JOFOC Tomography System 09 15 23 Final.pdf

Rev.:4/2023

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Kennedy Space Center - KSC

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(JOFOC)

For North Star Imaging (NSI) X5000 450kV Meso-focus/225kV Micro-focus

Digital Radiography/Computed Tomography DR/CT System

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.303-2(b)(1) – Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Justification for other than full and open competition.”

This document is a justification for other than full and open competition prepared by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center.

The procuring agency is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the contracting activity is the Kennedy Space Center.

2. FAR 6.303-2(b)(2) – The nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This justification provides the rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition to award a sole source contract to NSI only for the acquisition of the NSI X5000 225kV Micro-focus/450kV Meso-focus Computed Tomography System.

3. FAR 6.303-2(b)(3) – A description of the supplies or services required, to meet the

Agency’s needs (including the estimated value):

The NSI X5000 with the 225kV/450kV tube heads provides a wide range of power, resolution, and reconstruction capability by utilizing a dual tube configuration within a single cabinet. With the 225kV micro-focus tube head, the system generates an x-ray source emerging from a focal spot size < 6 microns for increased resolution of imaged parts. (Detail recognition of less than 2 microns.) The 450kV Meso-focus tube provides 5 distinct spot size options, at 63, 100, 250, 350, and 450 microns and at corresponding power levels, to allow for significant x-ray penetration while maintaining resolution detail in the 28–115-micron range, respectively.

The Varex 4343 DRZ (Gadox) Scintillator with 150-micron pixel pitch will allow for frame rates up to 30 fps over the 432 mm x 432 mm active detection area. Combined with the NSI proprietary motion algorithm subpiX, the system allows for significantly increased resolution beyond the 150-micron limitation of the detector panel.

This NSI system also includes a redesigned manipulator and secondary algorithm, mosiaX, extending the X5000 CT beyond the standard effective imaging field, stitching together multiple images to create a single data file.

The X5000 also includes software (efx-DR and efx-CT) that works in conjunction with the x-ray system hardware to capture the full set of images that will then be processed to create the three-dimensional representation (CT). By utilizing the NSI software throughout, there is no additional data conversion or required 3rd party software necessary to obtain or process the images/volumes for inspection. The existing system at KSC currently utilizes efx-DR and efx-CT software and by purchasing another NSI X5000, this will allow for a seamless interchangeability of data and technique files between systems.

This will improve efficiency when working with multiple components that require parallel processing, seeing as no risk of introducing conversions or adjustments will be required to obtain identical/consistent results. Additionally, this will eliminate the requirement for customers to download/utilize different programs for result viewing that would otherwise be necessary if a different system/software is used to create the files.

This equipment is a strategic investment to expand the capability of the KSC technical labs to provide x-ray imaging of thicker cross-sectional materials. This allows non-destructive evaluation to be conducted for a wider array of lab customers with needs for detailed imaging and analysis of thicker or more dense materials. The estimated value of this procurement is $1,489,779.00.

4. FAR 6.303-2(b)(4) – An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

Authority for the Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is provided by 41 U.S.C. 1901, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements (10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)). This justification is based on NSI being the only responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This JOFOC complies with the special documentation requirements of FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii).

5. FAR 6.303-2(b)(5) – A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

The rationale supporting the use of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1):

NSI is the manufacturer of and only source available to provide the X5000 product in support of the CESO procurement activity of FY23 to enhance the laboratory capability located at KSC Building M70355 Room 1233.

Other vendors provide configurations that do not meet the combination of equipment footprint, modular assembly, unit specifications, or software compatibility. There would be compatibility issues with using another vendor product as existing imaging equipment from NSI is already in use in the lab. Utilizing a different vendor would introduce issues with file compatibility and require time and effort for training operators on multiple systems and/or programs. The risk is substantial that an alternate vendor would provide a system with significant variations in hardware/software that could lead to reduced compatibility, performance, and additional system administration labor. There is also a potential impact on the processing time while the employees are trained efficiently on a new vendor/brand software. To meet the projected timelines of projects needing nondestructive x-ray scanning of materials, the Government’s best option is to sole-source with NSI.

Additionally, NSI produces its efx-DR and efx-CT software in-house to ensure system compatibility and interaction with their systems. Other vendors provide 3rd party software that would require additional coordination for any troubleshooting of the overall hardware/software systems.

As the domestic leading manufacturer in the nondestructive testing industry, NSI is a leader in DR/CT advancements. They also maintain a local service representative (Titusville) as well as a scanning center in Orlando that will minimize downtime and may provide optional scanning capabilities in the event of a significant need when the system requires maintenance. These local technicians service other lab equipment at KSC and efficiencies are gained by working with the same personnel for this new equipment.

KSC currently utilizes an NSI X5000 that operates on NSI-based software and has proven to be an effective and powerful tool. It will directly benefit NASA to maintain compatibility across internal KSC hardware and software in the form of an immediate return on investment. Maintaining continuity with the NSI system will benefit NASA through consistent operation and maintenance familiarity by the users/operators.

Additionally, multiple NASA centers and contracting companies also own/operate NSI-based systems, further establishing why the NSI X5000 is the only system that ensures compatibility for data and technique collaboration amongst the Agency and its partners.

The option of a modular cabinet and system offered by NSI is essential to the viability of co-locating the system in the x-ray laboratory of the O&C building. The x-ray laboratory is in the inner hallway of the building, adjacent to the high bay processing area, and has no access point large enough to accommodate a fully assembled system. NSI provides a modular option and has installed similar systems in multiple locations that require no forklift or heavy-lift support. This modular approach allows the equipment to fit in existing space, without requiring significant time or resources to construct or modify additional space.

6. FAR 6.303-2(b)(6) – A description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

A notice to the Government Point of Entry (GPE) website (Sam.gov) was published on July 11, 2023, under Notice ID 80KSC023R0020, per FAR Subpart 5.2. This posting informed potential sources of NASA’s intent to award this sole-source contract to NSI.

The results of this synopsis are summarized in Section 10 below.

7. FAR 6.303-2(b)(7) – A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The Contracting Officer’s signature on this document indicates that the Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. The Contractor shall be required to submit a proposal to be evaluated and negotiated by the Government. Before execution of the contractual instrument, a proposal analysis will be performed. The proposal analysis will ensure that the final agreed-to price for the contract action is fair and reasonable. This procurement is for a commercial item.

Thus, the price can be determined fair and reasonable based on a comparison of the established market price, historical pricing, and current price lists. NASA has historical contract information from previous awards with NSI and there are no anticipated issues that would circumvent a fair and reasonable price determination.

8. FAR 6.303-2(b)(8) – Description of the market research conducted, and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted:

An internet search was conducted on 4/01/2023 to determine the availability of the product in the open market. It was found that the NSI X5000 system is not available through SEWP, GSA, or any known vendor. The research yielded NSI as the exclusive supplier for this product. A representative from NSI, Nicholas Brinkhoff, confirmed via email on July 7, 2023, that there are no authorized resellers of the NSI X5000 system. A Sources Sought was published on the GPE under Notice ID 80KSC023839235 from July 24, 2023, to August 8, 2023, and both interested vendors, Pinnacle and Nikon, who submitted their capability statement in response to the original notice of intent to sole source, were made aware of the posting of the sources sought. Only one vendor, Pinnacle, responded to the Sources Sought. After reviewing their submitted capabilities statement, attending a fact-finding meeting with the COR and the Contractor, and engaging in fact-finding email exchanges, the Government determined that Pinnacle’s product did not meet the Government’s requirements. Therefore, it is in the Government’s best interest to award this sole-source requirement to NSI.

In addition to the market research that has been conducted, a thorough review of the proposed NSI X5000 system equipment has been completed to ensure its compatibility with current equipment within the laboratory. The equipment from this sole source will ensure (1) software compatibility with the current system utilized by the KSC and other NASA centers and (2) that future maintenance work may be streamlined to require only one procurement to service the combined systems, resulting in less time and funding being utilized. This is a further direct benefit to the various multi-user customers as testing information can be provided in an efficient and consistent format that can be exchanged between equipment with no need to adjust or reconfigure data, significantly reducing the risk of errors and omission of critical data. Additionally, continuing the use of the NSI system precludes the necessity of personnel re-training for both new or additional software packages and user-level equipment maintenance. Acquiring the NSI system also ensures logistical continuity, as the Agency will not have to provide potential facility modifications including but not limited to additional power, facility architecture, and laboratory reorganization for installation. In short, by issuing a sole source award to NSI, the Government ensures software/hardware compatibility and continuity, as well as cost efficiency, while reducing duplication of training efforts and overall mission risk.

9. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9) – Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

This is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) unit with known commodity inputs/outputs and maximum power and working pressures built to known standards that are acceptable for COTS utilization at KSC. The utilization of this unit and the vendor ensures that no additional impacts will befall the various customers, programs, and projects that would utilize this equipment.

10. FAR 6.303-2(b)(10) – A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in writing in the acquisition:

A notice of NASA’s intent to award this sole-source action was published on the GPE website (Sam.gov) per FAR Subpart 5.2 (See Section 6 above) under Notice ID 80KSC023R0020 on July 11, 2023. The intent was to post the notice for 15 days;

however, it was pulled on July 17, 2023, due to interest we received from two vendors, Pinnacle and Nikon. A Sources Sought was published on the GPE under Notice ID 80KSC023839235 from July 24, 2023, to August 8, 2023. Only one vendor, Pinnacle, responded to the Sources Sought; however, after conducting fact-finding discussions with Pinnacle, the Agency determined that Pinnacle was unable to meet the Government’s requirements. Therefore, the notice of intent to sole-source was reposted to the GPE on September 7, 2023.

11. FAR 6.303-2(b)(11) – A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

Market research will continue to be conducted to determine if any other vendors have the capability to meet NASA KSC’s future requirements.

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Kennedy Space Center - KSC

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

For North Star Imaging, NSI X5000 450kV Meso-focus/225kV Micro-focus Digital

Radiography/Computed Tomography DR/CT System

SIGNATURE PAGE

Technical Representative: I certify that the facts presented in this justification are accurate and complete.

Thad Johnson Technical Representative

Contracting Officer: I hereby certify that the above justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Tyrone J. Frey Contracting Officer

CONCURRENCE:

Gerald Norris Procurement Officer

APPROVED:

Burton R. Summerfield Competition Advocate Kennedy Space Center

Thad Johnson

TYRONE

FREY