Redacted_JA.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

20 Apr 2017 Page 1 of 2

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: 319 CONF, Grand Forks AFB, ND

Project/Program Name: WinEst Software License Renewal

Purchase Request/Identification Number: F2A3E38042AW01

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

Under the contemplated contract, Trimble, Inc. is to furnish all materials, supplies, and support needed to update the cost database and renew the five licenses for the existing server-based cost estimating software program, WinEst Pro Plus version 15.2. This will be a base year + 3 option years:

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

Trimble is the sole manufacturer and distributor of WinEst Pro Plus cost estimating software. It is a proprietary software application and contains an originally programmed interface that utilizes RS Means Cost database information in a specific way. Trimble is the sole provider of maintenance and support services for this licensed software program and is the only source of its updates and new licenses. Following are some impacts to 319 CES Engineering Flight mission capabilities if a different cost estimating software were to be procured:

a. Current and past WinEst cost estimates are not able to be imported and edited by different software programs.

b. Current training, proficiency, and several years of experience of the engineering staff would be lost in a transition to a different system.

c. Cost of converting to a new system is based on the following as an example: e4Clicks, based on price list from the internet for software subscription, cost database, and two each 1-day training sessions to cover 15 or more people = If 2-day training sessions are required, the additional cost would be for a total of

d. An additional cost of converting to a new system would be the productive time lost and labor involved in converting existing projects to a new system. The overall value of projects that could be in some stage of development or construction is , which is the total of our entire programmed SRM program for FY's 2018 through 2021. A manhour cost is difficult to determine, but take as an example, 100 manhours x the shop rate for the Engineering Flight at , total . That would bring the overall conversion total to

In addition, the Air Force has begun an initiative for a new cost estimating system. It would not be prudent for the 319 CES to make significant investments in new software and training of personnel that might be replaced in as little as one to two years. The Air Force "CE Board," on 28 Oct 2015, approved the implementation of a

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

20 Apr 2017 Page 2 of 2

Cost Estimating Improvement Program (CEIP). The requirements of the future CEIP will include new AFIT courses and a new mandatory cost estimating tool to be used through a web-based portal.

Trimble is the only responsible source for this brand name product. Other Than Full and Open Competition is justified by FAR 6.302-1.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

On 28 Jun 17, information was requested by email and phone of Sharon Lightfoot, a contracting specialist for the Army at Fort Belvoir, regarding their acquisition of WinEst software. On 5 July 17, she replied by phone that it was a sole-source brand-name acquisition and that no other businesses could provide the requirement when they inquired during the market research phase. On the same day, Bill Schaffer, the Government Account Manager for Trimble, the manufacturer, was contacted by email to inquire about the proprietary nature of the WinEst software. He confirmed that the WinEst software is proprietary information owned by Trimble and provided a letter of confirmation. On 29 June, Mr. Schaffer was contacted by email to inquire as to the existence of any other distributors. He confirmed that there are no other distributors. Mr. Schaffer was then asked if any other third parties possessed the capability to perform upgrades or renew licenses for the WinEst software. He confirmed by email that this was not possible by any other business besides Trimble.

Trimble is the only source for this requirement. It is recommended that this requirement be solicited as sole-source IAW FAR 6.302-1.

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

There are only a few other sources of Air Force-wide-approved cost-estimating softwares. Regarding future acquisitions, these other sources should be considered when initially purchasing the software. It should be taken under consideration which of these softwares could be updated and renewed by sources other than the manufacturer, but for products such as technology and software, it is still very likely to be proprietary information.

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

08-Mar-2018

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Jeremiah Snedker, GS-12

Signature of Contracting Officer

SNEDKER.JEREMIAH.J.12552

34435

Digitally signed by

SNEDKER.JEREMIAH.J.1255234435

Date: 2018.03.08 10:56:27 -06'00'