JE21030 Sole Source Justification Stirling HOTAS 3.29.2021 Approved v5 Redacted.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

18 Jun 2019 SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE Page 2 of 4

I. Contracting Activity.

Department of the Air Force Air Force Test Center, Directorate of Contracting

AFTC/PZIEB

5 South Wolfe Avenue, Bldg. 2800, Edwards AFB, CA 93524

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

Purchase Request Number: F1S0AX1054001

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

The proposed contract action is a new commercial firm fixed price purchase order.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

CLIN 0001 -P/N 032A000-002 Simulated Sticks Excluding Grips, Qty of 15 . for a total cost of CLIN 0002 -P/N 033A000-002 Simulated Throttles Excluding Grips, Qty of 15 @ ea. for a total cost of

CLIN 0003 -P/N 9021490300-7 Essex F-35 JSF Sidestick Grip, Qty of 15 @ . for a total cost of CLIN 0004 -P/N 9021490400-1 Essex F-35 JSF Throttle Grip, Qty of 15 @ . for a total cost of CLIN 0005 -Rig Calibration and Maintenance, Qty 15 @ for a total cost of CLIN 0006 -Freight Fee, Qty 15 @ . for a total cost of

DISCOUNT -

Delivery: 12 Months ARO

3600 appropriations will fund this effort.

This single source request is for the acquisition of F-35 Simulation Hands on Throttle and Stick Systems (HOTAS) through Stirling Dynamics for the 412th Electronic Warfare Group in support of the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) laboratory build up. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) manned flight simulators are currently used by the 412th Electronic Warfare Group (EWG) in support of the performance and flight qualities (P&FQ) mission of the Integrated Test Force (ITF) in accordance with the current A.4 Program Introduction Document (PIO). Specific real-time performance criteria are required for the simulator HOTAS to allow active force feedback, meaning the simulator continuously updates (80Hz) the force parameters in the stick and throttle, versus a less dynamic solution that only allows the same parameters to be initialized or pre-set once prior to the simulated flight.

The proposed contract is:

Stirling Dynamics 3259 Progress Drive Ste 159 Orlando, FL 32826

Business Size: Large

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

41 U.S.C. 1901, as implemented by FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii), which allows for other than full and open competition when the supplies or services requested by the agency are available from only one source.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

Based on technical feedback from both Lockheed Martin and NAWCAD Patuxent River along with additional market

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

18 Jun 2019 SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE Page 3 of 4 research conducted, currently only the Stirling Dynamics active controllers have the demonstrated capability to provide the required active force feedback of 80Hz and can fully satisfy this requirement to support the P&FQ missions that must be test flown in the flight simulator prior to actual flight test. From the pilot's perspective, the Stirling devices are similar to the flight units, providing form, fit and function replicas of the flight worthy controllers.

The critical requirement which must be satisfied by this product is its ability to continuously update (80Hz) the force parameters in the stick and throttle simulator, versus a less dynamic solution that only allows the same parameters to be initialized or pre-set once prior to a simulated flight. The 80Hz update rate of the active controllers is required for a high fidelity flight simulator dedicated to supporting the P&FQ missions. This requirement is unique to this F-35 military aircraft--no previous military aircraft had such a capability.

Stirling Dynamics, has the ability to meet mission schedule/requirements and previous contracts awarded to Stirling Dynamic for the JSF HOTAS include FA9302-14-M-K050 and FA9302-19-P-5029

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

A review of known sources was conducted to evaluate current product offerings with the following findings as documented in the market research report: Wittenstein's simulation grade HOTAS for the F-35 was reviewed and found their system continues to fall short of the required 80Hz active force feedback. Aerotronics was also identified to produce a simulation grade HOTAS system for the F-35; however, the HOTAS from Aerotronics does not provide the required 80Hz active force feedback, nor is it made of the same simulation grade material (“simulation grade material” is a durable plastic/polymer that closely resembles the materials used in the flight hardware."). The JSE HOTAS will see thousands of users every year and needs to be made of very durable materials as are the materials used in the Stirling Dynamics HOTAS. The Aerotronics HOTAS materials do not evidence the same durability as that evidenced by the Stirling Dynamics HOTAS. A general web search did not identify any additional potential sources of simulation grade F-35 HOTAS systems. A combined Sources Sought Synopsis/Intent to Sole Source will be posted before award IAW FAR 5.705(b) to ensure that all possible capable offerors are evaluated.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The contracting officer has determined the anticipated cost to the government for this acquisition will be fair and reasonable, and the proposal will be evaluated using price analysis for commercial items in accordance with FAR 13.106-3. The proposed price will be compared to other companies or agencies that may have previously purchased the same or similar items. In addition, the requirement will be compared to several requirements that have previously been purchased according to FPDS. This requirement has been determined to be commercial in nature, therefore, IAW FAR 15.403-1(b)(3), certified cost and pricing data is not required. However, other than certified cost and pricing data will be requested to aid in the price analysis.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Market research was conducted through attendance at trade shows, internet searches, contracting known sources of the item, and discussion with subject matter experts (SMEs) in the market and the government.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

None

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

See section VI above.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

Market research will continue to be conducted in an attempt to locate additional vendors or products that can meet the requirement. Additionally, any developments identified in trade journals and trade shows will be considered for future requirements. However, based on the nuances of the requirement there is a reasonable chance that the competitive barriers will still exist. The 2014 SSJ did not address efforts to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my signature above, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my responsibility, is both accurate and complete.