N00178_14023_1.pdf

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority SimVentions is the designer, developer, and maintainer of the TACSIM software. The Government requires the continued development, extension, and update of the TACSIM tools and capabilities delivered in support of current and future Navy training and I&T efforts.

SimVention’s designers and developers have extensive knowledge and experience supporting the design, development, and testing of AN/SLQ-32 A/B variants and the Block(V)6/7 variants; having successfully deploying multiple standalone simulators to meet Navy training and readiness requirements. SimVentions’ 14 engineers which currently support TACSIM development efforts have a combined 62 years of experience supporting the legacy AN/SLQ-32 and Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) system.

The TACSIM tools currently in use by the Navy are highly specialized technologies that SimVentions developed and maintaining since its inception in 2016. These training tools are an integral part of the surface electronic warfare based tactical simulator of the SEWIP and the specialized knowledge required to meet the Navy’s I&T and training and readiness needs.

Award to a Contractor other than SimVentions, would result in substantial duplication of costs. There is a steep learning curve associated with the development of a tactical simulator which fully replicates the operational environment of the AN/SLQ-32 and SEWIP systems; the various external EW tactical systems which interface with the AN/SLQ-32; the various combat system interfaces integrated into the AN/SLQ-32; and the proprietary legacy hardware and software used for data collection.

Based on the highly specialized nature of the TACSIM system, it is estimated that it would take a new Contractor two years at an additional cost of $5.6 million, or an approximately 47% increase to the overall total cost of this effort, to acclimate to the current electronic warfare tactical system simulation and stimulation development efforts. The $5.6M estimate was derived by the following engineering estimate:

It is estimated that it would take 14 FTEs an additional two (2) years at an average annualized burdened cost of $200,000 per FTE.

This burdened cost is based on a skilled labor mix of junior, mid-level, and senior level systems and software engineers to review and understand the technical documentation and associated system interfaces of all SLQ-32 variants, sensors, countermeasure systems, navigation systems, combat systems, training systems, ship platforms, and concept of operations.

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

A request for information on Industry’s experience and understanding of the AN/SLQ-32, SEWIP, and TACSIM systems was advertised on the Government-wide point of entry (GPE), FEDBIZOPS, from 27 February 2018 until 8 March 2018. In addition to SimVentions, responses were received from S5 Solutions and Electron International, Inc. Based on a review of the capability statements received, the requiring activity determined that only SimVentions (the current developer of the system) have the knowledge and understanding of the AN/SLQ-32, SEWIP, and the TACSIM systems necessary for continued development of the TACSIM system. The Contracting Officer informed representatives of S5 Solutions and Electron International, Inc. of the Navy’s review of their capability statements and requested additional information regarding these firms specific understanding of the AN/SLQ-32, SEWIP, and TACSIM systems. Subsequently, both companies, based on a better understanding of the Navy's requirements, indicated they were no longer interested in pursuing a prime contract.

A subsequent Notice of Intent to solicit this requirement using the procedures outlined in FAR 6.302-1 to SimVentions was advertised on FEDBIZOPS, from 9 May 2018 until 24 May 2018. To date, no other companies have expressed interest in becoming qualified to compete for the items to be acquired under the proposed contract.

Prior to the two (2) year extension modification, the Government posted a Request for Information (RFI) on SAM.gov on 04 January 2024 to confirm SimVentions is the only source capable of meeting the TACSIM requirements. The RFI closed on 22 January 2024; only one (1) response was received from GovBidPro, Inc. The Contractor’s response appeared to be a generic response to any RFI. They did not attempt to provide any information on how they would address SEWIP BLK 2 TACSIM development. A Synopsis of the Government’s intent to award the sole source modification was posted on 24 January 2024. The Synopsis response date closed on 08 February 2024. No responses were received. Based on the lack of responsible, capable sources, the Government has determined SimVentions to be the only source capable of meeting the Government’s requirements; therefore, this extension is exempt from violating the Competition in Contracting Act.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government for the supplies and services covered by this J&A will be fair and reasonable. DCMA pricing assistance and/or DCAA audit of Contractor’s proposal will be requested along with Offeror’s certificate of current cost and pricing to support the fair and reasonable cost determination.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Competition

As part of this effort, a full technical data package that will support competition for future acquisitions of the same or similar items. The corresponding Request for Proposal will include provisions for the procurement of a complete Technical Data Package for this system to support competition for future acquisitions of this system.