BNJ_EX_VSAT_COMTECH_MODEM_(1).pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLE SOURCE or BRAND NAME SPECIFIED (Simplified Acquisitions <$150K)

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b), the Contracting Officer determines if the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available or a portion of the purchase specifies a particular brand-name item. This determination must be supported with full justification for Sole Source or Brand Name from the Technical/Requirements personnel. When the Technical/Requirements personnel describe an item with a purchase description which limits the competition, the justification must explain why the item is the only one that will meet the Government’s requirement. The Technical/Requirements personnel shall provide the following information:

1. Organization/Line Office: OMAO/MOC-Atlantic

2. Procurement Request Number: NMAN7200-16-01602

3. Description of Action being Approved:

Procure four new Advanced High-Speed Trunking Modems and two new Redundancy Switches for 9711 VSAT system.

4. Description of item or services required to meet the Agency’s needs (including estimated value):

VSAT High-Speed Satellite Modem, Make/Model: COMTECH CDM-760 and redundancy switch, Make/Model: COMTECH CRS-500 (attached specific specifications)

5. List the proposed contractor (name and address) or brand name and describe the unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source (explain why the suggested source is the only source which can provide the supplies or services):

The Satellite Communications (SAT COM) system is deemed Category 1 mission critical equipment for NOAA vessels that require “always-on” broadband satellite communications.

This SAT COM system is the vessel's primary means for underway administrative and scientific functions such as file and image transfer, telephony, video conferencing, e-mail, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and database backup.

The NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer has Sea Tel 9711 system that is a 3-Axis marine stabilized antenna system compatible with C-Band or KU-band satellites.

The VSAT high-speed satellite modem is an integral part of the Sea Tel 9711 system. Its function is used in establishment data transfers using a communications satellite as a relay.

COMTECH Modem CDM-760 is the original designed equipment to operate as part of the Sea Tel 9711 system. A replacement modem of the same brand will ensure the system will continue to operate efficiently during its life cycle which is essential to NOAA's requirements. Use of this brand name item will avoid substantial costs, time, and other Government resources.

Other brand name high-speed satellite modem may require modification and extensive integration testing that deviates from the original system design.

6. Describe how the Government will determine the cost to be fair and reasonable:

Orders issued under this class limited sources justification represent the best value NOAA as the agreed to prices will be based upon competitive quotes received from authorized retailers of the brand in a competitive environment. Therefore the price paid will represent the best value and result in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the needs of NOAA.

7. Description of market research conducted:

Market research limited to the Internet and satellite communications consultant.

8. Statement of actions, if any, to remove barriers to competition in the future:

No action required.

9. Any other facts supporting justification:

None.

10. Certification:

Technical/Requirements Personnel:

I certify the requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the facts, representations, and data included in this justification are complete and accurate.

Signature Date

Contracting Officer:

I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Signature Date

07/14/2016