ACCES_single_source_justification_FINAL_SIGNED.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

20 Apr 2017 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 2

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: 7 CONS/LGCB

Project/Program Name: Attenuating Custom Communication Earpiece System (ACCES)

Purchase Request/Identification Number: F1R10G7130AW02

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $46,240.00

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The Contractor shall perform all services (to include manufacturing ear pieces), furnish all materials required, and deliver to the 7th Operations Support Squadron one hundred (100) Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece Systems (ACCES). This must include the AXAMK custom earpieces, the communications cord adapters, the ACCES-compatible oxygen hose communications cords and the protective cases required for ACCES storage. Westone offers the only USAF safe-to-fly specialized electronics into custom-molded earpieces in Air Force fighter, bomber, helicopter, and cargo aircraft. No other company has been researched and tested for the USAF (See Attachment 1Safe-to-fly letter). ACCES was designed for improved consistency of fit, comfort and an average of 30-40dB attenuation as compared to devices that use generic foam tips. The system vastly improves speech intelligibility and clarity in high-noise aerospace environments leading to increased situational awareness. ACCES system advantages include vastly reduced or eliminated incorrect placement of hearing protection, significantly improved communications intelligibility, as well as enhanced radio fidelity, increased situational awareness, and reduced potential hearing loss. Additionally, ACCES can be interfaced with existing flight equipment including the HGU-55/P helmet and MBU-20/P mask currently authorized for use in B-1B bomber aircraft.

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

The statutory authority permitting one responsible source is FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)/10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1).

The Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System (ACCES) products are unique in the world and are currently made exclusively by Westone Laboratories, Inc. (1-800-525-5071; POC: Alisha Helberg). Westone Laboratories and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) partnered under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to research, design, build and test communication earpieces individually-made from the impressions of the wearer's ear canals. The result of the CRADA is a line of products known as ACCES, which are certified (Aeronautical Systems Center) for use in and around USAF aircraft to MIL STD 461 RE102. The Safe-to-Fly letter is attached to this SSJ. The U.S. Air Force has granted Westone Laboratories an Exclusive License to manufacture and sell ACCES.

Therefore, Westone Laboratories, Inc. is the sole source provider of ACCES products. The AFRL Human Effectiveness Directorate contact number is (937) 522-3252.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

In accordance with FAR Part 10, market research was conducted through various Internet searches. Market research of other manufacturers was performed and it was determined that Westone Laboratories, Inc. is the only manufacturer of ACCES. A sources sought was posted to FBO.gov on 12 June 2017 with a suspense date of 16 June 2017. Westone, the sole source manufacturer for ACCES, was the only interested vendor. On 6 July 2017 Westone called to confirm their ability to provide for this requirement and reiterated that they are the only business capable of providing the ACCES. On 11 July 2017 two small businesses; Innovei International, LP and The Blackstar Companies, LLC, were contacted but both confirmed they are not capable of providing for ACCES. While ACCES parts including communication cables and adapters are available through GSA Advantage, the vendor of these parts remains Westone Laboratories, Inc. The custom formed earpieces required for the system are not available through GSA Advantage. In addition, the customer made an extensive search of the Internet revealing no other sources capable of meeting all of the requirements nor were any compatible systems available which were integrated into the HGU-55/P helmet or MBU-20/P oxygen mask. No other available custom earpieces were compatible with U.S. Air Force aircraft communications systems and none were ejection seat sled tested. One company, Communications & Ear Protection, Inc.

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

20 Apr 2017 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 2 provides a similar product but is only approved for the US Navy. Communications & Ear Protection, Inc protection only offers a 20% reduction in dB noise compared to the 30% noise reduction that ACCES can provide. Finally, Communications & Ear Protection, Inc. have stated they can not provide the services and equipment requested. Furthermore, examination of the acquisition history and experience with the marketplace under previous acquisitions of ACCES purchased on different Air Force contracts with Westone Laboratories, Inc. (See Attachment 2 FA4801-16-F-0028 and Attachment 3 FA4809-16-F-0007) provide a high level of confidence that no other qualified sources exist. Westone Laboratories, Inc. is the only practicable business capable of providing the supplies described in Section B above.

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

The nature of this particular system precludes sourcing this product from another vendor. The only way that this product can be purchased from another firm is if the intellectual property is purchased by another firm or the Government standards change.

Extensive research is ongoing in order to find a suitable alternative to Westone Laboratories, Inc.

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

20 Jul 2017

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer SHAYLA A. CANTYSMITH, Maj, USAF Commander, 7th Contracting Squadron

Signature of Contracting Officer Digitally signed by CANTY

SMITH.SHAYLA.AISHA.1234560405

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DoD, ou=PKI, ou=USAF, cn=CANTY SMITH.SHAYLA.AISHA.1234560405

1234560405A Cross-Out

1234560405A Cross-Out

1234560405A Typewritten Text Chief of the Contracting Office

1234560405A Typewritten Text

(COCO)