HPA Justification_Redacted.pdf
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- Attached to
- High Powered Amplifier (HPA) Service Order
- Solicitation number
- N3220526Q0095
About this file
This is a Memorandum for the Record documenting the use of other than full and open competition for a simplified acquisition under the simplified acquisition threshold.
The memorandum authorizes a single-source procurement for the inspection, submission of repair quotes, and full repair of 24 Tri-Band High Power Amplifier (HPA) assemblies manufactured by Communication Power Industries Canada, Inc. (CPI), the Original Equipment Manufacturer. The requirement spans a base period from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, with an option year running from October 1, 2027, through September 30, 2028. The HPAs are required to support the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Commercial Broadband Satellite Program Unit Level Variant system, which provides secure and non-secure voice and IP services to over 40 Military Sealift Command vessels across multiple ship classes (T-AKE, T-AOE, T-EPF, AS, and T-AH).
The determination to restrict competition to CPI alone is justified on five grounds: restrictive patent and proprietary rights held by CPI as the sole source OEM and manufacturer of the Traveling-Wave-Tube HPA; exclusive licensing agreements preventing any distributor sales; standardization requirements per COMSCINST 4790.3 to maintain fleet configuration baseline; compatibility requirements as direct replacement parts for existing equipment; and mission-critical operational necessity. The HPAs are essential transmitters that amplify RF signals for satellite communications; failure results in loss of mission-essential data transmission capabilities. MSC currently operates only eight working HPAs in inventory and maintains 24 defective units requiring repair, with a high failure rate creating critical capability gaps. CPI operates as the only authorized repair center qualified to conduct repairs on these components, making it the only viable option to maintain operational readiness across the MSC fleet.
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Text version
2 MSC Version 3.0 (dtd 6 Feb 2026)
3. DETERMINATION
a. ONLY ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE:
(1) RESTRICTIVE RIGHTS. The source has established proprietary rights, limited rights in data, patent rights, copyrights, or secret processes in the product or service.
Military Sealift Command (MSC) utilizes Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Program of Record (POR) Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP) Unit Level Variant (ULV) system exclusively. The manufacturer identified is the manufacturer currently under contract to provide and service the CBSP ULV HPAs for NAVWAR, the CBSP System POR Program Manager. Introducing a non-POR certified component would introduce incompatibilities as well as interruption of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) services and off-ship connectivity.
These HPAs are Naval Information Warfare System program of record approved items and the time necessary to get an alternative item approved would result in mission failure. MSC's Integrated Shipboard Network System platforms are built based on NAVWAR POR variants. The CBSP is a key POR component of the Commercial Satellite Communication (COMSATCOM) architecture. It provides both secure and non-secure voice and IP services to more than forty USNS vessels (T- AKE, T-AOE, T-EPF, AS, and T-AH ship class).
(2) EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENTS: The item or service is only available from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or there is only one authorized distributor or technical representative for the OEM. CPI is the OEM for the CBSP HPA. As OEM, CPI has certified that it is the original manufacturer and sole source OEM of the Traveling-Wave-Tube (TWT) HPA. CPI does not sell this product to any distributors and operates as the only authorized repair centers that are qualified to conduct repairs on the HPAs. Based on this, CPI is the only viable option to ensure MSC’s CBSP-equipped vessels remain operational and capable of supporting MSC and the warfighter missions.
(3) STANDARDIZATION: Per COMSCINST 4790.3, to maintain fleet configuration baseline, only the specified make/model of the equipment/parts will satisfy the Government’s needs for additional units or replacement items.
(a) Make and Model: T04COAOSLOOPOF010304, T04UOAOSLOOROF010304, and T01TOBOSAAOOOF04 TWT HPAs
(4) COMPATIBILITY: Product is direct replacement part(s) for existing equipment and must be compatible. Make and Model: T04COAOSLOOPOF010304, T04UOAOSLOOROF010304, and T01TOBOSAAOOOF04 TWT HPAs
(5) OTHER REASONS. Other reason not identified above. Provide details on mission impact if requirement is not solicited from only one source.
One of the most critical components of the CBSP architecture is the Tri-Band, TWT HPA. The TWT-HPA is a transmitter that amplifies RF signals, allowing more output power to drive the CBSP antenna. The TWT HPA gives the ship the ability to send email, phone calls, message traffic, fax, tactical chat, and video (teleconferencing) information off-ship. When the HPA fails to operate, the antenna cannot transmit mission-essential data up to the satellite to receiving shore commands or coalition vessels at-sea.
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