sole source justification.docx

MEMORANDUM FOR FILE

SUBJECT: Sole Source/Brand Name Justification / Limited Source Justification for Use of Other than Full & Open Competition for an Acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT)

I. BACKGROUND

1. FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) states for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

2. As required by FAR 13.106-3(b)(3)(i), this memorandum explains the absence of competition for this acquisition, as only one source will be solicited for this requirement (or for a portion of the requirement) and the requirement is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

3. This memorandum is derived from Enclosure 3, Department of Navy Simplified Acquisition Procedures Guide (April 2018) and is only applicable to acquisitions under the SAT.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ITEM OR SERVICE (include manufacture/sole source name and address) NSWCCD Code 863 requires the purchase of new generation Kistler sensors to support force measurements on captive and free running model testing due to the current sensors being discontinued. New sensors must be purchased in order to continue NSWCCD’s extensive hydrodynamic model testing, supporting building new sensors as well as repairing existing ones as they break. The following items are critical:

1. 9317C

a. 3 Component Force Sensor, item # 18013437

b. Qty 8

2. Sensor Grinding

a. Grind all 8 sensors to same height, item # 44000177

b. Qty 1

3. Isolation Coating

a. Isolation coating for sensors to prevent corrosion and electrical shorts

b. Qty 8

4. Charge Amplifier

a. Underwater charge amplifier for triaxial piezo sensors, item # 18046259

b. Qty 8a

5. Preload Elements

a. Preload kits for 3 component force sensors, item # 18007823

b. Qty 8

6. 9479 Wrench Adapter

a. Wrench adapter for preload assemblies, item # 18007835

b. Qty 1

All items need to be delivered to NSWCCD 9500 MacArthur Blvd Bethesda, MD 20817 by 9/30/2024.

NSWCCD Sole Source/Brand Name Justification Under SAT Rev 3 Template Effective February 2023

MANUFACTURER: Kistler Instrumentation Corp. ADDRESS: 75 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY, 14228

III. BASIS FOR DETERMINATION FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

Market research through web search, manufacturer catalogs, and distributor sales representatives has shown that there are sensors and gauges with similar capabilities to Kistler such as PCB Piezotronics. However, they have different dimensions which would require adapting hardware to be manufactured to interface to existing systems in the hydrodynamic submarine models. Additionally, they require different interfacing connectors which would not be compatible with existing equipment and data acquisition. Furthermore, Kistler's proprietary charge amplifiers have a uniquely long time constant which allows quasi-static load measurements. Other manufacturers are unable to capture steady state loads and will see significant drift during the duration of a typical model data collection run.

· A. BRAND NAME:

· 1. Restrictive Rights:

· 2. Exclusive Licensing Agreements:

· 3. Other Reasons:

☒ B. SOLE SOURCE (select all that apply) Kistler is the only manufacturer of the required materials and not authorized reseller. Attached is the sole source memo for reference.

☒ 1. Restrictive Rights:

Force sensors and acquisition hardware are proprietary pieces designed by Kistler Instrument Corporation. Sensors have proprietary electronics that provide the capability to measure various force measurements simultaneously and converting the output data to readable information. These measurements are critical to acquire the primary objective of the project.

· 2. Exclusive Licensing Agreements:

· 3. Other Reasons:

· C. LIMITED SOURCE (FAR 8.405-6):

· 1. Restrictive Rights:

· 2. Exclusive Licensing Agreements:

· 3. Other Reasons: Other reason not identified above. Provide details on mission impact if requirement is not solicited from only one source.