DF Below SAT Part 12 Compass Redacted.pdf

This is a Determination & Findings document justifying a sole source procurement action for software license and maintenance renewal.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) seeks to renew Altair HyperWorks token licenses and maintenance for use in the AFRL/RQVS vehicle structure design and validation program. The procurement is structured as a firm fixed price contract funded through FY26 Research & Development (3600 R&D) using a standalone purchase order. The contracting activity is AFRL/RMZA. The sole source justification is supported by RFO 12.102(a), which establishes that only one source is available for this commercial product. The determination cites Altair HyperWorks as essential to the government's current structural and multi-disciplinary analysis capabilities, specifically for the OptiStruct and Multiscale Designer modules used in composite structural analysis over 8+ years. The software provides finite element analysis, optimization capabilities, and a Python/Tcl scripting environment critical for AFRL mission requirements. Additionally, the Aerospace Systems Directorate has developed high-fidelity models and specialized composite material data cards specifically compatible with Altair/OptiStruct solvers, making replacement prohibitively expensive due to conversion costs and loss of legacy databases. Manufacturer inquiry confirmed that Altair Engineering, Inc. (now acquired by Siemens Industry Software Inc., located in Plano, TX) is the sole developer and provider with no authorized resellers. The Contracting Officer, Stephen I. Sheets (DO-02), approved the determination on August 12, 2026.