JA_N64498_0222-25-087-00_Redacted.pdf

J&A No. 0222-25-087-00

The NAI 68G5 I/O cards, listed above, provide critical communication and data processing between the MCS systems and fields sensors. These specific I/O cards come in multiple variations of configuration to support a wide breadth of functions. The 68G5 I/O cards offered by

NAI are customizable based on consumer needs and module function types. Through NAI’s configuration options, the LHD/A MCS Team defined I/O cards that uniquely meet the compatibility, supportability and functionality requirements of the MCS Tech Refresh. Through the completion of successful integration and functionality testing the following five (5) configurations of NAI I/O cards were selected to support the shipboard and LBTE Data

Acquisition Units (DAU), Gas Turbine Workstation (GTWS) and Disel Generator Workstation

(DGWS). The bullets below define the unique characteristics of the five (5) I/O card configurations only met by NAI:

The 68G5-2-AD4AD4AD4JHC01-CM68 model includes three (3) AD4 modules each of which include sixteen (16) channels with 16-bit SAR A/D converters for one (1) per eight

(8) channel multiplexed bank / two (2) banks. Supporting an input range of ±10.00, ±5.00, ±2.50 or 1.25 volts where range is -FS to +FS, 0 to FS VDC, or ±25 mA.

The 68G5-2-RT1RT1RT1JHC01-CM68 model includes three (3) RT1 modules, each of which include eight (8) independently programmable measurement channels that supports a 2, 3, and 4-wire platinum Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) sensor configuration. RT1 modules are used to measure temperature by providing the measured resistance of the RTD element.

The 68G5-2-DA1Z00Z00JHC01-CM68 model includes one (1) DA1 module, which include twelve (12) independent digital to analog output channels with a full-scale range of ±10 VDC at ± 25 mA. The DA1 provides reprogrammable voltage or current control loop modes and offers external trigger/synchronization signal capability, which provides/accepts a trigger signal to/from other modules.

The 68G5-2-DT1DT1DT1JHC01-CM68 model includes three (3) DT1 modules, each of which include twenty-four (24) programmable channels for either input or output.

Supports up to 500 mA per channel from an applied, external 3 – 60 VCC source. These modules can sense broken input connections and whether an input is shorted to +VCC or to ground.

The 68G5-2-SC3SC3SC3JHC01-CM68 model includes three (3) SC3 modules, each of which include eight (8) high speed, programable, non-isolated serial communication channels. Each channel is programmable for either Serial Communications (SC) protocol or General Purpose I/O (GPIO) modes.

The modernization of the VPX Chassis allows multiple I/O cards to be slotted into the same chassis creating many variations of different card combinations, dependent on the required functionality. These NAI brand name I/O cards serve a critical function in receiving and transmitting 10,000+ signals to 60+ enclosures per ship. The signals being transmitted through the I/O cards include data that is used to monitor and control the MCS systems. Each of the various NAI I/O cards are configured as such so that each can support a very specific functionality; from carrying analog or digital signals from a sensor for monitoring oil temperatures and pressure to processing data streams controlling cooling fans or propeller pitch.

Without these NAI brand name I/O cards the MCS systems would no longer be operational

The combination of these specifications are only found in NAI brand I/O cards and will provide the LHD/A MCS Team the required functionality to support a modernized MCS system.

NAI brand name 68G5 I/O cards ensures commonality between the (3) three shipsets and the lab environment. Commonality ensures the LHD/A MCS Team is able to effectively and efficiently provide support, while minimizing the variation in the support provided. Failure to meet his requirement would result in additional costs to the lab environment as multiple sets of hardware would be required to simulate and support the ships. The LHD/A MCS Software would also be required to develop multiple versions of the same software deliveries as deviations in hardware will affect the software implantation. The LHD/A MCS Cyber Team would also be impacted as a standardized scanning technique would not be possible as hardware variance affects cyber hardening practices. Variation in hardware will impact the training and training materials provided to sailors as standardized practices and documentation would not be possible. Overall failure to maintain commonality between LHA6, LHD8, LHA7 and the LBTE would drastically complicate the supportability of the MCS systems.

Through the award of a competitive SAPCOM, N6449824P5365 awarded in October 2023, the

LHD/A MCS Team acquired the exact I/O cards listed above to support the shipboard replacement of legacy I/O cards found on LHA6. In order to maintain commonality, the NAI brand I/O cards, listed above, must be purchased. The intention of this procurement is to establish an IDIQ to procure multiple shipsets and lab assets over the next five (5) fiscal years.

Deviation from the NAI brand name I/O cards would negatively affect mission critical goals as the Tech Refresh Team would not have an acceptable hardware replacement for the aging legacy components. Without this modernized I/O cards, the legacy components would continue to become inoperable until there are no replacement parts available, halting mission objectives, software testing, and deliveries until functionality is no longer viable. Communication deterioration between the systems and sailor would disrupt the capacity to monitor systems health, hygiene and status. This could result in serious risk to the safety and performance of the ship.

Consideration of a product manufactured by another company would result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements. Consideration of an alternative product would undo and require a restart of all the progress that has been made since the LHD/A MCS Team began working to prototype, test and evaluate modernized I/O cards in 2021. In order to support commonality between the ships and lab, an alternative brand would also result in worth of unusable NAI I/O cards purchased through N6449824P5365. The brand name purchase of NAI I/O cards is essential to the Government’s requirements, thereby precluding consideration of a product manufactured by another company.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable.

Market research was conducted via internet research in order to identify potential alternative I/O cards that could satisfy the LHD/A MCS Tech Refresh requirements. The MCS Team was unable to locate an alternative I/O card that met or exceeded the specifications identified in the

NAI brand name I/O Card. Additionally, the LHD/A MCS design includes a VPX Chassis with a custom backplane. That custom backplane was designed with the NAI 68G5 I/O cards specifications in mind. Consideration of alternative I/O cards would require additional engineering services to redesign the backplane and critical schedule impacts to the shipboard installation avail schedules.

In August 2024, market survey for this purchase request was conducted by initially searching the internet and contacting the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), NAI, directly for a list of authorized resellers. NAI provide one authorized reseller, Kampi Components, and stated NAI could also provide a cost estimate. Cost estimates were collected from both vendors.

In an effort to solicit additional offerors, vendors that had previously provided technically acceptable proposals from the FY24 Full & Open procurement, contract number

N6449824P5365, were contacted for cost estimates. The FY24 contract received four (4) proposals, two (2) were technically acceptable. The technically acceptable proposals were received from NAI and Questivity. Since NAI had already been contacted, Questivity was contacted in August 2024. Despite multiple attempts to contacts Questivity, they were unable to produce any evidence of the capacity to support this opportunity. NAI was able to provide such documentation.

Lastly, a sources sought was posted to SAM.gov to identify potential vendors who had the capacity to support this requisition. No responses were received.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs.

The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this Justification will be fair and reasonable.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Competition.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, NSWCPD has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NSWCPD will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.