JA13.501-23-ML02_vredacted.pdf

Page 1of 4

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

4555 OVERLOOK AVE SW

WASHINGTON, DC 20375-5320

Purchase Request No.: 55-8100-23

J&A No.: J&A 13.501-23-ML0

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Under Simplified Procedures For Certain

Commercial Items In Accordance With Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.5

On the basis of the following, I, as the Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of a brand name contractual action pursuant to the authority of: 41 U.S.C. 1901 41 U.S.C. 1903

1. Contracting Activity

The U.S. Department of Navy, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Contracting Division proposes to include brand name specifications for the procurement of a Boston Dynamics “Spot” Enterprise Robot, which will be issued utilizing the procedures described in FAR Subparts 12.6 and 13.5 as a small business set-aside with a brand name only justification.

2. Description of the Action Being Approved

This action requests approval for the use of other than full and open competition, on a brand name basis, as implemented by FAR 13.501(a) for the procurement of a Boston Dynamics “Spot” Enterprise Robot.

3. Description of Supplies

The Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Navy Center For Applied Research In Artificial Intelligence is seeking two quadruped robots for researching human/robot interaction, which are capable of providing shipboard maintenance and completing tasks on deployed Naval Vessels. These robots are required to have robotic arms and grippers that provide a wide range of functionality out of the box, allowing effective teleoperation and high-level application and research area code development without having to re-implement mid-level robot functions (e.g., motion, navigation, mapping, collision avoidance).

The estimated dollar value is which will be funded by the FY23 Capital Investment Program.

4. The statutory authority permitting Brand Name

The authority for permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

41 U.S.C. 1901 41 U.S.C. 1903

J&A No.: J&A 6.302-1-23-ML01

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

Boston Dynamics Spot Enterprise robot was identified as the only brand name who was capable of meeting the Government’s minimum requirements for this Quadrupedal Humanoid Robot requirement.

The Boston Dynamics, Inc. "Spot" robot is the only quadrupedal robot currently available that has the level of capability within their Software Development Kit (SDK) that can be used to control the robot straight of the box. This feature is particularly important, as it allows the government to more quickly progress their research efforts, instead of spending time building this functionality in-house. The Spot SDK that is integrated into the robot autonomously controls object avoidance and navigation through its proprietary SDK, providing an ease of use for the operator. Other robots on the market lack fully integrated and coordinated autonomous control, and require either individual control of the joints and/or of the arm in isolation from its base, which places an excessive cognitive load on the operator, making the robot more challenging for the end user. Market research found that the Boston Dynamics, Inc. "Spot" robot is the only quadrupedal robot currently available at this scale that has the required level of mobility, an integrated manipulator with the requisite mechanical capabilities, as well as fully integrated coordinated control of the manipulator and robot base to properly conduct its research.

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

A Sources Sought Notice was posted on SAM.gov from July 5, 2023 to July 19, 2023 which yielded no responses. The Government contacted Boston Dynamics and received a response via email on August 8, 2023 providing documentation in response to the Sources Sought Notice. Because the Government has not identified any other potential quadrupedal robot that can meet the required level of mobility and capabilities, and had no other respondents to the RFI, the Government intends to execute a brand name justification for the Boston Dynamics Spot robot. Boston Dynamics, the original manufacturer, and two (2) of its authorized distributors are small businesses; therefore, the Government will utilize the simplified procedures in FAR Subparts 12.6 and 13.5 by posting a request for quote (RFQ) to the Government Point of Entry (sam.gov) as a small business set-aside.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost

The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for the equipment covered by this J&A is fair and reasonable through adequate price competition (FAR 13.106-3(a)(1)), or through the methods described at FAR 13.106-3(a)(2).

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition

Code 5510 routinely monitors the commercial marketplace using the internet and publications to stay informed on current state-of-the-art laboratory equipment alternatives that could be used to further work at NRL. The Government will look to compete future requirements for similar equipment after conducting market research.