N64498_0233510156.pdf

This is a Brand Name Justification document for a federal procurement by the Naval Sea Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). The requisition is for 244 units of MOX MGATE MB3270 2 PORT RS-232/422/485 ADVANCED MODBUS hardware to support the LPD 31 Follow-On Engineering Control System (ECS) laboratory. The equipment is required for developing and testing ECS software in a simulation/stimulation (SIMSTIM) environment, with a delivery deadline of September 1, 2026.

The justification asserts that the Moxa brand hardware is essential and technically necessary because the simulation environment must accurately replicate the specific shipboard configuration already deployed. The document cites FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) authority for the brand-name acquisition, arguing that alternative manufacturers' products cannot provide a drop-in replacement without requiring extensive software reprogramming and compatibility modifications that would compromise the validated testing process and delay shipbuilder milestones. A market survey confirmed that while multiple distributors can supply the specified Moxa hardware, indicating price competition exists among vendors, no functionally equivalent substitute brand exists. The document notes that pricing was obtained from three separate industry distributors and compared against a Red Lion alternative brand to ensure cost-effectiveness, concluding that the Moxa solution represents the most cost-effective option when accounting for total cost of ownership, including avoided software modification and testing delays. The Contracting Officer digitally signed the justification on September 4, 2026.