LSJ_Redacted.pdf

PAN: R20134225

GFEBS: 12318238

Version – July 2023

Memorandum for Record – Limiting Competition at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

1. Contracting Activity: CCAM-MZB-B

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-on Requirement

Contract Vehicle: ELA/DOD-ESI/CHESS

GSA:

Sole Source Purchase Order

Pricing/Contract Type: Fixed Price Time & Materials/Labor Hours Cost Reimbursable

Brand Name Buy: Yes No

3. Description of Services or Supplies: Launcher Hard Drives to provide increased storage capability of real-world and test events; Part #: 6701.06.

Item# QTY Description 1 4 Solid State Drive, STRS-240GB SS/CSA/SP1 (Part #: 6701.06)

- LMCO PN 15001140-501

- 240GB SLC SATA Solid State Drive (Leaded, Parylene Conformal Coat)

Version – July 2023

4. Authority:

FAR 13.106-(b)(1)(ii): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), only one source reasonably available, urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization.

Or

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) and 8.405-6(b)(1) Brand Name FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A) Urgency FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) Only One Source is Capable FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C) Logical Follow-on

Or

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) Only One Awardee is Capable FAR 16.505(a)(4) Brand Name FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A) Urgency FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C) Logical Follow-on FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D) Minimum Guarantee

5. Reasons for Authority Cited:

a. The Element (TEC) Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) lab requires high-reliability, ruggedized Solid State Drives (SSDs) to accurately simulate real-world operating conditions for critical system testing. These 240GB SLC SSDs, with their leaded components and conformal coating, provide the necessary endurance, data integrity, and environmental protection to withstand the demanding and repetitive write cycles inherent in HWIL simulations, ensuring accurate and repeatable test results.

b. A comprehensive search was done in June 2025 to identify alternative sources for the Solid State Drives, STRS-240GB SS/CSA/SP1. This drive is a 240GB SLC SATA Solid State Drive with a Parylene conformal coat and meet the CSA/SP1 environmental standard and is specifically designated as 'Leaded' for enhanced reliability in demanding applications. The market research included internet searches of other major SSD manufacturers and distributors. However, the combination of SLCND, ruggedization requirements (Parylene coating and CSA/SP1 certification), the leaded designation, and the specific Lockheed Martin Company (LMCO) part number significantly limited the availability of comparable products. Only Mountain Secure Systems was identified as capable of providing a drive meeting all specified requirements. Using another brand other than Mountain Secure Systems could negate compatibility.

Version – July 2023

On 10 June 2025, CHESS RFI 535114 and CHESS RFQ 535113 were submitted for this procurement. The CHESS RFI and RFQ used the "ITES-3H" program to solicit vendors. 16 vendors were solicited for this requirement, but none responded with a quote. Consequently, the purchase request creator created and submitted CHESS Statement of Nonavailability 216817605 for this requirement.

c. If the Element (TEC) HWIL lab does not receive these hard drives, the lab will not be able to save critical data from real-world and test events, which could be detrimental to the United States Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) capability due to lack of critical data.

6. Publicizing Contract Actions: For FAR Part 13 actions, the public display and synopsis requirements of FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203 do not apply due to the $ threshold, apply and will be followed, or do not apply due to an exception at 5.202(a)(6).

Requirement to post justification in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(b)(3), FAR 13.105(c), or FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii)(A) as follows:

Action is a brand name restriction, over $25K but less that simplified acquisition threshold. It will be redacted and posted with the Request for Quote/Solicitation.

Exceptions to posting:

Action is NOT a brand name restriction and is under $150K, Action is a brand name restriction, under $25K.

Action is a brand name restriction over $25K but will not be posted due to exception:

FAR 6.305(f) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(A) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(B) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(C) FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii(C)

7. Market Research: On 10 June 2025, CHESS RFI 535114 and CHESS RFQ 535113 were submitted for this procurement. The CHESS RFI and RFQ used the "ITES-3H" program to solicit vendors. 16 vendors were solicited for this requirement, but none responded with a quote. Consequently, the purchase request creator created and submitted CHESS Statement of Nonavailability 216817605 for this requirement.

Version – July 2023

GFEBS: 12318238

Market research was conducted in June 2025 to identify potential alternative sources for the 240GB SLC SATA Solid State Drive (Leaded, Parylene Conformal Coat – LMCO PN 15001140-501). Initial research focused on major SSD manufacturers including Samsung, Micron/Crucial, and SanDisk/Western Digital. These vendors predominantly utilize MLC, TLC, and QLC NAND flash memory, which offer lower endurance and lack the necessary ruggedization for this application. Subsequently, a review of industrial SSD providers – Kingston Technology, Kontron, and Trimble – indicated that while they offer suitable industrial-grade drives, achieving the specific CSA/SP1 certification and incorporating the required leaded components presents a substantial and currently insurmountable obstacle.

8. Other Facts: N/A

9. Technical/Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

10. Contracting Officer Certification/Approval: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based upon price analysis of market research.

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Additionally, I approve this justification to limit competition subject to the availability of funds and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.