LIDAR Upgrade SSJ_redacted(1).pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: AFLCMC/PZI Purchase Request/ Identification Number:

FE230012580215

Project/Program Name: LIDAR WFR and MPL Enclosure Upgrades Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The Air Force Institute of Technology's center for directed energy (AFIT/CDE) light detection and ranging (LIDAR) equipment requires a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) approved upgrade to improve system performance, including accuracy and system availability rate. AFIT/CDE's LIDAR is a part of NASA's micro-pulse LIDAR network (MPLNET) that works to profile aerosol types, sizes, and concentrations in the central US. The existing system lacks a wide field receiver (WFR) sub-system which prevents the aerosol profiling inside the LIDAR overlap region which extends as high as 6km above the LIDAR. The LIDAR all weather enclosure can degrade the embedded laser lifetime, while also leading to incorrect or sub-optimal aerosol profiles due to laser stability and condensation on the system's optical windows. Additionally for the LIDAR to be calibrated it must be sent to NASA which can take about six-months total; obtaining a WFR eliminates the need to send the LIDAR to NASA for calibration since it will allow for calibration in the field.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source

Without the WFR, the LIDAR cannot be calibrated in the field. The NASA LIDAR MPLNET holds all members to specific protocol and system configurations to ensure standardized measurements across the globe. Calibration is required on a frequent and recurring basis, as a result, six months of downtime is unacceptable. NASA, who manages the LIDAR MPLNET, fostered the creation/use of the WFR component to increase the aerosol profiling by a factor of 20 while eliminating the need to return LIDARs, that are part of the MPLNET, to NASA for calibration. Integration of this WFR component minimizes system and network downtime. The LIDAR's current enclosure is known to diminish the embedded laser lifetime, and it also causes incorrect or sub-optimal aerosol profiles due to laser instability and condensation on the systems optical windows.

is the sole source and holds the patent for the WFR and provides the MPL Enclosure that is form, fit and function to the LIDAR integrated with the WFR, without any need for re-engineering. also maintains licensing agreements with NASA for the WFR component.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

As mentioned above, the WFR is the most critical aspect of the LIDAR upgrade in terms of advancing performance to meet AFIT's research mission The WFR was purpose-built and has been purchased by the NASA team, who manages the federated, global, MPLNET, in which AFIT is a member. As mentioned above, the MPLNET holds all members to specific protocol and system configurations to ensure standardized measurements throughout the globe. is the sole source and holds the patent for it and the licensing agreement with NASA. The market survey did not reveal any other vendor who was immediately able to provide the WFR and MPL enclosure of form, fit, and function to house both the LIDAR and WFR. This information was verified via email from the company

, therefore it is confirmed that no competition exists for the this requirement.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source Awards

As new equipment needs arise, AFIT will carry out market research to determine potential sources. Additionally, AFIT will continue to attend and present research interests and results at professional technical conferences, sponsored by Government (e.g. NASA) and industry, as well as professional societies. The conferences attract scientific hardware vendors, thus serving as excellent communication opportunities and facilitators of continued understanding of evolving market conditions. Additionally, in response to material and ideas presented at the conferences, vendors are likely to undertake concept and technology development, which in turn leads to more sources and competition in the marketplace. Contracting will continue to look for competition in the future and continue to carry out market research for additional companies as new, similar requirements, arise.

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

12-Oct-2021

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer Signature of Contracting Officer