stated one time.

III. Description of the supplies/services required to meet agency needs. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(3))

Specifically describe the supplies and/or services to be acquired, the total estimated value of the acquisition - including options (provide cost estimate by year and, for class Justifications, by contract action), and the estimated delivery dates/periods of performance If commodities are being procured, provide quantities. All contract line items (CLIN) -- e.g., technical data, support equipment, support services, etc. -- should be listed. If all of the ancillary requirements associated with a particular item are not specifically described in the Justifications, those ancillary requirements cannot be included in the resulting contract and would require a second Justification. Also, state the type of appropriation (e.g., 3010, 3400) that will be used to fund each requirement listed.

If approval for more than one fiscal year requirement is needed, give the rationale for this request. Generally, the scope of these actions is limited to current requirements only, so that actions may be taken to facilitate competition for out-year requirements.

In some cases, there are no feasible actions that could develop future competition, and it is reasonable to seek approval for more than one fiscal year's requirements.

For ID/IQ or requirements contracts, use the maximum dollar value of the total estimated orders as the estimated Justification dollar value.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(4)) V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority). (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5))

Provide, in narrative form, a detailed explanation supporting and clearly relating to the conditions described by the FAR for using the particular authority cited. This section is normally the most detailed part of the justification as the essence of the justification is presented here. For acquisitions that include both supplies and services, separately justify the use of the authority for the services and supplies.

Contracting without providing for full and open competition shall not be justified on the basis of lack of advance planning by the requiring activity or concerns related to the amount of funds available (e.g., funds will expire) (10 U.S.C. 2304(f)(4)).

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

(FAR 6.303-2(b)(6))

Describe all efforts taken (or to be to be taken) to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable under the circumstances. Although Market Research is covered in Section VIII, the information in Section VI should correlate with the Market Research described in Section VI. The following issues should be addressed in this paragraph:

Sources Sought Synopsis (used as part of market research). If a sources sought synopsis was issued, state the date the synopsis was issued and a brief description of its content. If any responses were received, describe in detail the results of the screening process and the rationale for determining the unacceptability of any synopsis respondents. Reference FAR 13.105, Synopsis and Posting Requirements.

Other Actions. In this paragraph, discuss any other actions taken or planned to facilitate competition for this acquisition. The discussion should include actions tried or considered even if the actions were unsuccessful. If the efforts were unsuccessful, so state and describe why.

Qualifying Country Sources. If qualifying country sources have expressed interest, but are to be excluded, provide supporting rationale.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(7))

Include a statement by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost will be considered fair and reasonable and provide the basis for this determination. The steps that will be taken to ensure the final contract price will be fair and reasonable are also described here. Describe the extent of cost or price analysis anticipated including the requirements for certified cost or pricing data, technical evaluations, and audits.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or explain why market research was not conducted. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(8))

Generally, some form of market research should be conducted. Discuss any market research conducted pursuant to FAR Part 10 and describe results of that research. Market research is any effort undertaken to determine if sources capable of satisfying the agency's requirements exist and to determine if commercial items or non-developmental items are either available or can be modified so that they will satisfy the agency's needs. Market research should be focused not only on identifying alternate sources, but also on alternate equipment or substitutes that might fulfill the Government needs with only minor modification. Regardless of the approach used, the results should provide a high level of confidence that no other qualified sources exist.

When other exceptions from the requirement to obtain full and open competition are relied upon, the market research might be limited to an examination of the acquisition history and experience with the marketplace under previous acquisitions for the same or similar items.

If no market research was conducted, so state and provide the rationale.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(9)(i))

Provide any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition, including an explanation of why technical data packages, specifications, engineering descriptions, statements of work, statements of objectives, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed, are not being developed, are not being used, or are not available.

X. List of sources, if any, that expressed interest in the acquisition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(10))

If a sources sought synopsis was done and all interested sources are included in Section VI, it is acceptable to state, “See Section VI above.”

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(11))

Describe any actions taken or to be taken to foster competition for future acquisitions of the supplies or services being acquired. Describe potential actions that could be taken to remove the barriers to competition that have been identified in the justification and include a milestone schedule, where available, for accomplishing these actions. For example, if a follow-on competitive acquisition is planned, so state and provide the planned award date, or state that the Government will attempt to acquire rights in technical data and computer software sufficient to compete follow-on acquisitions as a priced option in the contract action that is the subject of this Justification, or (if applicable) state how the Government intends to challenge nonconforming markings on technical data and computer software delivered to it under previous contracts so those markings can be removed in order that the technical data and computer software may be used in support of a follow-on competitive acquisition, or describe plans to qualify additional sources.

Address efforts to ensure competition for future spare parts and maintenance in support of systems or equipment covered by the justification, even when these acquisitions will be accomplished by other organizations. Include a discussion on available breakout data.

If no actions are planned, so state and provide reasons. If approval is sought for more than one year, explain why a sole source effort is required for the planned time duration.

For a non-competitive follow-on acquisition to a previous award for the same supply or service supported by a Justification citing the same authority, include a discussion of the actions planned to overcome barriers to competition established in the previous justification, the status of those actions, and the results of those actions. The approval authority shall determine whether the planned actions were completed. If the planned actions were not completed, the justification for the follow-on acquisition shall be approved by the approval authority one-level above the approval authority for the previous justification (see FAR 13.501(a)(2)). If the previous justification was approved by the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE), the approval remains at the SPE level.

[DFARS 213.501(a) and DFARS PGI 206.304(a)(S-70)(ii)] XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(12))

As evidenced by his/her signature, the contracting officer has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel. (FAR 6.303-2(c))

As evidenced by their signatures, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein, which is their responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

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