JA_SPRDL122R0120_Redacted.pdf

JA-00532 - SPRDL1-22-R-0120

Previous J&A: SPRDL1-18-R-0369 reliably withstand the large forces associated with this task. This linear actuator has been specifically integrated with the wrecker’s use-case in mind, which makes it unique among other commercially procurable linear actuators.

The Government does not have rights to the Technical Data Package (TDP) or specifications. The linear actuator itself (PN 160417B) is a JARP Industries product, of which the Government does not own or have rights to any of the detailed technical data.

This item is used as the Tow Cylinder for the HEMTT Wrecker. This particular linear actuator has undergone validation testing by JARP to ensure its safety and performance for this application. It has been carefully integrated to work in tandem with the current hydraulic compressor and lifting configuration unique to the M984A4 Wrecker. Not having this means that the cylinder diameters, lengths, pressure ratings, load limits, and other criteria used to qualify this item cannot be easily compared with other commercially available linear actuators. Selecting an alternative that may not meet performance specifications would be detrimental to mission capability as well as readiness. The burden of risk associated with using an unsuitable linear actuator is too great; this procurement must be made to JARP Industries.

The Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Vehicle Sustainment Team has calculated that Reverse Engineering the HEMTT Linear Actuator Assembly would cost an estimated minimum of $1,000,000 with a lead time of at least 38 months that would be comprised of:

- Research and Development (R&D), including part design, development, and production

- Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) testing, including design verification/validation and vehicle integration testing

- TDP development, in order to procure competitively

The Vehicle Integration, Design Verification, and Validation testing requires allocating a donor vehicle, fit-up of the linear actuator assembly, minimum number of miles driven on a test track, and post-test wear evaluation. The estimates provided are based on previously quoted Reverse Engineering projects for a similar item.

Action Time Cost

Reverse-Engineer Linear Actuator 12 months $500,000

Verification / Validation Testing 8 months $300,000

Develop Technical Data Package

(TDP)

6 months $200,000

Total Development 26 months $1,000,000

The Government would not be able to recover, through subsequent competition, the duplication of costs involved in Reverse Engineering the item to create a new and competitive linear actuator within a reasonable amount of time. At the current average usage rate of 188 units each year a current unit cost of and assuming 25% savings achieved through competition, the in annual savings would take over years to offset the estimated $1,000,000 cost of Reverse Engineering the item and qualifying another source.

With a current stock of 47 units, a current backorder of 0 units, and a usage rate of 188 units per year, backorders would rise to 360 units by the time Reverse Engineering was completed. A backorder over the course of 26 months would adversely impact the readiness of the HEMTT fleet with non-mission capable vehicles waiting for this linear actuator. The schedule delay associated with these efforts is unacceptable in fulfilling TACOM requirements and would have a significant detrimental impact on TACOM’s ability to support the soldier in the field.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

a. Effective competition: Due to the reasons cited in section 5 above the Government is limiting the competition to the sources cited in section 2 above.

b. Sole source: Notices required by FAR 5.201 will be posted.

c. Subcontracting competition: Unless the contract is awarded to a small business, the solicitation and resulting contract will include FAR clauses 52.219-8, "Utilization of Small Business Concerns"; 52.244-5, "Competition in Subcontracting"; 52.219-16, "Liquidated Damages--Subcontracting Plan";" and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.219-7003, "Small Business Subcontracting Plan (DoD Contracts)," to maximize small business opportunities and utilization.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: There are no plans to increase competition for future procurements due to the reasons cited above.

There are no contractors currently in the process of being qualified as an alternate source of supply for this item. At this time, there are no current or planned efforts to qualify additional sources due to the fact that the Government does not possess a fully defined and validated TDP for this item. The source of supply, JARP Industries (CAGE 8T716), owns the detailed TDP for this item, which is not available to purchase.

8. Market Research: A Sources Sought Notice was posted to SAM.gov on 8 July 2022 and was open for 15 days. No responses were received.

Keyword: hydraulic cylinder Websites: https://www.grainger.com/category/hydraulics/hydraulic-cylinders-seals/tie-rod-hydraulic-cylinders?categoryIndex=5 https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/hydraulic-cylinders

Keyword: heavy duty hydraulic cylinder Websites: https://www.ramindustries.com/custom-heavy-duty.aspx https://www.higginson.ca/products/heavy-duty-hydraulic-cylinders/

The GVSC Sustainment Engineer conducted web-based market research in August 2022. The linear actuator/hydraulic cylinder product lines available from Grainger, Tractor Supply, Ram Industries, and Higginson were reviewed for comparison. The information provided on these websites was not sufficient to determine if they would serve as a suitable direct replacement for the current differential assembly provided by the OEM JARP used on the M984A4 Wrecker. With the TDP and unique performance specifications being unavailable, it becomes extremely difficult to ensure compatibility.

Many manufacturers make linear actuators that at first glance seem similar to the one used for this application. Comparing features such as cylinder diameters, lengths, pressure ratings, load limits, connection method, and other criteria do not provide enough detailed information to justify their use. This particular linear actuator has undergone validation testing by JARP to ensure its safety and performance for this application. It has been carefully integrated to work in tandem with the current hydraulic compressor and lifting configuration unique to the M984A4 Wrecker. Selecting a potential alternative that was not specifically designed and tested for this application will result in an elevated risk of issues in the future. These issues will negatively impact maintenance, readiness, and ultimately soldier safety if a failure were to occur during operation.

If the technical information for the linear actuator on the HEMTT was made available, it would allow for more specific market research and potentially allow for competitive procurement to be an option.

9. Interested Sources: To date no additional sources have expressed interest in this item.

10.Other Facts: Procurement History:

Contract: SPRDL1-19-D-0028 Award Date: 14 November 2018 Contractor: Hader, Inc. (Authorized Distributor) Contract Value: $897,516.75 Competitive Status: FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source

Contract: SPRDL1-12-D-0007 Award Date: 21 November 2011 Contractor: Ruta Supplies Inc. (Authorized Distributor) Contract Value: $523,483.38 Competitive Status: FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source

Contract: SPRDL1-12-D-0006 Award Date: 21 November 2011 Contractor: Hader, Inc. (Authorized Distributor) Contract Value: $465,631.20

Title: Contracting Officer Email: Leah.Bourdeau@dla.mil Signature:

9/27/2022

X Leah Bourdeau

Signed by: BOURDEAU.LEAH.CLARE.1296116374

14. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name: Leah Bourdeau Title: Contracting Officer Email: Leah.Bourdeau@dla.mil Signature:

9/27/2022

X Leah Bourdeau

Signed by: BOURDEAU.LEAH.CLARE.1296116374