DnF for OTFOC (Redacted).doc

BRAND NAME DETERMINATION & FINDINGS FOR OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

(ACTIONS SAT AND BELOW)

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT: The Government requires the procurement of one (1) Simcenter microelectronics Research and Development (Micred) transient thermal testing system (T3STER).

2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER:

Manufacturer:

Siemens Industry Incorporated

1000 E Deerfield Pkwy

Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089

CAGE: 1HLQ3

Large Business

POC: Beverly Lester; Beverly.letser@siemensgovt.com

Authorized Reseller:

Oasis Sales, Incorporated 20701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 107-437

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

CAGE: 4ESZ0

Business Size: Small Business

POC: Kellie Lawson, kellie.lawson@oasissales.com

3. ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE: $[REDACTED]

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: The statutory authority permitting sole source is 41 USC 1901(e), implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i):

X Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

5. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE:

The item(s) listed in section one above is available from only one source and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available.

X Experimental Continuity: The item(s) must be consistent with prior materials in order to ensure experimental continuity. Describe the conditions that necessitate the use of experimental continuity:

The [REDACTED] at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires a Simcenter Micred T3STER tabletop unit to perform thermal characterization of packaged semiconductor devices. The T3ester is necessary for assessing prototype semiconductor packages and novel materials relevant to Department of Defense (DoD) and the Army interests.

The Army requires a thermal measurement tool to assess packaged semiconductor devices pre and post stress testing. This tool will yield non-destructive transient thermal measurements of diodes, bipolar junction transistor (BJTs), power metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBTs), and power light-emitting diode (LEDs). Measurements should be at the one (1) microsecond resolution. Specifically, a Simcenter Micred T3ster tool will allow for high-definition temperature and strain measurements. This element is crucial in evaluating semiconductor prototypes and cannot be achieved using other tools. Other methods of evaluating transient thermal response have faced significant issues and are delaying major projects

Market research was performed by [REDACTED], a Research Mechanical Engineer with over three (3) years’ experience from 15 May 2023 through 09 February 2024. [REDACTED] searched the General Supply Schedule (GSA), contacted knowledgeable people within the Government and industry, reviewed catalogs and other generally available product literature published by manufacturers, conducted internet searches, and assessed existing tools within the branch. Through [REDACTED] research, it was determined that the Simcenter Micred T3ester, manufactured by Siemens Industry Incorporated, is the only system available that meets the Governments minimum requirements and maintaining crucial existing capabilities.

Further, the Army Research Laboratory is already in possession of a high-power Simcenter T3STER designed for testing multiple modules at high amperage. This tool is capable of evaluating the cooling curve, but not the heating curve, of packaged semiconductors. The tool, provided on a previous contract (W911QX19P0125) via Tri-Logic, Incorporated, now Oasis Sales, has an existing software license subscription and engineering support provided. For the sake of experimental continuity, the Army Research Laboratory needs to maintain the same team of technicians and professionals, as well as overlap the license provided by Oasis on the previous purchased T3ester to reduce costs.

If this contract were not awarded, the [REDACTED] would incur significant setbacks to prototyping and risk defunding of a major customer project through the Microelectronics Commons and Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act. These projects have eminent deadlines where even delays over two (2) weeks will result in missing these deadlines. This would result in an extension to the project, resulting in over $[REDACTED] cost labor increase, or losing the funding for the project, resulting in long term loss of project support. Prototype development is driven by fast and effective measurements of the thermal characteristic’s packages being developed, which requires intensive characterization. This acquisition supports one (1) mission funded and one (1) customer funded effort for critical Army programs in electrification and directed energy efforts. The system will support the completion of these programs.

Based on the aforementioned, a Simcenter Micred T3ester is the only system that will satisfy the Governments minimum requirement while maintaining experimental continuity and capabilities. Oasis Sales, Incorporated, is the authorized reseller on behalf of Siemens Industries Incorporated. As such, it is in the best interest of the Government to solicit the requirement while pursuing a brand name sole source procurement strategy for the required T3ester.

6. FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE DETERMINATION:

It has been determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable and that approval of this recommendation is in the best interest of the government. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Template last updated 4/23/2018