JA TCS_FINAL_Redacted.pdf

J&A No. 50,255

The TCS Model 2400M-6 L/S Band Mobile Tracking Antenna System is a proprietary component manufactured solely by TCS.

In addition, the ACU-M1L (the Red Hat Enterprise Linux version of the ACU-M1 operating system) can be configured to support up to 8 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and 8 Amplitude Modulation (AM) connections (no longer required for auto-tracking by using AGC Tracking) from tracking receivers. With the last generation of Antenna Control Unit (ACU) interface Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the 8 AM ports are provided, but not required. The AM signals for autotracking are no longer required through these ports but instead they are being derived from the AGC ports.

This new tracking technology results in the improvement of the overall tracking loop by releasing the 100 ms AGC time constant constraint. Using AGC only for autotracking, the receiver AGC time constant can now be set to the fastest speed available, typical .1 ms.

The associated cost to the government of identifying a potential alternate product, field testing it, re-training staff, and transitioning all products to the new system would not be efficient due to the duplication of the efforts and costs associated with replacing/integrating the new components. To test the product, each mission will have a minimum of 100 engineers supporting In addition, the cost of operating the ship: fuel, shipboard crew (minimum 25), wear & tear, etc. will be in excess of . There is an associated cost with reserving the range for use, estimated at a minimum of . That is estimated a minimum of

, ship and range costs alone, with multiple events planned after the required delivery date.

In sum, in addition to the delays that would affect ship movement and training, the total costs associated with retrofitting similar equipment would be in excess of dollars. Based on this information alone, the Government would not likely recoup these costs in a competitive environment.

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

Market research was conducted to locate same or similar replacement parts/components compatible with the existing equipment. Comparable vendors such as Quasonix and CDSI were researched and considered. There are 6 ft autotracking antenna

J&A No. 50,255 systems available from both of these manufacturers. Both feature a pedestal, 6 ft dish and an Antenna Control Unit (ACU), but they are unable to provide an equivalent modular system that breaks down into six cases, that fit onto two standard 48” by 40” pallets and staying under 900 lbs total. These limitations exclude these competitors from being used on the project. The equipment size will not allow the Government to install these boxes in the currently allocated space on board the ship and would result in significant cost increases. Additionally, the requirement for an Amplitude Modulation (AM) signal to autotrack will not be acceptable, due to idiosyncrasies of a variation of telemetry receivers from multiple manufacturers. Although these equipment were similar in nature, they are not compatible with the existing equipment with regards to form, fit and function and would cause costly delay in operational readiness and effectiveness of the Government, if procured for these location-driven missions.

A sources sought notice (SSN) was posted on SAM.gov seeking any potential sources other than TCS to meet the requirement. The posting was issued on 6 July 2021 and closed 16 July 2021. At the close of the SSN, zero (0) responses were received.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated costs to the Government for the items covered by this J&A will be fair and reasonable. Significant (or similar) quantities of this requirement have been purchased from this offeror in the past and cost/pricing information was received on those past procurements. This information should be sufficient to support the fair and reasonable cost determination of this procurement.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Competition

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, Corona Division, Contracts Department, Code 02 has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for the types of items covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, Code 02 will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.