Markforged Brand Name Justification-JH FEDBIZOPS.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS

From: Code 618

To: Cognizant Code 02 Acquisition Branch

Subj: BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED SUPPLIES/SERVICES, ESTIMATED VALUE, AND

DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

Code 618 is seeking a contract for three (3) MarkForged X7 3D printers manufactured by

Markforged, Inc. These machines will be used for first article testing of the containerized systems for use in a mobile additive manufacturing lab to be used by the Marine Corps. The acquisition of the three (3) printers and associated software will support ongoing Marine Corps programs that provide fleet operation readiness and operational availability, specifically in the

Expeditionary Fabrication (XFAB) program. The estimated cost of the Markforged X7 3D printers is $239,970 and shall be delivered no later than 1 July 2020.

MANUFACTURER

Markforged

480 Pleasant St

Watertown, MA 02472

SUPPLIER

Carahsoft 11493 Sunset Hills Rd, Reston, VA 20190

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR BRANCH NAME ON CONTRACTOR’S

UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION

The three (3) MarkForged X7 3D printers will enable the engineers at NSWCCD to support first article testing being conducted in conjunction with NSWC Crane and Marine Corps Systems

Command. The existing MarkForged X7 3D printer, comprised of the components in this procurement, has already gone through significant configuration management tests in order to obtain an Authorization to Operate (ATO) utilizing the components tied to the individual make/models of hardware identified in this procurement.

The item previously procured is being used to obtain testing certification, cybersecurity certification, and fielding approval from USMC Program Manager Supply & Maintenance

Systems. If this, or any, brand name component are replaced within the system, additional testing and a new ATO would be required resulting in a 3-6 month delay in acquisition and development of XFAB. This delay to this mission essential work for the Marine Corps Systems

Command is undesirable.

Additionally, failure to procure the brand name component will result in significant re-work and additional expense to the government to include:

• Re-work of previously completed engineering work, conducted for form/fit/function.

Estimated cost of re-work: $500,000 (~2 FTE)

• Re-work of previously completed cybersecurity work, conducted to secure individual systems (to include networking equipment, UPS, and laptop configuration) and to obtain Authorization to Operate (ATO) which is tied to individual make/models of hardware. Estimated cost of re-work: $220,000 (~1 FTE)

• Re-work of network engineering design and requirement verification. Non-similar network hardware will result in additional analysis of network speed, bandwidth, latency, and security needs. This is required both for functional testing verification as well as cybersecurity verification. Estimated cost of re-work: $75,000 (.3 FTE)

• Execution of additional environmental testing. A change in equipment will require additional testing efforts to ensure new components are survivable. Estimated cost of re-work: $80,000 plus additional hardware items to test with.

• Additional costs will be required due to logistical considerations. Multiple hardware baselines will exist, causing tracking and supply considerations for fielded XFAB systems. Estimated cost of logistical differences: $60,000 per year.

• Additional costs will be incurred due to increased cybersecurity and software development efforts. Multiple software baselines will exist, causing nearly double the effort in maintaining software, patching, and also ensuring interoperability and compatibility between software items. Estimated cost of software differences:

$225,000 per year (1 FTE).

An award to an offerer for other than the brand name components would result in: a) substantial duplication of costs to the U.S. government, which would not be expected to be recovered through open competition of minimum specifications, and b) unacceptable delays in the completion of mission essential work.

3. MARKET SURVEY

Market research concluded the brand name equipment is available in the commercial marketplace.

Markforged has designated Carahsoft as the only authorized reseller of their equipment. Other resellers may try to provide quotes, but since only Carahsoft is an authorized reseller, Markforged will not honor any quotes from outside entities. Due to this relationship with Carahsoft, Markforged system support will only be honored for purchases made through Carahsoft.

4. ADDITIONAL FACTS

None.

5. CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

I certify that the statements and information provided above, are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the processing of this brand name justification precludes the use of full and open competition.

ALJUNDI.JACOB.BASSAM.1

547781097

Digitally signed by

ALJUNDI.JACOB.BASSAM.1547781097

D_at_e_: 2_0_20_.0_4_.1_5 1_3_:1_0_:08_-_0_4'0_0_' 4/15/2020 Signature of Cognizant Requisition Originator Date

HOPKINS.JONATHAN.T.1384

734770

Digitally signed by

HOPKINS.JONATHAN.T.1384734770

D_a_te_: _20_2_0_.0_4_.1_5_1_3_:3_3_:21 -04_'0_0_' Signature of 1st Level Supervisor Date

Digitally signed by WHITNEY.GARY.D.1161562382

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5-_7_-2_0_2_0 Signature of Contracting Officer Date