Market Research .pdf

Product/Service Market Research Report

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This "Signal Generator", NSN 6625 01 627 7720 RH, PN E8663D Option HE3, provides highly accurate signals for, the corrective and preventive maintenance and calibration of microwave, navigational aids, satellite, and other communications equipment. The unit shall be capable of generating Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), Continuous Wave (CW) and Pulse Modulation (PM) with internal and external signals for modulation. With very low noise levels throughout the spectrum. Please refer to purchase description 13E 178A RF Rev. 8 of 1st of May 2013 for detailed specifications. This instrument is an intrinsic part of several larger lifecycle support systems equipment. The need is projected decades into the future. There will be a quantity of 2 for this procurement.

Section B: Product or Service Description

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity/ Organization: AFLCMC/WNA ATS Division Purchase Request/

Identification Number:

FD2060-24-31118/ F3QCCM-33-

32G001/FD2060-23-32382

Project/Program Name:

COTS, ATE

Generator, Signal Estimated Contract Cost

(Include Options):

$189,740.00

Report Date: May 19, 2023 Projected Period of Performance: 1 year

Market Research Start Date: Mar 29, 2023 NAICS: 334515

Market Research End Date: May 19, 2023 PSC/FSC: 6625

Section C: Background This signal generator is an Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory (AFPSL) and Air Force's Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratories (PMELs) approved and endorsed item. It is used in conjunction with E550A Phase Noise Measurement System to calibrate phase noise in spectrum analyzers. Several critical flight safety and weapons systems are dependent of the availability of instruments and equipment calibrated by this instrument. This unit is paramount to calibrate avionics, ground navigational aids (NAVAIDS) VOR, ILS (Localizer/Glideslope), Marker Beacons, and global positioning systems (GPS) for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) equipment that is critical for weapons delivery.

The intent of this purchase is to procure replacement units. The units were procured from Keysight Technologies Inc., 1900 Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, USA with CAGE number 7ZXR5. The procured item will be Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) and will be used primarily in laboratories, calibration facilities and second tier maintenance organizations requiring the characteristics of this signal generator unit. This item was previously obtained in 2021 for $76,191 and is currently still in use.

The Keysight Technologies Inc. (Cage: 7ZXR5), is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the signal generator and retains all proprietary rights to the design, data and documentation of this unit. Reverse engineering is not an option for this item.

The previous contract FA8517-21-P-0008, PR# FD20602133183 was awarded to NSCA Technologies, LLC (now NSCA Technologies & Tra-Cal Lab) (Cage: 1MFV4), a Keysight Small Business Partner, on 8 September 2021 under NAICS 334515. The unit price was $71,390 each for a one time buy. Multiple proposals were received from Keysight, their supplies, and partners.

The acquisition was awarded to NSCA Technology & Tra-Cal Lab using Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method.

Prior to that contract, Contract FA2263-13-M-0009 was awarded to Agilent Technologies/Keysight (Cage: 1LQK8) on 27 August 2013 with a unit price of $51,000 each. This was an acquisition by Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program (AFMETCAL).

On 19 September 2013, Agilent (life science company) and Keysight (electronic test, measurement equipment, and software company) separated into two publicly traded companies.

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Section E: Vendor Survey I. General Discussion

Companies that are key players have significant market share in the instrumentation, test and diagnostics equipment segment were researched. We researched small business databases and NATO manufacturers and suppliers, government databases;

conferred with government personnel, conducted multiple internet searches which included small/disadvantaged businesses.

Manufacturers with compatible and or similar signal generator equipment were also researched. Data sheets were reviewed and verified as being current. Comparisons were made between the data sheets; also searched different company websites for replacements. Search engine criteria were for “Signal Generator”, “Signal Source”, “Analog Signal Generator”, “Low Phase Noise Generator”; parsed through the data sheets and web sites of the companies identified. The following sources were used:

General Services Administration, IEEE manufacturer listing, & Thomas business registry. A search for HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business Owned, 8(a) and Woman Owned businesses was conducted using the Dynamic Small Business Search engine from the Small Business Administration (https://dsbs.sba.gov), (screen capture is attached for review).

From the manufacturing perspective the AbilityOne.gov program is not applicable. Some organizations might use it internally in some phase or form.

II. Process Information: (Identify the number of sources contacted in each category.)

3 Large Business

Educational Institution

Non-Profit

2 Small Business (Check box to show categories)

Government Entity

Other

III. Vendor Information

Name CAGE/DUNS Socioeconomic Status Location Point of Contact

Keysight Technologies Inc.

7ZXR5

Large

1900 Garden of the Gods Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Michael Browne (Georgia Rep)

Vendor Capabilities:

Large multinational OEM HW/SW designer & manufacturer with leading edge research and development. https:// www.keysight.com. This vendor is capable of meeting the requirements.

Vendor Past Performance:

Multitude of products already bought by the US Government. Keysight is the current OEM supplier.

Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.

82199

6821 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

Charles Coulter (Georgia Rep)

Section D: Performance Requirements This is an AFMETCAL required/mandated instrument/system due to unique low noise characteristics specification that is needed by active duty, reserve component, and air guard PMEL calibration facilities/organizations worldwide and FMS users alike. The performance characteristics document is attached, technical description is in Purchase Description 13E-178A-RF Rev. 8, dated 1st May 2013.

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Add Another Vendor Remove Vendor

There are multiple devices in multiple categories of instruments being sold with names that include "Signal Generator" on the market. There is no single standard. Very few meet the needs of the Government. For this market research effort, some

Section F: Product Data

Large multinational OEM HW/SW designer & manufacturer with leading edge research and development. https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/. This company does not have or manufacture an instrument in this range with the performance and required characteristics.

Multitude of products already bought by the US Government with a very strong NATO presence.

Anritsu

0T1F7

490 JARVIS DR

MORGAN HILL, CA

95037

Sales Dept.

Large multinational OEM HW/SW designer & manufacturer with leading edge research and development. https:// www.anritsu.com/en-us/. This company does not have or manufacture an instrument in this range with the performance and required characteristics.

Multitude of products already bought by the US Government.

Stanford Research 67276/ N1VLG68MCN69 Small 1290-D Reamwood Ave.

Sunnyvale, CA 94089 info@thinkSRS.com

Vendor Capabilities:

Small OEM HW/SW designer & manufacturer with niche research and development capabilities. https://www.thinkSRS.com.

This company does not have or manufacture an instrument in this range with the performance and required characteristics.

Multitude of products already bought by the US Government.

Giga-Tronics 58900 Small 5990 Gleason Drive Dublin CA 94568 USA

Sales Rep. MINGYAN XU Phone (925)328-4650

Vendor Capabilities:

Small OEM HW/SW designer & manufacturer with niche product research and development. https://gigatronics.com/. This company does not have or manufacture an instrument in this range with the performance and required characteristics.

Limited amount of products bought by the US Government.

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This is a commercial of the shelf product (COTS) with international certifications to be used in metrology, medical facilities and research and development laboratories. The environment impact of signal generators is consistent with commercially available consumer electronic devices and appliances.

Section G: Environmental Impact Considerations and Certification Requirements

Under the definitions of FAR Part 2, this buy qualifies as being a commercial item that is non-developmental in nature; therefore, it can be acquired using the streamlined acquisition procedures under FAR Part 12. All the researched products in this MRR are from proven mature companies, providing mature products that have previously acquired (bought) for several years with technology readiness level (TRL) & manufacturing readiness level (MRL) equal to 10.

Section H: Commercial Opportunities

Though no official standard exists for signal generators, only compliance with the national institute of standards and technology.

Several features are expected such as signal frequency stability, adjustable amplitude and frequency, and signal purity. The classification “Signal Generator” is a mature one, but advancements are still being made by the leading manufactures to differentiate their products and make them more attractive to the potential buyer with improved characteristics such as reduction in phase noise, harmonics, non-harmonics, and output power.

Section I: Industry Standards, Commercial Business Practices

Spurred by increasing sales of mobile devices and electronics, along with the advancements in the wireless, processor, and signal transferring technologies, there has been a strong growth in the demand for signal generators. In order to extend the life of some products field upgradeability is a trend to consider for the Government. The global signal generator market size reached US$ 1.3 Billion in 2022. Some expectations have the market reaching US$ 2.0 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.44% for the years 2022-2028.

Section J: Technology Trends & Technology Insertion Opportunities

As a rule of thumb, Small Business presence is almost non-existent in the manufacture of this category of products. In this specific niche there are no small OEMs. Small businesses do not venture in this segments due to the high costs of research, development, manufacturing, testing, validating, marketing, and supporting this equipment as it is a difficult, costly, and risky

Section K: Small Business Opportunities instruments meet some requirements but not all. In this scenario only one instrument meets the critical criteria and requirements of the Government. This procurement is for active duty AF, AF Reserve, ANG and select FMS customers.

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Section L: Terms and Conditions Standard Commercial Product Warranty on CONUS. Post sale local warranty may not be available depending on geographical location (OCONUS). Most OCONUS locations manage organic repairs. The Government benefits from;

- financing and discounts

- marking and packaging

- inspection and acceptance processes

- a fair/reasonable market price for the industry, which may include an assessment of available price data, price ranges, known pricing issues, or an explanation of price variations

- insured/bonded/licensed

- payment plans

Section M: Government's Presence/Leverage In the Market The Government has very little if any influence in the final price of the instruments as the volumes do not allow for leverage when acquiring from an OEM in which most operate with razor thin profits.

Section N: Conclusions and Recommendations

Section O: Market Research Techniques Used I. Methods

Internet Searches Sources Sought

Industry Days Request for Information (RFI)

FedBizOpps One-on-One Industry Sessions

Trade Journals/Shows Government Contacts (SME in specific Markets, Other People with experience with this product/service)

Conducting Site Visits Contacting known source of products or services venture. In addition, high costs, high risk, slow return on investment (ROI), low margin, and a relative long time to become financially profitable makes reverse engineering unfeasible and discourages small companies from venturing into the development of this type of equipment.

This acquisition is open to any Small Business. A search for Small Business, Small/Disadvantaged Business, Section 8A business, HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Woman-Owned Business/Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) was conducted using the Dynamic Small Business Search Engine (http:// dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm). Criteria pertaining to the item description for the NSN portrayed in section B were used under NAICS code 334515.

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Government Databases (FPDS-NG, FAPISS, PPIRS, CPS, GSA, SBA Databases etc...)

Reviewed results of recent market research on similar or identical requirements

Draft Solicitation or Statement of Work Obtaining Source Lists

Contacted Small Business Office Other (Please Identify):Previously submitted SBA queries

II. Describe the details regarding the various methods indicated above that were used to arrive at the market research findings.

30+ years of design, service, repair, integration & calibration in the private sector and Government service. And nearly a 100 of combined SME knowledge.

Section P: Market Research Approval

The above market research documentation is complete and accurate and represents an appropriate level of review for the complexity of the requirement.

Date

11 Jan 2024

Typed Name, Rank, Title of Contracting Officer Shabrea Davis, GS-12, PCO

Signature of Contracting Officer

Date 11 Jan 2024

Typed Name, Rank, Title of Program Manager

Lea Baker, NH-03, PM

Signature of Program Manager

BAKER.LEA.D.1064408212

Digitally signed by

BAKER.LEA.D.1064408212

Date: 2024.01.11 09:31:39 -05'00'

DAVIS.SHABREA.S.1543943327

Digitally signed by

DAVIS.SHABREA.S.1543943327

Date: 2024.01.11 09:53:11 -05'00'