ETVJA _5_.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A)

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. CONTRACTING ACTIVITY

Department of the Air Force, 436 Contracting Squadron, Dover AFB, DE 19902-5639 PR Number: F1Q3RX0202AQ02

2. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF ACTION BEING PROCESSED

Dover AFB intends to award a firm fixed price contract to repair/modify two Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETV) at Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware.

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES AND SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET

THE AGENCY’S NEEDS

A. Dover has two ETVs: ETV 1 is completely unserviceable and must be repaired, ETV 2 is currently serviceable. However, since both ETVs were identically engineered, modifications/upgrades will be installed on both ETVs to prevent a duplication of the crash of ETV 1.

B. In Aug 2009 a hoist cable failed on ETV 1 allowing the hoisting deck to free fall approximately 15 feet. This caused extensive damage to the ETV Deck, Cab, and the complete electrical system running through the deck and cab. The ETV is fully automatic and is integrated with an automated Inventory Control System (ICS). The ICS acts as the “brain” driving the autonomy of this total system. Sample capabilities include laser contour imaging, 360* photo imaging, automated pallet storage/pulling, cargo sequencing and load planning. Most importantly, the ICS directly controls autonomous movement of the ETV horizontally and vertically within the storage facility.

C. The government contracted with the original manufacturer, ICM Airport Technics (ICM) in May 2010 to provide a detailed diagnostic and design improvement/repair report. This report also provided cost estimates for the repair on ETV 1 and modification/upgrades to ETVs 1 and 2.

D. Repair of ETV 1 will restore it to full original configuration. This will include repair or replacement of various I-beams, channels, gears, chains, rails and other infrastructure. Electrical parts will include an array of turntable sensors, proximity sensors, wiring, and drive motors. Determination for repair or replacement was determined based on severity of damage (i.e. twisted beam versus dented), safety requirements and repair capability.

E. Modifications will be accomplished to both ETVs to provide system safety, increased lifecycle, lighter payload and improved lift capability. These will be accomplished through the following improvements: 1) Cable Change/Replacement, 2) Sheaves Exchange, 3) Replacement of Lift Platform I-Beams and U-Channels, 4) Double Cable Hoisting System, 5) Auto-Leveling, 6) Out-of-Level Sensors, 7) Adaption of Lift Platform – New Guide Roller, 8) Adaption of Safety Grab, 9) Cycle Counter.

F. The cost estimates from ICM also included our requirements to perform a full range of post repair/modification tests of all operational and safety systems to include:

out of level, pallet transfer to storage, removal from storage, camera and laser operation, over height/weight detectors, all safety devices to prevent loss of life, injury or equipment damage due to ETV operation and emergency safety stops (manual/automatic).

G. Estimated dollar value of this acquisition is ... Repairs will be unit funded with Transportation Working Capital Fund (TWCF) monies and the modifications are funded with 3080 money provided by AF Material Command. Period of performance will begin no later than seven (7) calendar days from contract award and will be completed in

(220) calendar days per SOW.

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER-THAN-FULL-AND-

OPEN-COMPETITION

10 USC 2304(c), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source.

5. DEMONSTRATION THAT THE CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES THE

USE OF 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (1) AUTHORITY

A. Dover Aerial Port Squadron operates the largest aerial port in the Department of Defense. The APS’s primary mission is to provide airlift support for the movement of cargo and mail in direct support of operations directed by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense or the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They provide theater commanders with the supplies and equipment necessary to conduct and sustain wartime operations.

B. In 2004 an open market solicitation was issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to construct the current APS building. As part of the new construction an ETV system was to be built. AFMC representatives established guidelines to the USACE for the ETV system with regards to technical specifications and capabilities. ICM used Vollert as the sub-contractor for the metal work involved in the manufacturing process, however the designing of the ETV system, engineering and installation was all performed by ICM, the prime contractor.

C. The unavailability of ETV 1 seriously degrades the Dover APS’s ability to meet mission demands and reduces its surge capability. Currently Dover AFB does not have real property allotted to provide a long term grid yard for pallet storage. This requirement was deleted when the ICS/ETV system was brought on-line. Therefore it is imperative to repair the ETV as quickly as possible.

D. Both ETVs communicate with the ICS using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and onboard computers on a continuous basis. The source code is proprietary to ICM and the rights to these codes allow for repairs/upgrades/modifications to operate as OEM equipment. The addition of auto leveling of the ETV, out of level sensors, cycle counter, and new cable adaptation will require major changes to the source code.

Without detailed knowledge of the source code of the ICS it is impossible to interface the ETVs with the ICS and failure to do so will result in loss of capability in the system that was originally designed and paid for. Some loss could be experienced in functions as rudimentary as forward and reverse movement of the ETV via its electric motors. Any firm except ICM would have to reverse engineer the software and much of the ETVs’ technical specifications

E. The source code as well as the schematics of the ETV system are limited rights data and the property of ICM. Without this information, any other contractor would be forced to break down the ETV system and try to rebuild it from the ground up.

Therefore it would be very difficult if not impossible for anyone except ICM to repair the ETV in the timeframe the Government requires. The option of purchasing the source code rights from ICM has not been entertained as of yet, due to the lack expertise within AFMC to program this type of code. There are no personnel currently known to have the appropriate training for fault-tolerant, life-safety software design capable of modifying this code without risking major liability.

6. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE

SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS DEEMED

PRACTICABLE

A. The combined ETV/ICS automated system of this size and capability is unique.

Others that exist are primarily for specialized handling of outsized cargo in industrial applications. These systems are not necessarily designed to improve logistics capability, when compared with the size and quantity of cargo this ETV/ICS can move and the speed it can move it autonomously when in conjunction with ICS.

B. The government made telephone and e-mail contact with three companies known by AFMC to be proven capable of providing the type of repair/modification required:

ICM, Loedige, and Siemens. None of the Contractors expressed interest in performing the repair except for ICM. In addition, one company stated “Since we were not the manufacturers of the ETV, we would not be able to give you any warranty or guarantee for the ETV, without placing our company at considerable risk.”

7. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE

ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND

REASONABLE

A. The cost of this acquisition will be fair and reasonable. The prices negotiated with ICM will be compared with the independent prices developed by the Air Force’s focal point for Mechanized Material Handling Systems, AF GLSC, 403 SCMS/GUEC, which has extensive knowledge installing these types of systems. The pricing for all electrical devices being provided by ICM will be checked against the pricing of the original equipment manufacturer for the electrical devices be supplied. The labor rates shall also be compared to the Davis-Bacon rates for the Dover area.

B. ETVs and storage systems similar to the one here at Dover AFB are installed at all major AF aerial ports. While no other port has required repair/modification to this extent they have required some repair, parts replacement and new installations. This will also enable the contracting officer to compare the quoted prices to historical information.

C. If necessary, the contracting officer will obtain cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 15.403-4 in order to determine prices fair and reasonable.

8. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE

RESULTS, OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASONS MARKET RESEARCH

WAS NOT CONDUCTED

See paragraph 6 above. In addition, this requirement will be synopsized and all interested sources will be entertained.

9. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER-THAN-FULL-

AND-OPEN-COMPETITION

None

10. A LISTING OF SOURCES IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED, IN WRITING,

INTEREST IN THE ACQUISTION

See para 6.

11. A STATEMENT OF THE ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO

REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE

MAKING ANY SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION FOR THE SUPPLIES OR

SERVICES REQUIRED

No steps to foster future competition have been taken. This is considered a one-time requirement. Steps to prevent this type of mishap from happening again will not be necessary as the modifications performed under this requirement will preclude the future occurrence of this mishap.

12. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION

The Contracting Officer’s Signature on the coordination and approval page is evidence of the fact that he/she has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief .

13. TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION

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