Picoflexor_Sole_Lab_Sole_Source_Redacted.pdf

SOLE SOURCE / BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

<$150,000

1. Contracting Activity.

a. Requiring Activity:AFRL/RIGB, Andrew Williams,

b. Contracting Activity: AFRL/RIKO, 26 Electronic Pkwy, Rome NY 13441

c. Purchase Request #: F4HBL15173A001

2. Nature and/or Description of Action.

a. Description of Requirement: Picoflexor Transceiver Software-Definable Radio Platform; includes blank AEP module assembly for dual picoflexor, cableset (Lab ID 15309), frequency extender (SI-9249/FE12 on Lab ID 15311) and an interconnection option (Lab ID 15312).

b. Sole source company: DRS Signal Solutions, 700 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg MD 20878; POC: Jim Blackburn (jblackburn@drs-ds.com), telephone 301-944- 8295.

3. Description of Supplies or Service. Three (3) each Picoflexor Transceiver Software- Definable Radio Platform, including blank AEP module assembly for dual picoflexor, cableset (Lab ID 15309), frequency extender (SI-9249/FE12 on Lab ID 15311) and an interconnection option (Lab ID 15312) that consists of brackets and screws to attach platform.

4. Statutory Authority. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirement.

5. Justification or Authority for Action.

This specific picoflexor hardware is currently used by AFRL customers who require that our technology be integrated within this specific platform. The unique ability of this picoflexor package will facilitate field testing and evaluation for deployment into existing classified operational environments without modification to existing AFRL customer’s hardware platform.

Picoflexor Transceiver Software-Definable Radio Platform with the requisite cableset, blank AEP module assembly, SI-9249 frequency extender and standard interconnection option to connect the frequency extender to the picoflexor are unique items produced only by this vendor.

The unit with these specific options will mimic AFRL customer platforms. The unique aspect is derived from the specific construction of the SDR and the associated software. It is in wide use by the ISR community and purchase of this specific item will ensure AFRL derived technology will transition in a format compatible with the ISR community platform assets. A substitute would not be compatible and prevent transition of AFRL technology.

a. Seven of our current AFRL customers utilize this specific platform and require any technology transitions be compatible with this specific hardware. The customers cannot be named in this environment due to the sensitivity of revealing a capability with a platform under their purview.

b. The primary issue making it imperative for selecting this specific item is compatibility with our customers. Other vendors will use different development kits, different chipsets, different connectors, different fidelities. Our technologies must be compatible with our customers’ platforms to enable technology transition with specific hardware only.

c. DRS manufactures and sells these items at the lowest cost available. If the government decides to award this contract to a reseller, the cost will be inflated to cover the pass-through fees. FY15 funding set aside for this procurement is based upon the DRS quote. No further funding will be available this fiscal year. If the cost is increased, the program manager will be forced to forego other necessary FY15 procurements required for the RDT&E testbed being created to fulfill the current Air Force capability gaps incorporated into current R&D efforts.

Milestones coordinated with other Services will be operationally impacted. Additionally, experience demonstrates that contracting through a reseller adds months of delay in acquiring similar hardware: AFRL has time-sensitive deliveries to operational customers that will be unnecessarily compromised by using a reseller.

d. Impact statement

If the Picoflexor Transceiver Software-Definable Radio Platform with the requisite cableset, blank AEP module assembly, SI-9249 frequency extender and standard interconnection option to connect the frequency extender to the picoflexor is not purchased specifically as ordered, the research we perform will not be transferrable to the seven different customer platforms and the research program will not be successful. Any capabilities derived from AFRL research on a substitute device will not be compatible with our customers and the research will, therefore, be wasted.

6. Efforts Made to Ensure Offers are Solicited from as many Sources as Practicable.

a. DRS is the only manufacturer of this hardware.

b. This is a transceiver utilized by AFRL targeted transition customers. Capabilities derived from research developed by AFRL must be compatible with this specific hardware.

7. The Contracting Officer determines that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

8. Market Research/Other facts.

and , amongst many other vendors, were evaluated; their products are not substitutes as there are significant differences in the hardware’s connectivity, sensitivity, chipsets, development kits and size, weight and power requirements. Also, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) were questioned and knew of no other source of supply.

9. Any other facts supporting Other than Full and Open Competition.

AFRL research must be compatible with this specific hardware in order to transition to our customers. Any variation will not ensure compatibility with our customer’s platform and prevent transition of valuable capabilities to our customers.

10. List of Sources that have Expressed in Writing an Interest in the Procurement.

None.

11. Statement of Actions to Remove/Overcome Barriers to Competition.

Inquiries made to all known vendors included the required technical specifications. This action resulted in bringing awareness to vendors of the need to provide products meeting the stated specifications.

12. Contracting Officer’s Certification. The contracting officer’s signature below evidences that he/she has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

13. Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification. As evidenced by the 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.

SOLE SOURCE / BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION