INDOPAC ISR SBIR JA (0003) REDCATED..doc

SBIR_J&A_20_0166

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) PHASE III JUSTIFICATION & APPROVAL FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1.

Contracting Activity.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD) Lakehurst, NJ 2.

Nature/Description of the Action Being Approved.

This is a justification to award a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract to Technology Service Corporation (TSC), 1900 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 Mnemonics and TSC were awarded SBIR Phase I contract numbers FAB650-09-M-1537 and FA8650-09-M-1538, dated 08 January 2009 and 19 December 2008, resulting from topic AF083-139. Topic AF083-138 was entitled “Support Jammer ”. TSC was subsequently awarded SBIR Phase II contract number FA8650-10-C-1711 dated 8 January 2010 under topic AF083-139.

Topic AF083-139 sought new concepts for improved Radio Frequency (RF) sensing, integrated communication data links, and subsequent command and control targeted jamming of threat emitters. Multiple airframes are considered part of the overall sensor and jammer architecture, which also include Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms. These platforms would support Mobility Air Force (MAF) aircraft and the standoff jammers deployed in support of them. Critical challenges include sensing/geo-locating Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) threat emitters, communicating their locations to the standoff jammer in real-time while using extremely high sensitivity, lightweight and low power sensor, and communication systems technology. The goal of this research was hardware and software designs that result in small, lightweight, electronic surveillance receiver that can be carried onboard UAVs, possessing the capability of detecting a variety of RF emitters, utilizing either conventional or LPI waveforms. The software algorithms, in combination of small UAV fleets, will provide the ability to geolocate these emitters with sufficient accuracy to optimally position support jammers to protect MAF assets. The technology may also benefit domestic commercial applications, among them rescue missions to located hikers, skiers, and boaters carrying small RF beacons, and homeland security missions such as locating teams of intruders that communication via cell phones. Additionally, the multi-sensor Threat Emitter Geolocation System (TEGS) may be used to locate and manage slowly moving aircraft in airports, and to foil automated dependent surveillance broadcast spoofing by either measuring range to aircraft identified by these signals or locating the spoofing emitter.

Phase I sought the development of a TEGS, which consists of highly sensitive intercept receiver technology, coupled with a broadband antenna with front-hemisphere wide beamwidth, and powerful geolocation estimation and tracking algorithms to determine and refine the location of the detected emitters and minimize the effects of multipath, atmospheric attenuation, and other interfering signals. These components can be made small, light, and power-efficient, to accommodate UAV space, weight, and power constraints.

Phase II sought the fully define the TEGS system design; predict/estimate its performance characteristics via high-fidelity digital modeling and simulation tools; develop, procure, assemble, integrate, and test hardware and software of a TEGS proof of concept demonstration system; perform and document tests to measure the efficacy of the TEGS concept in geolocating ground-based emitters of opportunity; and identify commercialization paths for the concept, both for military and civilian applications Specifically, as part of the Phase II effort TSC: adapted the TEGS payload design for both jammer cueing and synthetic aperture radar for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) under the Sea Dragon program; achieved 7x size reduction and 3x cost reduction relative to existing payloads to support Sea Dragon aerial platforms; modified a commercial aircraft to accommodate TEGS payload and Satellite Communication (SATCOM) suite and controlled flight paths for porotype UAV and conducted proof of concept flight tests for counter improvised explosive device, illegal, unregulated, or unreported fishing, and MDA testing; and developed a modified TEGS design for precision air drop and anti-jam capabilities.

3.

Description of Supplies/Services.

This Phase III effort derives from the Phase I and II efforts described in paragraph two (2), and is for the procurement of Sea Dragon aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) services needed to support MDA within the Indo-Pacific Area of Responsibility (AOR). The ISR services will provide partner building with Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations within the Indo-Pacific AOR, while also providing MDA of United States security concerns. TSC will utilize a Cessna Skymaster 337 aircraft to provide aerial ISR to support law enforcement and illegal trafficking operations.

TSC’s TEGS ISR system, outfitted on the Cessna Skymaster 337, were designed specifically for wide area, maritime surveillance using highly capable radar and electro-optical sensors on low-cost general aviation aircraft. TEGS can detect and identify small maritime targets over a broad oceanic area and relay those results in real-time anywhere in the world via a SATCOM link. Utillizing TEGS, the Skymaster 337 aircraft will be able to detect targets and vessels of interest as determined by NAVAIR and the tasking authority. Any targets of interest will be identified via geo-tagged electro optical high definition image capture. ISR operators will provide 3-point image capture ensuring vessel hull identification and deck activity are captured with sufficient quality to be admissible as evidence in a court of law. Real time communication via SATCOM also allows for data dissemination, coordination, and dynamic re-tasking mid-flight to support operations as needed.

The Skymaster 337 is expected to based out of either Palau or Yap and will support up to 60 ISR flight hours per month. ISR operations are expected to be split between Palau and Yap and other regions in the Indo-Pacific AOR contingent upon NAVAIR direction and authority from COFA partner nations. The base Period of Performance (POP) for this effort is 12 months, which includes establishment of home base infrastructure, relocation of the Skymaster 337 aircraft from Samoa, and aerial ISR services. Two (2) twelve month options are also included for additional aerial ISR services. The total POP, inclusive of all options, is 36 months.

4.

Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition.

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(5), as implemented by FAR 6.302-5: Authorized or Required by Statute.

15 U.S.C. 638(r)(1) states:

"In the case of a small business concern that is awarded a funding agreement for Phase II of an SBIR or STTR program, a Federal agency may enter into a Phase III agreement with that business concern for additional work to be performed during or after the Phase II period."

Furthermore, 15 U.S.C. 638(r)(4) states:

"To the greatest extent practicable, Federal agencies and Federal prime contractors shall issue Phase III awards relating to technology, including sole source awards, to the SBIR and STTR award recipients that developed the technology."

5. Demonstration that Proposed Contractor's Unique Qualifications or Nature of Acquisition Requires Use of Authority Cited.

The nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited. The SBIR/STTR Programs are structured in three phases. Phase I (project feasibility) determines the scientific, technical and commercial merit and feasibility of the ideas submitted. Phase II (project development to prototype) is the major research and development effort, funding the prototyping and demonstration of the most promising Phase I projects. Phase III (commercialization) is the ultimate goal of the SBIR/STTR Programs. Because the Phase III work derives from, extends, or completes efforts performed under Phase I and III, use of the authority cited is required.

6.

Description of Efforts Made to Ensure Offerors Were Solicited From as Many Potential Sources as Practicable/Public Notification through Government Point of Entry (GPE).

The topic for this effort was included in the Department of Defense Program Competitive Solicitation issued under the SBIR Program. As described above, only TSC is being considered for Phase III award due to the nature of the acquisition. In accordance with FAR 5.202(a)(7), this proposed contract action does not require public notification to the Government point of entry.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

The Contracting Officer will determine prior to award that the negotiated price of the contract executed under this justification is fair and reasonable pursuant to FAR Subpart 15.4. This determination will be documented in a business clearance memorandum, which will be included in the contract file.

8. Description of Market Research or Statement of the Reason Market Research was not Conducted.

FAR 10.001(a)(2) indicates that market research appropriate to the circumstances must be conducted. SBIR Phase III procurements are such that traditional market research to identify alternative sources is generally unnecessary. As described above, the Phase III work derives from, extends, or completes efforts performed under Phase I and Phase II.

9. Any Other Supporting Facts.

Not Applicable.

10. Listing of Interested Sources.

Not Applicable.

11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Future Competition:

The Contracting Officer anticipates that competitors will enter the market once the product is commercialized. It is likely that future acquisitions will be competed using full and open competition and commercial item acquisition procedures. The Contracting Officer is not aware of any specific actions that would further remove barriers to competition.

12.

Period of Performance.

Base: 12 Months Option(s): 24 Months (12 months each) 13.

Total Estimated Dollar Value of the Acquisition Covered by this Justification, with Funding Specified by Year and Appropriation:

The total estimated value of this acquisition is $9,000,000. The funding anticipated to be allocated is as follows:

Estimated Dollar Value in Thousands

14.

Actions Attempted to Make Immediate Acquisition Competitive and Cost/Benefit Analysis.

No actions were attempted to make the immediate acquisition competitive; no cost/benefit analysis was performed. As described above, only TSC is being considered for Phase III award due to the nature of the acquisition.

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical Cognizance:

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

Date

Requirements Cognizance:

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

Date

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

Date

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No. Date

APPROVED

Upon the basis of the above justification, I hereby approve the solicitation of the proposed procurement(s) described herein using other than full and open competition, pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(5).

Thomas Hill

Date

Chief of the Contracting Office Naval Air Systems Command (AIR-2.5.2)

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION

SBIR_J&A_20_0166