ROSS-25-00029 Sole Source Justification.pdf

OPOAM 3013.501(a)(1)(ii) Sole Source Justification (SSJ)

FAR subpart 13.5, including Brand Name Template

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions exceeding the SAT including brand name Rev. 4/2022 SSJ No.: FY25-00242 1

SSJ No.: FY25-00242

Date: _________________ PR Number: ___________________________

Pursuant to the requirements at 41 U.S.C. 1901 or the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1903 Special emergency authority as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 13.5 and consistent with the content requirements of FAR 6.303-2.

1. Agency and Contracting Activity. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “sole source justification.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), intends to award a sole source contract.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

DHS intends to award a sole source contract to Gans and Pugh Associates, Inc. 690 Center St. Suite 201 Herndon, VA 20170 using Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services without seeking competition for Panther P7 IDS and HaLow Wireless camera sets. This action is being taken pursuant to FAR subpart 13.5.

Gans and Pugh Associates, Inc. is the only company that provides these types of Technical Surveillance Countermeasure (TSCM) equipment required to meet the agency needs and technical specifications.

3. Description of Supplies/Services. Describe the supplies or services to be acquired. Provide the estimated total value (including options, if any).

The DHS, Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO), Threat Management Operations (TMO), Center for International Safety and Security (CISS), Technical Operations Branch (TOB) intends to procure:

Description Qty.

Panther P7-C756 System - US

• Panther P7 Intrusion Detection System with Overt Outdoor Wired Video

• North America Sensor Frequency: 902-

928 MHz

• North America AC Power Compliance

• 2-Year Part Failure Warranty

• Product Life-Cycle Software Updates

8/8/2025 ROSS-25-00029

http://uscode.house.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions exceeding the SAT including brand name Rev. 4/2022 SSJ No.: FY25-00242 2

HaLow Wireless – (2) Camera Set

• Includes camera, video encoder, transmitter, and receiver.

• 902-928 MHz

Period Unit Price Total 120 Days from Award $88,755 $532,530

The TOB must be able to provide technology to protect and provide a safe and sterile environment for the Secretary of Homeland Security (S1) and the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (S2) during travel, at the S1’s residence, and the S1’s Mobile Communications Vehicle (MCV) by employing Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TCSM) equipment to ensure the integrity of the occupied space and DHS information.

OCSO employs a wide variety of technologies and techniques to protect classified national security information, restricted data, and/or sensitive but unclassified information including the use of intrusion detection systems (IDS). These devices must be capable of being manned by personnel or set up in a passive mode where the monitoring can be accessed remotely. The TOB intends to utilize the Panther P7 IDS and HaLow Wireless camera systems for these purposes. They will replace similar equipment previously procured in 2023 against contract 70RDAD23C00000014. The ability to set up zones and subzones provides scalability for the different venues occupied in various cities or foreign countries. It has the ability to operate on the various electrical grids without aid or assistance from other devices.

4. Identification of the authority.

This action is being taken under authority FAR 6.302-1 only one responsible source.

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

TOB is responsible for providing technical threat detection and mitigation for the S1 and S2. Additionally, the TOB must be able to provide technical surveillance capabilities to DHS law enforcement elements and employ a wide variety of technologies and techniques to protect classified national security information, restricted data, and/or sensitive but unclassified information. To enhance TOB’s information security capabilities, a portable system for rapid deployment of a wireless alarm system with video management software integration designed to create a temporary security perimeter for personnel or equipment to safeguard temporary meeting spaces and alert intrusion into secured areas is required.

Specifically, the intrusion detection systems (IDS) must protect the integrity of T-SCIFs during S1/S2 official travel, ensure the integrity and protection of S1’s and S2’s room during official travel to include notification of and emergency or duress, as well as storage facilities holding DHS assets or any other DHS entity that requires robust protection from tampering and exploitation.

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions exceeding the SAT including brand name Rev. 4/2022 SSJ No.: FY25-00242 3

Market research determined that that there are no intrusion detection systems, other than the Panther P7, that will provide the required interoperability to ensure all S1 and S2 travel kits are complete and compatible for combined system operations and meet the essential characteristics required of the equipment by TOB. TOB is required to provide support to Executive Communications and both S1 and S2 during executive travel. These systems are both necessary and required to accomplish TOB’s S1/S2 travel mission. The HaLow Wireless camera systems are specifically constructed to work with only the Panther P7 IDS.

The Panther P9 equipment procured under 70RDAD23C00000014 are now obsolete due to evolving technologies and surveillance measures, are at the end of their life cycle, and have been unreliable due to operational wear and repair requirements. The Panther P7 is Avida’s replacement for the Panther P4s and P9s. Panther P7 IDS provides intrusion detection of physical threats, livestreaming and monitoring of the S1’s MCV, allows for multiple detection sensors, SMS notifications, and multiple zones monitoring. The HaLow Wireless camera system is designed specifically for the Panther P7 and has an ultra-high frequency bandwidth for long-range surveillance and wireless encrypted communication conveyance. Wi-Fi HaLow technology for wireless encrypted communication which is proprietary to the Avida Panther P7. The Wi-Fi HaLow is a low-power, long-range Wi-Fi standard system utilizing the 902-928 MHz bandwidth to maximize distance and reliability in a standard Wi-Fi congested environment. This means the HaLow cameras can transmit video and data over longer distances and with lower power consumption compared to traditional Wi-Fi cameras.

The Panther P7 IDS offers continuous monitoring and real-time alerts for unauthorized access, anomalies, and tampering attempts, ensuring immediate response to threats. It includes Infra-Red and Balanced Magnetic Switch sensors that notify via SMS if triggered and can be configured for multiple zones to manage different security needs. Paired with a Cradle-Point router, it enables livestream monitoring from any location via multiple camera systems. The Panther P7 IDS is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the Cradle-Point router systems currently used by the DHS Headquarters’ OCSO and Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). This integration is critical because the Cradle-Point platform provides the secure, encrypted network backbone for live video feeds, remote sensor alerts, and data transmissions from the P7’s intrusion detection sensors. Other IDS systems do not natively support this level of integration, meaning significant customization would be required to achieve the same functionality. This could introduce potential security vulnerabilities and reliability issues. Maintaining a standardized equipment suite simplifies field deployment, reduces training time, and minimizes the risk of configuration errors, which can be critical during time-sensitive operations. Using multiple, incompatible systems can lead to gaps in coverage, increased false alarms, and longer response times, reducing overall mission effectiveness.

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions exceeding the SAT including brand name Rev. 4/2022 SSJ No.: FY25-00242 4

The Panther P7 IDS is already proven within the operational environment of TOB.

Introducing an untested system, particularly one that cannot directly interface with the Cradle-Point infrastructure, introduces unnecessary risk.

Acquiring IDS equipment other than Panther P7 IDS would not only involve the upfront cost of the new equipment but also significant hidden expenses, including:

• Custom Development or Third-Party Solutions: To enable cross-platform communication, significant customization or third-party solutions would be required, leading to increased costs and potential integration issues.

• Retrain Personnel: Personnel would need to be retrained on the new system’s configuration and operational procedures, resulting in additional training costs and potential downtime.

• Increased Logistical Complexity: Maintaining two different systems would complicate logistics, requiring additional spare parts, support contracts, and specialized tools for maintenance.

• Additional Carrying Cases: New customized carrying cases would need to be purchased separately to ensure secure, organized, and damage-free transport of the new IDS equipment, adding another layer of expense and operational complexity.

The Panther P7 IDS’s integrated approach to both physical intrusion detection and network security is precisely tailored to the needs of the S1/S2 travel, S1’s MCV and residence, and other high-value assets, aligning directly with TOB’s established security protocols. Given the factors listed above, it is neither cost-effective nor operationally sound to introduce a different brand of IDS when the Panther P7 IDS and HaLow Wireless camera system, in combination with the existing Cradle-Point infrastructure, has already demonstrated its effectiveness and reliability. Maintaining this standardized approach ensures the highest level of security while minimizing costs and complexity, including avoiding additional expenses like custom carrying cases and supporting equipment.

6. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. (The discussion should include whether a www.sam.gov notice was or will be publicized, as required by FAR s 5.301, 6.305(a). If the justification covers a brand name item, this section should address compliance with FAR 5.102(a)(6)).

An extensive search was performed online and it was determined that this vendor is the only one capable of providing the products to meet this requirement.

7. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. (Use information such as commercial pricelists or prior acquisition history that will help the Contracting Officer determine the anticipated cost is fair and reasonable or discuss the application of any of the techniques described at FAR 13.106-3(a)(2) and/or 13.106-3 (b)(3)).

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions exceeding the SAT including brand name Rev. 4/2022 SSJ No.: FY25-00242 5

The contracting officer determines that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on the Market Research. Previous purchase order 70RDAD23C00000014 awarded for similar products was reviewed and shows that the price for this requirement will be in line with the price paid in that requirement. A search online was also performed to see what similar type products were priced at and these products are in line with those as well.

8. Description of market research. (Market Research is required by FAR part 10 and HSAM 3010, and the DHS Market Research Guide. Describe the results of your market research or provide a statement of the reason why market research was not conducted).

The TMO/CISS/TOB conducted market research on the similar products from other vendors. The results of the market research indicate other companies’ similar products lack many specific features required by DHS. Gans and Pugh Associates is the only authorized reseller of the technical security and countermeasure equipment that has all the essential government requirements and characteristics.

9. Any other facts supporting the justification. (You must explain why technical data packages, specifications, statements of work, or purchase descriptions are not suitable for enhancing competition or not available. Discuss why your requirement cannot be modified to increase competition. If you are contending only one source can meet the Government’s minimum need, you must document the reason why and describe the extent to which the Government will be harmed if not acquired from that vendor. Address any potential duplication of cost, if applicable.)

The technical specifications for these systems cannot be enhanced or reduced for competition. Gans and Pugh Associates is the Sole and Exclusive US Seller of the Panther P7 and HaLow Wireless systems. TCSM equipment is a small and specialized niche market, where firms specialize in unique and individual products rather than competing against established firms. These systems will be integrated into the inventory due to compatibility and TSCM Technicians possessing the specific training. Other systems on the market do not meet the minimum requirements and are not compatibility with the DHS system.

10. A listing of the sources, if any that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

No other sources expressed interest in this acquisition.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for supplies or services required. (Include a statement of actions taken or will be taken to increase competition for future acquisitions of the same item/service).

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions exceeding the SAT including brand name Rev. 4/2022 SSJ No.: FY25-00242 6

TSCM equipment is specialized to satisfy specific requirements for a specific skill set. This type of equipment is only produced by a small number of manufacturers who produce only one or two pieces of equipment to satisfy a specifically unique requirement. Gans and Pugh Associates is the Sole and Exclusive US Seller of the Panther P7 and HaLow Wireless systems. TCSM is a small and specialized niche market, where firms specialize in unique and individual products rather than competing against established firms. At the time when this requirement ends, market research will be expanded and continued to determine whether other systems meet the governments requirements the future.

12. DHS intends to post the requirement pursuant to FAR 13.501(a)(1)(iii) and 6.305(a) or for brand name FAR 13.501(a)(1)(iv) and 5.102(a)(6).

13. Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification. I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

Technical Representative/COR

Date

14. Contracting Officer Certification and Approval

Contracting Officer: Not exceeding $750K Date