Radar_Covers_Sole_Source_JA_(Final)_Signed 9-3-26 Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition document authorizing a sole-source contract award under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1.

The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair (USN) in Bath, Maine is awarding a sole-source, Firm-Fixed-Price contract to the University of Maine Orono's Advanced Structures and Composites Center for the design, material validation, physical testing, and fabrication of custom-fit, weather-tight, impact-resistant, and flame-retardant temporary protective covers. The base requirement consists of four protective covers to shield the AN/SPY-6(V)1 S-band radar array faces on the Flight III Guided-Missile Destroyer platform during construction, outfitting, and pier-side integration phases. Two pre-priced contract options are available for eight additional covers (two sets of four) to support subsequent hull construction schedules. The covers will protect radar array faces from falling tools, structural weld splatter, abrasive grinding dust, paint overspray, and extreme regional winter elements during heavy industrial outfitting operations at the shipbuilder's construction yard. The estimated procurement value is under $2,000,000, funded through SCN (Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy) appropriations. The justification cites the contractor's unique capability with large-scale polymer gantry 3D printing technology using thermoplastic and bio-based composite feeds—the only domestic facility capable of fabricating oversized protective enclosures within required shipbuilding schedules. Traditional fiberglass or timber fabrication would require six to nine months for engineering and tooling, creating unacceptable delays to the critical shipbuilding path. The contractor's CAD-to-print software pipeline eliminates standard tooling phases, substantially reducing fabrication lead times. The document notes market research efforts and plans to compete follow-on fabrication and replication requirements among commercial composite manufacturers once the design is validated. The Contracting Officer and Competition Advocate (Code 400) approved the sole-source procurement on 9/3/2026 and 9/4/2026, respectively.