VDU single_source_justification Hill.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

November 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 2

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: AFTC/PZIE

Project/Program Name: Video Distribution Units

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F1T0CL9122B101/F1T0BH9115B101

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $89,020.00

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

Manufacturer: Delta Information Systems Inc., 747 Dresher RD STE 125, Horsham PA 19044-2247 Model #: VDU9105R Item PN: 830-900093-01 Quantity Needed: 20 Delivery: 120 days ARO Type of Funds for this Purchase: 3600

The video distribution unit (VDU) is a combination video format transcoder, distribution amplifier and switcher intended for airborne use. Shape is small 2” x 3” x 3.5” enclosure. Each transcoder channel converts composite (CVBS) video to component (Y-C) video, or component video to composite, depending on the input presented to the VDU. There are three transcoder channels in the device. The VDU also contains an 8x1 video switcher. This switcher selects from the composite outputs of the three-transcoder channels and five separate composite video inputs. Switcher output selection is accomplished via three binary encoded, optically isolated, control inputs. The distribution amplifier function of the VDSU provides three buffered outputs for each output channel. Standard D-SUB50 connectors are utilized for the input/output signals. Unit must meet all relevant military airborne environmental (vibration, heat, EMI/C) standards.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

The 896th Test Support Squadron (TSS) supports testing on many of Eglin Air Force Bases' aircraft by providing customized instrumentation to the airframes, among which are the F-16, F-15, A-10, and UH-1. The instrumentation installed on the various aircraft is used to collect, record, transmit, and receive data collected from standard aircraft systems or sensors and data collection units installed by 896th TSS. To maximize efficiency, the 896th TSS has standardized its systems to maximum extent possible across the entire fleet. This greatly improves the unit's ability to maintain, upgrade, and monitor systems and cut costs.

This acquisition is part of an ongoing sustainment to an instrumentation system that has been in use for several years. This current contract action will provide new units as part of a new instrumentation system to be installed on aircraft that has a legacy/outdated instrumentation system or requires a new installation of a system. The current units have the particular physical size and electrical interface in order to be compatible with the instrumentation systems (both mechanical and electrical) currently installed in existing test aircraft.

Past performance indicates that the hardware currently being used has performed according to expectations. No other known manufacturer produces a system that is a drop in-replacement in terms of form, fit, and functions for the hardware currently installed in the instrumentation systems. Currently there are no alternative vendors that can provide replacement components for the VDUs as the electrical

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

November 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 2 backplane, logic and data bus technical information is proprietary to existing vendor. Continuing with procuring encoders from Delta will assure streamlined integration into existing systems installed on the aircrafts due to commonality of physical dimensions and electrical interfaces.

Using an alternative vendor would require at least 6 months of system testing, integration, and modification of the aircraft design. Estimated labor costs for this effort could be at least $300,000. The costs in time and funding to retro fit the test fleet for a different product with new and untested components would not be cost effective to the government and may result in unacceptable delay to flight testing due to lack of instrumentation capability. This would result in costly delays to test programs supported by 96 TW aircraft that would not be recoverable through any potential cost savings through competition.

The government has reviewed information from other contractors and Delta is the only known system capable of meeting the governments' technical requirements. Procurement of units will ensure that mission capability is maintained in light of any unexpected malfunction of existing inventory.

Delta Information Systems Inc. is the only known company that can provide an airborne rated video distribution amplifier that meets the minimum size and performance requirements of the government.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

A source sought synopsis for the video distribution units was issued on 16 August 2019 and posted in Federal Business Opportunities for thirty days. The synopsis included a description of the effort contemplated for this contract. Three interested vendors responded to the Sources Sought inquiry. Two of the vendors' capability statements did not include any experience or history in airborne electronic component development or video electronics development. Capability statements did not show any actual off the shelf part that meets requirement of the effort. The third vendor demonstrated knowledge of the requirements of the TRD and provided a potential system architecture. The capability statement did not indicate that the vendor had an off the shelf part that meets the requirement of the TRD. As such any procurement will require some type of development activity and non-recurring engineering in order to develop a product that meets the form-fit function requirements. In addition the component will require environmental and electromagnetic interference/compatibility testing to meet airworthiness requirements.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

This agency will continue to monitor the industry through trade journals, technical symposia, and contact with industry representatives to remain abreast of potential sources should a future need arise. Any future requirements outside the scope of this justification will be reviewed and market research will be conducted.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

05-Nov-2019

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Tanya Warden/NH-III

Signature of Contracting Officer

November 2018 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

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