F3Q2AD3195AW01_SSJ narrative_Redacted.pdf

CUI

SOLE SOURCE (INCLUDING BRAND NAME) JUSTIFICATION

Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

I. Contracting Activity.

The Requirement Office is 78 CEG/CEIAR. The Contracting Office responsible for this proposed contracting action is AFSC/PZIOC. The purchase request number is

F3Q2AD3195AW01.

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

Due to the circumstances described herein, the activity requests authority to acquire Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system upgrade services using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by DAFFARS 5313.501 in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This action will result in the award of a new definitive Firm Fixed Price purchase order. The period of performance (PoP) is 365 days after award of the contract.

The sole source vendor is as follows:

Minsait ACS, Inc.

2755 Northwoods PKWY Peachtree Corners, GA 30071-1533

CAGE: 0AGH3

Size: Large

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

This requirement is for the upgrade of the existing SCADA system. SCADA is a control system architecture comprising computers, networked data communications, and graphical user interfaces for high-level supervision of machines and processes. It also covers sensors and other devices, such as programmable logic controllers, which interface with process plant or machinery. The Robins AFB SCADA system is operated through a control center where all the data flows. The SCADA provides real-time monitoring of various utilities and base functions.

This control center is fully integrated and controlled by Precise Real-time Information System Management (PRISM) software and hardware. All Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and Radio Communication hardware are located at various data collection points that broadcast data into the control center. These data collection points talk to the PRISM control center and provide real-time data. The Control Center Display wall is a visual representation of where all the RTUs and Radio communication equipment are providing data broadcast. The controller can see if any one data collection point is functioning by viewing the Display board. This requirement is for upgrade of all PRISM software and hardware. The upgrade includes software upgrade, Advanced Control System (ACS) RTU upgrade, Radio Communications hardware upgrade, and Control Center Display Wall upgrade.

The SCADA system is controlled by PRISM software. PRISM integrates with all RTUs, radio communications hardware, and the control center display wall within the SCADA system.

SCADA cannot be upgraded without upgrading PRISM software.

The SCADA system is currently at a 12-year delay in updating the hardware and software for the computer system. The radio system is at a 20 + year delay in updating. The RTU system is at a 30+ year delay in update. Many networks are still without the necessary detection and monitoring systems, and this leaves them vulnerable to a cyber-attack. The SCADA systems allows an organization to monitor real time data across a variety of utilities.

This estimate is based on Minsait ACS, Inc. rough order of magnitude estimate dated 10 April 2023. The PoP for this effort is 365 days after date of contract award.

The nominal contract line item number (CLIN) structure is as follows:

CLIN 0001 Master Stations General Electric Microwave Data System and Antennas Upgrade

CLIN 0002 Conversion to Transmission Control Protocol/

Internet Protocol of existing NTX-SD09 Sets

CLIN 0003 Minsait ACS RTU Upgrade and Radio Upgrade Communications Hardware and Software

CLIN 0004 Control Center Display Wall

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. (FAR 6.303- 2(b)(4))

DAFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

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

The agency's minimum needs can only be satisfied by the highly specialized services available from Minsait ACS, Inc. because the Robins, AFB SCADA system is comprised of Minsait ACS, Inc. proprietary components. PRISM is a family of Linux based software that works simultaneously across multiple machines. PRISM includes a visual database editor: for edit displays, a vector graphics editor: to configure new stations for monitoring, and a graphical operator interface: to allow users to watch real time data. The PRISM software and the hardware circuit cards are proprietary to Minsait ACS, Inc. and are not available from any other source.

The proprietary circuit cards are integrated with RTUs and radio communications hardware in order to communicate with the control center. PRISM integrates with all SCADA system components; thus, a complete system upgrade would not be possible without upgrading PRISM.

to historical contractor sales, and/or analysis of limited cost or pricing information provided by the contractor. If limited cost or pricing information is made available, the Government's negotiation objective will be developed using local technical analysis and direct and indirect rate factors recommended by the Defense Contract Management Agency.

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

Market research was conducted 03 July 2023 to 10 July 2023 in accordance with FAR Part

10.001 and 10.002. The Market Research Report was completed on 18 Aug 2023.

As described in Section VI above, a SS/RFI was posted to SAM.gov advising industry of the pending acquisition and soliciting inquiries from interested vendors. The SS/RFI was posted on 03 Aug 2023 under Solicitation Number FA850123PZIOC no interested vendors responded to the SS/RFI.

Queries were conducted within Government databases and internet searches were performed using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 335314 and keywords SCADA Service Providers to search for potential vendors. Results from the Internet search provided 11 top results from large companies. All Large companies provide SCADA services in the commercial marketplace. Small business query resulted in 12 small businesses. This was reviewed by our SME and only 2 of the 12 small businesses could provide SCADA services.

These were included in the MRR. However, the PRISM software is proprietary with no known alternatives.

SCADA Upgrade Service is considered a commercial service as defined in FAR 2.101. SCADA is used by both the military and the commercial aviation industry.

The market research concluded Minsait ACS, Inc. is the only vendor capable of fulfilling the Government’s requirement.

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

Minsait ACS, Inc owns all the Intellectual Property Rights to PRISM software and integration hardware. The circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

No other vendor can upgrade the SCADA system at Robins AFB, GA.

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

See Section VI above.

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

The plan to remove or overcome barriers to competition is to inquiry with the OEM their interest in selling the technical data package to the Government. The OEM will be contacted once per year. Commercial market will continue to be surveyed for changes in the proprietary nature of the system.

XIII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

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.

XIV. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

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.