JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

This document is a Justification and Approval (J&A) for establishing a bridge contract using other than full and open competition authority.

Contracting Activity and Services: The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC-CR) is establishing a bridge contract with Herren Associates, Incorporated for Professional and Technical Support Services to the Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). The bridge contract is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract with a period of performance from April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The incumbent task order provides expertise in Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), Program Support and Management, Acquisition and Contract Management, Business and Financial Management, and Integrated Performance Analysis to support the large surface combatant program's design and construction efforts. The contract will be followed by a competitive solicitation on June 1, 2026.

Justification for Non-Competitive Award: The J&A cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as the statutory authority, asserting that only Herren Associates possesses the capability to accomplish the large surface combatant program's mission requirements within the required schedule until the competitive follow-on task order is awarded. The Government determined that interruption of Herren's incumbent support services would result in unacceptable delays, loss of critical subject matter expertise in program schedule development, and negative impacts to the Navy's wartime readiness and force structure capability. The Government also notes that a SAM.gov synopsis was issued from December 5-20, 2025 with no competing responses received, and that no known barriers to future competition exist, as previous SeaPort-e follow-on solicitations resulted in effective competition.