N66604-15-Q-1982_SSJ.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

Interface Cushioning Pads

Interface Cushioning Pads are used as a compression fit between the capsule and missile tube to protect the nose cover of the TOMAHAWK All Up Round (AUR) from the effects of shock and vibration during AUR loading and handling operations. As such, the pads are critical components of the TOMAHAWK Closure Protective Cover. The pads are required for the AUR Simulators being built at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport (NUWCDIVNPT).

In the late 1980s, Cytec Industries, Inc. began manufacturing the required Interface Cushioning Pads for the TOMAHAWK Program after a lengthy certification process.

Since that time, the TOMAHAWK program has put Cytec’s cushioning pads through extensive testing over its years of usage. Cytec has demonstrated a long track record of producing quality interface cushioning pads including those purchased under contracts N66604-07-M-2093, N66604-06-M-4891, N66604-04-M-2722; N66604-03-M-4665; and N66604-03-M-3068.

Since the Interface Cushioning Pad has not changed from its original design, it continues to meet the Government’s requirement. As such, and since Cytec is the original manufacturer of the cushioning pads, additional certifications and testing will not be required. If sourced from any other company, the cushioning pads will be manufactured using a different mold than those manufactured by Cytec. Further, another manufacturer does not have the specialized test equipment stood up by Cytec in order to perform precision tests. Combined, these factors introduce additional risks and potential delays to the construction/testing of the Virginia Class BLK III Virginia Payload Tube (VPT) construction program, onboard the VA Class VPT submarines. Delays in shipboard testing can result in approximately $250K/day in shipyard costs, as well as approximately $15K/unit rework.

TOMAHAWK Program certification of another cushioning pad source is a time consuming and expensive undertaking that will exceed the critical delivery time required for the fabrication of the AUR Simulators and result in an unacceptable delay in deliveries for the fleet. Therefore, the required Interface Cushioning Pads must be procured from Cytec Industries, Inc.