W90GQZ60850019_SSJ.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: U.S. Army International Technology Center Pacific (ITC-PAC)

Purchase Request / Identification Number: W90GQZ-60850019

Project/Program Name: Theoretical Investigation of Pressure- Induced Topological Phase Transitions In 3D and 2D Materials.

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $44,160 USD

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

This requirement is to provide financing in support of the research project titled, “Theoretical Investigation of Pressure-Induced Topological Phase Transitions In 3D and 2D Materials”, led by Professor Abhishek Kumar Singh, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India. This proposed effort is for the investigation of pressure-induced topological phase transitions in 3D and 2D materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) computational quantum mechanical modelling.

The objective of this proposed effort is to understand the microscopic origins of pressure-induced phase transitions in 3D crystalline topologically trivial materials such as PbTe and their alloys. Understanding the microscopic origin behind the topological phase transition in known materials will allow the exploration of new TI materials for technological applications in the fields ranging from spintronics to superconductivity

Funding the proposed effort enables the proposed technology to be fully assessed against the Warfighter needs.

This acquisition will be a firm-fixed price purchase order.

Duration of this Research and Development is one year (12 months).

The proposed contractor is Prof. Abhishek Kumar Singh Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India.

Phone: 91 9482519807 E-Mail Address: Abhishek@mrc.iisc.ernet.in

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source

Dr. Ashok Patil, Director, Power and Energy, US Army ITC-PAC, is responsible for identifying potential sources with the capability for conducting basic research in his area of responsibility and has determined that the primary/lead organization for this project is the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India, which is considered the leading research institution in the area of multiscale modelling and simulation of materials, using Density Functional Theory, classical and ab initio molecular dynamics, grand canonical monte-carlo simulations, and continuum mechanics.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India, is the only source expressing interest in investigating pressure-induced topological phase transitions in 3D and 2D materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) computational quantum mechanical modelling.

This funding is for research and development project titled “Theoretical Investigation of Pressure-Induced Topological Phase Transitions In 3D and 2D Materials”. Because this project will feature the latest scientific innovation in this field, there is no parallel value to be found in the commercial sector. ITC-PAC certifies the price of $44,160 USD is fair and reasonable for this type of project in comparison to similar projects of other Government agencies. These costs are comparable or below those for a similar scope of research in the US. This certification is based on the following facts:

The funds will be used to support the research and development efforts of Professor Abhishek Kumar Singh, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India. Cost estimates are as follows:

Personnel cost $15,400 Materials (includes consumables) $ 23,000 Travel cost $ 0 Overhead Cost (15%) $ 5,760 Total: $44,160

The above mentioned cost is based on the following and considered to be fair and reasonable.

• Personnel cost is for: One (1) postdoctoral research associate ($9,500 USD) and one graduate student ($5,900 USD) full time (total – 2 man-years). These labor rates are considered fair and reasonable.

• Materials: This effort requires high performance computer hardware to perform the Density Functional Theory computational quantum mechanical modelling. These costs are the hardware configuration of each high performance compute nodes, which includes installation and implementation of the softwares. 128 GB Memory per node are required for this work.

The computer nodes also include latest version of Intel processors, which are faster and more energy efficient. This estimate is based on an online survey of the components (see encl1) and a formal quote from N.J. Dataprint Private LTD. (encl2). This cost is considered fair and reasonable.

• Travel cost is for:

There are no travel costs.

• Overhead Cost is for:

The overhead charge for this project’s administrative management is 15% of labor and material costs.

The Government will receive deliverables such as:

• Technical Concept Report

• Project Final Report

• Project Financial Report

2 Enclosures:

1. Online Survey of the Components

2. Quote from N.J. Dataprint Private LTD.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition ITC-PAC program manager, Dr. Ashok Patil, became aware of this research project in 2015. This research meshes well with the Army’s tactical and deployed power research and development programs. The proposed research will help the US Army to stay at the forefront of the future of semiconductor materials and electronic architectures. Subsequently, a Technology Information Paper (TIP) which describes this effort was prepared and submitted for review by the Research, Development, and Engineering Command R&D Community. Through a competitive selection process, this research project was selected for funding due to its potentially significant benefits to the US military.

Having surveyed the state-of-the-art in Topological Insulators (TIs) research and computational material science in the Pacific Region, it is concluded that by Professor Abhishek Kumar Singh, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India, is the leader in this area.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source Awards This is a one-time purchase action, but ITC-PAC keeps searching areas of expertise for potential sources of basic research.

Section F: Determination Technical/Requirements Personnel’s Certification:

As evidenced by signature below, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein which is their responsibility is both accurate and complete.

Date Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

KENNETH EVENSEN

Director, US ARMY ITC-PAC

Signature of Contracting Officer

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 Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer Signature of Contracting Officer

17 Jun 2016