Justification and Approval redacted.pdf

J&A Number: 26-0187 to achieve required specifications and precise fitment. This antenna design is proprietary to ThinKom Solutions due to the unique design essential to the form-fit-function requirements of the submarine mast and the desired function of the PATRIOT radar in the larger system. These antennas were last procured, on a sole source basis, under contracts N6893624P0457 (25 September 2024) and N6893623C0031 (27 September 2023). ThinKom Solutions originally designed, developed, and produced the cylindrical antennas under contract N6893606C0012 (6 December 2005). Seeking a new source would directly delay deployment of submarines in the fleet as the antenna is presently integrated and functional in the fleet.

In accordance with FAR 6.103-1(b), these antennas are deemed only available from ThinKom Solutions, as award to any other source would result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Government’s requirement. The design cost for the current design was completed approximately 21 years ago, totaling $859K and the production cost was $626K. Delaying the procurement to find another source would significantly impact the US Navy operating capabilities. Redesigning the antenna to find a new source would force the redesign of the entire PATRIOT Radar Program as a whole. The design and prototype development of the original antennas contract took six (6) years. It is estimated that a redesign would take two (2) years by a minimum team of five (5) engineers which would significantly increase costs to accomplish. The work would include Printed Circuit Board (PCB) redesign as well as mechanical changes to key components that make up the entirety of the radar. Those man hours alone would come at an additional cost to the USN in the amount of $1.6M and cause a delay of at least one (1) year, as estimated by the PATRIOT Radar Program Manager, In addition, the administrative process of restarting the market research and a new procurement to manufacture new antennas would add on to the delay, further impacting USN operating capabilities, as well as further significantly increasing the overall cost. The Government would have to pay for the new design. Moreover, once redesign and manufacture by a new contractor were completed, a first article testing would be required of the new manufactured antenna to verify it meets all specifications. Finally, the Government would have to pay for the production of the new antennas, which may or may not be less costly per unit than the current antennas and that is before the design and testing costs. In short, award of this contract to any other source would result in substantial duplication of man hours and costs to redesign the antennas that are not expected to be recovered through competition.

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

In accordance with DFARS PGI 206.302(1)(d), a sources sought for this requirement was posted to the Official Government website, System for Award Management (SAM), on 6 February 2026 with a capability submission date of 16 February 2026.

responded on 9 February 2026 expressing interest. The Contract Specialist (CS) responded requesting a copy of their capability statement for routing to the requirement owner for review, however, did not respond back. . responded on 16 February 2026 expressing interest and stated that they would source the required parts through

J&A Number: 26-0187

In accordance with FAR 5.101(b)(2), a pre-solicitation synopsis was posted to the SAM.gov website on 18 February 2026 with a response date of 25 February 2026. No potential vendors sent emails of interest. As no complete written response was received, an SF 1449 solicitation/RFQ pursuant to FAR 12.204(a)(l) will be issued to ThinKom Solutions.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this J&A will be fair and reasonable.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

For the reasons set forth in paragraph 5, NAWC-WD China Lake, CA has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for the types of supplies covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NAWC-WD China Lake, CA will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.