J A_2.pdf

COORDINATION AND APPROVAL DOCUMENT

CONTRACTING ACTIVITY: 502d Contracting Squadron PROJECT: Hearing Loss Simulator System AUTHORITY: 41U.S.C.3304, as implemented by FAR 6.302-1

ESTIMATED CONTRACT COST: $154,406.75

TYPE J &A: Individual

COORDINATION

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RICARDO SANTA CRUZ

Program Manager, Hearing Center of Excellence 210-554-5302

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ROSIARIO, KINDERKNECHT, GS-12, OAF

Contracting Officer 210-671-5906

AUDRA L. NOVATNAK, GS-13, OAF

Chief, Acquisition Flight JBKAC 210-671-0675

APPROVED:

ANN D. HE~GS-14, OAF

502 CONS Competition Advocate 210-671-1700

DATE

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JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

I. CONTRACTING ACTIVITY

The United States Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, 502d Air Base Wing, 502d Contracting Squadron, is executing this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for a research and development item under the authority of FAR 6.302-l(a)(2)(il)(B) on behalf of, 59 MOW/Hearing Center of Excellence, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236-5300, by the Contracting Officer, TSgt Latoria Ellis, at (210) 671-2812 or email at latoria.ellis@us.af.mil.

The requirement is for Hearing Loss Simulator with Sensimetrics Corporation under the applicable NAICS 334510. The purchase request number for this requirement is FM304743517400. The aggregate amount of the aforementioned purchase requests are $154,406.75 and the requested delivery date is 30 June 2015.

II. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING PROCESSED

This action will be to procure an Hlsim 6269 Hearing Loss Simulator Systems - $6, l 76.27, quantity twenty-five (25) from Sensimetrics Corporation. This will be awarded as a new contract and the type of contract planned is a firm-fixed-price purchase order.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE

AGENCY'S NEEDS .

Under the contemplated contract, Sensimetrics Corporation will provide the following system for sustainment of the Hearing Center of Excellence:

1. Simulator System comes equipped with a wearable hardware unit that Is mounted on a helmet or other type of head device and software for programming the DSP, which is contained in the hardware unit. This system also contains an ER-2 earphone drivers, batteries, acoustic tube, microphone, and leads from the microphone. In addition, It will have two tubes that are attached to tips BRl-14A.

2. The HLSim 6269 ls priced: $6, l 76.27, quantity: twenty-five (25) total.

IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

41 U.S.C. 3304, as implemented by PAR 6.302-l -Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements (6.302-l(a)(2)(ii)(B).

V. DEMO!SSTRATION THAT THE CONTRACTOR'S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISiTION REQUIRES THE USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE CAPPLlCABILITY OF AUTHORITY) l . The Sensimetric Corporation is the only company that oustomlzes Noise Induce Hearing Loss Programs with a wearable system for implementing simulation of hearing loss. The system can be used for studies in the combat field to see how Hearing Loss complicates the mission. The system shifts the listener's auditory thresholds for ambient sounds to match a specified hearing loss. The listener is immersed in the soundscape that is the input to the simulation so that he or she will be able to experience a simulated hearing impairment for the everyday sounds in the environment while attempting to execute a normal working day. Such a change in hearing ability can immediately demonstrate many of the problems of hearing loss and the characteristics of auditory aids.

2. The system has a multi-color lights which are used to signal events and changes on state of the system. This will produce the hearing loss that will be needed to conduct the test. These helmet-mounted devices enable the wearer to experience the ambient sound environment through a simulated hearing impairment. The simulation ranges from 'no loss' to threshold shifts in excess of 90 dB relative to normal hearing. Further, the system incorporates a 'blast sensor', which enables it to detect loud sounds and to simulate temporary threshold shift In response to these loud sounds. These units are used to assess soldier battle effectiveness In the presence of both pre-existing and battle-induced hearing Impairment.

3. Sensimetrics provides software and hardware support for research conducted at the Audiology and Speech Center at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. In all cases, Sensimetrics designed the systems (hardware and software) and continues to provide support on an as needed basis. This work is supported by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under Contract No. W8IXWH-13-C-O194. The goal of the AF with the Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE) is to provide "military Immersion" training for members of the military audiology community. As a military Audiologist they are called upon to interface with the combat arms community and serve as the subject matter expert and yet there are very few opportunities for you to gain the knowledge necessary to converse with our service members regarding military equipment, tactical headsets, weapon systems, and equipment compatibility. Using the HLSim system will incorporate a 'blast sensor', which enables It to detect loud sounds and to simulate temporary threshold shift in response to these loud sounds. These units are used to assess soldier battle effectiveness In the presence of both pre-existing and battle-induced hearing impairment. The HCE will work with the Army on a collaborative Exercise in Communication and Hearing Operations (ECHO) this summer at Camp Bullis. It is imperative that we have the HLSlm 6269 system to support this mission.

4. Sensimetric Corporation is the sole manufacturer of the HLSim Hearing Loss Simulator System. This source possesses the unique capability, license, and proprietary Information to produce the item needed.

No other source has the proprietary data or the software required to produce the item. Therefore, this would pose unacceptable delays if not awarded to Sensimeteric Corporation.

5. Sensimetric Corporation expended countless man hours producing the HLslm systems and took 5 years to get to the level of expertise on building and producing the systems to fit the needs of the customer. Considering the time, materials, and man hours to conform this concept from paper to product, it will cause an unacceptable delay by years and will not flt the dollar threshold of the customer to try to acquire a system with the same capabilities from another company. Sensimetric Corporation has familiarized themselves with the production, design, and functionality of such systems and Is capable of providing the items requested to the customer in the required time frame.

6. As such, Sole Source Acquisitions (FAR 6.302-l(al), is applicable. Accordingly, Sensimetric Corporation is the only firm capable of providing the supplies described In Section III above without U.S. Air Poree experiencing unacceptable delays In fulfilling its requirements.

VI. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE

SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS DEEMED PRACTiCABy;

A notice of intent to award on a sole source basis to Senslmetrics Inc. will be posted on FBO.gov IA W FAR 6.305(b ). While it ls not a request for quotation, any response that shows clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government will be considered for future requirements.

VII. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE

ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE

In accordance with FAR 6.303-2(b)(7), comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases and comparison to an approved price listing will be used to determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable based on market research.

VIII. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE

RESULTS. OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASONS MARKET RESEARCH WAS NOT

CONDUCTED

There are no other Hearing Loss Simulator Systems of this type out in the market. An internet search resulted in no other systems comparable to both the HLSim. Many vendors had Hearing Loss Simulations apps. These apps were all used on a desktop computer showing the difference between normal hearings to profound hearing loss. None of these simulators were mobile and can meet are research criteria.

IX. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND

OPEN COMPETITION

Having access to these HLSim 6269 systems Is vital to the 59 MOW research work performed at the Hearing Center of Excellence. The research work is vital to the military audiology community and the warfighter out in the field.

X. LIST OF SOURCES. IF ANY. THAT EXPRESSED INTEREST IN THE

ACOUISITION

See Section VI above.

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

REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE MAKING

SUBSEQUENT ACOUISITIONS FOR THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED

The two areas of research involved are highly specialized, therefore, procuring commercial-off the-shelf (COTS) supplies are difficult to find. Therefore, we are seeking the availability of these HLSlm systems from one source, Sensimetrics Corporation. The military audiology community is always looking for innovative ways to enhance the missions. The HLSim 6269 system will fulfill that need.

XII. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION

The contracting officer's signature on the Coordination and Approval Document evidences that he/she has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief (FAR 6.303-2(b)(12)).

XIII. TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL'S CERTIFICATION

As evidenced by their signatures on the Coordination and Approval Document, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein, which is their responsibility, is both accurate and complete <FAR 6.303-2(c)).