JA_13.5_Acoustic Source_Redacted no signature page.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

4555 OVERLOOK AVE SW

WASHINGTON, DC 20375-5320

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Under

Simplified Procedures For Certain Commercial Items In Accordance With Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.5

PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 1301219503

J&A NO: J&A13.501-25-TL01

Estimated Cost:

On the basis of the following, I, as the Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of a sole source proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of :

☒ 41 U.S.C. 1901 ☐ 41 U.S.C. 1903

1. The U.S. Department of Navy; Naval Research Laboratory Contracting Division proposes to enter into a sole source contract with GeoSpectrum Technologies, Inc., under simplified procedures for certain commercial items included in FAR subpart 13.5.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source under procedures for certain commercial items in accordance with FAR 13.5.

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has a critical need for a low frequency (LF) acoustic tow body system, to complement the existing Geospectrum M72-30 C-BASS sources, a tow body that houses these sources, and its accompanying electromechanical tow cable, so that both sets of tow bodies and tow cables can be used interchangeably, add redundancy to the current system, and to increase the capability to successfully execute low-frequency active acoustic at-sea measurements.

This sole source J&A authorizes and approves a sole-source, firm-fixed price contract, using simplified procedures for certain commercial products and commercial items, in accordance with FAR subpart 13.5, to GeoSpectrum Technologies, Inc.

3. A description of the supplies and/or services required, including the delivery schedule and/or the period of performance (inclusive of all option periods), and the estimated dollar value of the acquisition.

The NRL requires a low frequency (LF) acoustic tow body system, that houses two low frequency acoustic sources (C-BASS M72-30) and a pressure compensation system, as well as an electromechanical tow cable, for driving the acoustic sources while towing the tow body from a surface vessel. This system can be towed from a surface vessel at a speed of three knots, while producing sound pressure levels of 190 dB re 1 μPa, in the frequency band of 30-700Hz. Low-frequency active acoustic at-sea measurements have grown in complexity and are taking place in riskier environments, as it relates to the health of the equipment. As such, NRL requires the system to be fully interchangeable, and capable of being used as a backup, or used in tandem with NRL’s current C-BASS M72-30 dual source tow body system, while collecting at-sea data. The prior system was purchased by NRL in 2021, from GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc.

It is estimated that the system will cost with delivery approximately forty (40) weeks after award.

The specifications are outlined below:

A. A quantity of two (2) C-BASS acoustic projectors that possess the following technical specifications:

• Operational Frequency Band: 30-700 Hz

• Source Level: 190 dB re: 1 µPa @ 1 m

• Maximum input current: 80 A rms (pulsed)

• Maximum input voltage: 300 V peak (pulsed)

• Resonance: 30 Hz

• Directionality: Omnidirectional ± 3dB in all planes

• Connector: BIRNS 3O-7-CP

B. A quantity of one (1) tow body housing for the C-BASS projectors with the following specifications:

• Operational Depth: 300 m

• Pressure differential sensor o Range: ±14.5 psi o Accuracy: 0.1 psi

• Depth sensor o Range: 0-300 m o Accuracy: 1 m

• Vibration isolation mounting for the C-BASS acoustic projectors

• Nearfield acoustic monitor hydrophone o Max pressure 200 dB re 1 µPa

• Additional space for mounting smaller acoustic projectors in the future

• Capability to be towed up to 5 knots

C. A quantity of one (1) electromechanical tow cable with the following specifications:

• Length: 350 m

• Breaking Strength: 23,000 kg

• C-BASS drive cable (2x):

o Voltage rating: 600 V rms o Three phase voltage

• Sensor cables (4x shielded twisted pairs):

o Voltage rating: 300 V rms

• Secondary drive cable (1x):

o Voltage rating: 600 V rms o Single phase voltage

• Connector: BIRNS 3O-7-CP

4. The statutory authority permitting sole source.

☒ 41 U.S.C. 1901 ☐ 41 U.S.C. 1903

Sole source acquisitions conducted under simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with FAR 13.501.

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring use of the authority.

Based on market research, GeoSpectrum Technologies, Inc. is the only qualified vendor capable of providing a tow body, that houses two low frequency acoustic sources (C-BASS M72-30) and a pressure compensation system, as well as an electromechanical tow cable, for driving the acoustic sources while towing the tow body from a surface vessel, that is fully interchangeable, can be used as a backup, or used in tandem with NRL’s current C-BASS M72-30 dual source tow body system, while collecting at-sea data.

C-Bass is a patented product from GeoSpectrum Technologies, Inc.

Based on market research, other vendor solutions do not have compatible tow cable pinouts to match their acoustic source.

Further, the acoustic performance required across the entire bandwidth would need multiple acoustic sources. Integrating multiple acoustic sources into a single deployable unit would require significant engineering resources.

A custom, fabricated tow body and tow cable would have unreasonable and duplicate costs and runs the significant risk of not being fully interchangeable, and capable of being used as a backup, or used, in tandem, with NRL’s current C-BASS M72-30 dual source tow body system, while collecting at-sea data.

This could change the reliability of the data. The Government’s technical requirements are critical to the success of the planned research projects and without any other contractor demonstrating their ability to meet all specifications and requirements, NRL intends to make an award to Geospectrum Technologies, Inc.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers/quotes are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized in FEDBIZOPPS (as required by FAR 5.2) and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

Sources Sought Notice (SSN) N00173-25-SSN-TL01, was posted to www.SAM.gov, on 18 March 2025, and closed on 25 March 2025.

The intent of the SSN was to gauge industry interest and search for potential sources capable of fulfilling the requirement for a low frequency towed acoustic source system, consisting of a tow body, with two (2) low frequency acoustic sources, as well as an electromechanical integrated tow cable; meeting the technical requirements.

The SSN also intended to improve small business access to acquisition information, determine set-aside possibilities for qualified small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses and enhance competition by identifying contracting and subcontracting opportunities.

Responses were received from three (3) vendors.

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable.

The anticipated dollar value of the low frequency (LF) acoustic tow body system is The Contracting Officer will determine, through price analysis, that the proposed price, for the highly specialized equipment, covered by this J&A, is fair and reasonable, in accordance with the methods outlined at FAR 13.106-3.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or the reason market research was not conducted.

In accordance with FAR 10.001, market research was conducted to determine if sources were capable of satisfying the subject requirement exist and if the supply is commercially available through a capable small business. Market research was conducted by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Contract Specialist.

The Contract Specialist posted a Sources Sought Notice N00173-25-SSN-TL01, on 18 March 2025.

Responses were due 25 March 2025. Five responses were received from: Geospectrum, Einhorn Engineering, Data Physics, BHPE LLC, and Hydroacoustics Inc.

Some sources merely expressed interest but did not supply and information. Another source stated, “After reviewing everything, we have decided not to participate:

• The existing tow cable’s pinout is not compatible with the needs of our acoustic source.

• The acoustic performance required across the entire bandwidth would need two of our acoustic sources. Integrating these into a single deployable unit would require significant engineering resources to determine if that is even viable.

Lastly, another source stated their solution would be comprised of a designed and fabricated, custom tow body, custom tow cable, and an off-the-shelf Geospectrum Technologies acoustic projector.

No companies outside of Geospectrum Technologies Inc. provided any evidence that they would be able to fulfill the necessary specifications for the proposed procurement, ensure redundancy of at-sea testing, compatibility with the existing C-BASS M72-30 dual source tow body system

9. Any other facts supporting the use of sole source.

This action meets the Statutory Authority in 41 U.S.C.1901, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirement. Specifically, only Geospectrum can provide a tow body with two low-frequency acoustic sources, as well as an electromechanical, integrated tow cable, capable of being towed from a surface vessel at a speed of three knots, while producing sound pressure levels of 190 dB re 1 μPa in the frequency band of 30-700Hz.

Further, GeoSpectrum Technologies is the only company capable of proving a system that is fully interchangeable, can be used as a backup, or used in tandem with GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. C-BASS M72-30 dual source tow body system, purchased in 2021 by NRL; which is essential to NRL’s requirement.

GeoSpectrum would provide a duplicate of the system purchased on prior contract(s).

Significant cost and schedule impacts would be incurred if another vendor was selected. The non-recurring engineering cost for needed development and testing of a fabricated and custom low frequency (LF) acoustic tow body system is estimated at >$60k , based on other previous equipment purchases that involved NRE.

The schedule impact for such development is estimated at >6 months, which would adversely impact the mission.

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

11. A statement of any actions the agency will take to remove or overcome any future barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

If an additional requirement is identified and funded in the future, NRL will conduct additional market research, along with posting SS/RFI to identify potential vendors to compete for this requirement. NRL will continue to keep abreast of products on the market and if an alternative becomes available that is technically feasible and more affordable for the laboratory, we will consider migration to another vendor’s system.