J and A.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for use of other than full and open competition under FAR Subpart 12.1 for the acquisition of commercial products and services.

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) seeks to award a sole source contract to terminate new connectors (FWD connector and AFT connector) on Multi-Functional Towed Array (MFTA) low cables and perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to ensure renovated tow cables meet performance specifications. The forecasted requirements are 3 cable repairs in FY26 and 4 per year for 3 years thereafter, totaling 15 cables if all options are exercised. The contracting activity is Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Code 02, and the statutory authority cited is 41 U.S.C. 1901.

The J&A justifies sole source award to PMI Industries, Inc., the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the MFTA tow cable, based on technical and schedule criticality. The document analyzes four alternatives: procuring new cables from the OEM (estimated cost approximately [redacted]); having the OEM repair existing cables (estimated cost [redacted]); establishing a government repair facility (53-month timeline); and qualifying an alternate vendor (60-month timeline). The document demonstrates that awarding to a contractor other than PMI Industries would result in an unreasonable 60-month delay to repair and restock failed cables, directly impacting mission readiness in submarine detection and tracking. The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to be fair and reasonable. The document commits to providing sources sought notices to industry in future requirements and hosting an industry day to communicate specific needs and determine if adequate competition becomes available.