M3A High Energy Xray Justification and Approval.pdf

J&A No. N00174-26-SIMACQ-M62-0020

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority

NSWC IHD Non-destructive Testing, Code M62, has utilized Varex linear accelerator X-ray machines for well over forty years. The two systems being replaced with this contract are currently installed and operational at NSWC IHD but have reached end of life and are causing increased down-time due to required maintenance. Alternate vendor machines do exist; however, due to the necessity for continuity of services without delays, these alternate machines would not suffice for the Government’s current needs.

Each Command must designate an Accelerator Expert that is approved by the United States Navy’s Radiological Affairs Support Office (RASO). That individual is expected to be familiar with the linear accelerators at the Command. The NSWC Accelerator Expert has been trained over several years by Varex technicians on Varex machines. If the replacement linear accelerators are not Varex systems, we would not have a trained Accelerator expert on site to ensure continuity of operations and would likely need to hire contractor expertise until the government could train personnel on new equipment. Should the Navy run a competition and select an alternate source, it would introduce significant down time during the transition to update processes, procedures, and to train as well as certify the Government staff to utilize the new equipment resulting in an unacceptable delay of upwards of 11 months in performing required non-destructive testing (NDT) on critical munition components. It would take 2-3 years for a government employee to be adequately knowledgeable on a new system in order for RASO to accept their expertise as an Accelerator Expert which would cause unacceptable delays in performing critical non-destructive testing. All procedures and training to date have been developed with the Varex systems and will seamlessly translate to the newer model we are buying. Should the Navy pivot to a different system, M62 would experience significant downtime during the transition that would prove disruptive and inefficient during an anticipated period of high-demand non-destructive testing operating tempo. While all X-ray systems installations require approval from RASO, the approval process is straightforward if replacing equivalent equipment.

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

A sources sought notice was posted to the System for Award Management website (SAM.gov) to satisfy requirements for the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement PGI 206.302-1(d). The sources sought notice was posted on 27 January 2026 and closed on 11 February 2026. One (1) response was received from Test Equipment Distributors and was deemed not technically capable given that the vendor was not providing the specific Varex machines required by NSWC IHD.

As required by FAR 5.203, a pre-solicitation notice was publicized on SAM.gov on 17 March 2026. One (1) response was received and was deemed not technically capable given that the vendor was not providing the specific Varex machines required by NSWC IHD.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost

J&A No. N00174-26-SIMACQ-M62-0020

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

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, NSWC IHD Contracts Department has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for the types of supplies covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NSWC Contracts Department will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.