G7_RedactedJA.pdf

J&A No. 0241-24-129-00 specification documents (PS8628115 & PS8628116). Seacon connectors exclusively mate to existing submarine buoy system electronic equipment. The connector design includes proprietary manufacturing molds and manufacturing process that cannot be duplicated without major development costs, production time and test certifications. This proprietary design was evaluated during the test and evaluation of the re-designed tow cable assembly and determined to meet all required product and performance specifications.

PMI Industries is the only vendor that can provide the bespoke Dam/Blok device. Dam/Blok is a patented/proprietary product developed by PMI. The device integrates into the polyurethane molded sections defined in NAVSEA drawing 8603582 Rev A and drawing PS8628116 Rev (-). The Dam/Blok submarines. It provides protection to the cables and downstream equipment they supply should cable water intrusion occur, which is a common occurrence, based on the extreme operating environments the cables are subject to. Market research has shown that no other vendor can produce a substitute replacement for this product. Utilizing a vendor other than PMI to provide a replacement for the Dam/Blok device would result in unacceptable schedule and cost impacts and compromise critical ships systems that require the updated cable assemblies.

There would be significant cost and schedule impacts to the Navy should the procurements not require these brand-name components. The current tow cable designs with selected components were the result of a lengthy, iterative design process, comprising of roughly six (6) years of research, development, and testing of the manufacturing processes/procedures required to be approved by the Government. No other vendors can provide as detailed above. Because the tow cable and its components were designed, tested, and evaluated as a complete assembly; any modification to any internal component would result in the re-design, test, and evaluation of the new assembly. If new vendors were to be selected to develop replacement components, it would result in a duplication of cost upwards of $5.6M that would not be recouped through competition and result in unacceptable delays of up to four (4) years putting at risk the delivery of the critical components

Furthermore, market research was conducted through a survey and analysis of alternative sources available in the industry under Request for Information (RFI) 21-DR-028 in FY21 and again under Notice ID: 0241 in March 2024. The thorough analysis conducted reviewed the available brands to see if there were any possible alternatives. Overall, none of the responses demonstrated the technical capabilities required to meet the established design and performance specifications.

Based on market research, raw cable material from Rochester Wire & Cable, LLC, Dry-Mate Electrical cable connectors from Seacon Corporation, and Dam/BlokTM and technology Splice assembly from PMI Industries, Inc., they are the only sources capable of meeting the minimum requirements.

For these reasons, it is imperative that the Rochester Wire & Cable, LLC, Seacon Corporation, and PMI Industries, Inc. brand-name equipment is specified in the requirements Statement of Work (SOW) as the required components.

5. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs

The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to the Government for the supplies covered by this Justification will be fair and reasonable.

6. Any Other Facts Supporting the Justification

This Justification will be posted along with the solicitation to the NASA SEWP website. Any responses received will be evaluated.

7. Actions to Remove Barriers to Competition

J&A No. 0241-24-129-00

NSWCPD will continue to monitor the marketplace and identify potential sources of the supplies identified in this Justification. Any sources discovered that can potentially satisfy this specific procurement will be considered for any future requirements.