Utah State_MVSOT_JA119012redacted.pdf

J&A Number: 119012 Code:

P.R. TBD

Ser

CLASS JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (CJ&A)

FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Activity

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), 110 Verno e, Panama City, FL 32407-7001, Contracts Department,

2. Description of the Action Being Approved

Award to Utah State University (USU), 2300 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, (CAGE code: 4B969 USU) on a sole-source basis, to develop synthetic bio-inspired materials for propeller occlusion, including but not limited to spider silk thread, spider silk sponges, hagfish slime proteins, and hagfish slime intermediate filaments for Maritime Vessel Stopping Occlusion Technologies (MVSOT). Authority to act under this CJ&A expires on 1 October 2023.

3. Description of Supplies/Services

USU will synthetically reproduce natural spider silk and hagfish slime proteins, then process into spider silk thread, spider silk-based sponges, and hagfish slime intermediate filaments for propeller occlusion applications. USU will provide subject matter expertise on bio-inspired materials and synthetic production of bio-inspired materials. Two follow-on options are included, based on the results from the initial effort and funding availability; these options include future production of spider silk sponges, synthetic hagfish slime and/or components, or other materials developed during the initial effort.

Additionally, options for purchasing test samples of synthetic

J&A Number 119012

c. For another contractor to develop the necessary knowledge, expertise and inherent technical data to perform this service at an acceptable material performance level and quantity would take several years at a minimum. This estimate is based on the historical time it has taken USU to develop the current filaments, yarn, and protein production techniques. Additionally, USU has refined, developed, and acquired the equipment needed for large-scale production of filaments, intermediate filaments, and yarn that is unmatched in industry or elsewhere in academia. Based on historical labor and equipment costs, the Government would incur at a minimum an additional

This cost is not expected to be recovered through competition if the original source is not utilized for this effort. In summary, no other possible sources currently exist that can satisfy this requirement without unacceptable cost, schedule, and technical risk to the Government.

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

The proposed contract was synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) website on 30 July 2019 and no other potential source expressed an interest in this requirement. No additional market research was conducted because it is not practicable, for the reasons discussed in paragraph 5 above, for any company other than USU, to provide the required equipment, facilities and technical services.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs

The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for the supplies/services covered by the J&A will be fair and reasonable pursuant to FAR Part 15.4.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Competition

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

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