Summary

This is a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition (CUI) document for Control Number 25-043, authorizing a sole source contract with Franklin Engineering for Countermeasures Production Process Equipment Modernization in support of Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA). The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Rock Island Arsenal is conducting this procurement under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901 (simplified procedures for certain commercial items). The estimated dollar value is redacted, and the contract will not include an option provision.

CAAA requires technical and specialized equipment design services to modernize its countermeasures flare production process line in Bloomington, Indiana, supporting multiple military branches. The work comprises a four-phase approach with full funding at award: Phase One involves existing process evaluation, market research, and preliminary design; Phase Two continues full design development; Phase Three provides equipment procurement and pre-solicitation assistance with SOW recommendations; and Phase Four offers design assistance during procurement and installation. The initial Navy contract awarded to Franklin Engineering in February 2016 provided the conceptual design, and a 2023 follow-on contract reflected a strategic shift toward constructing a new facility. Market research was conducted via a Sources Sought notice posted October 28, 2024, for seven days, and additional outreach occurred April 3, 2025, engaging government stakeholders, industry participants, and federal agencies, identifying Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Redstone Arsenal (RSA) Express as potential competitors. However, no other sources have expressed written interest. The justification emphasizes that transitioning to a new engineering firm would disrupt the mission due to Franklin Engineering's continuity with the prior work and technical expertise developed across the ongoing design phases.