SSJ_redacted.pdf

v1.4_MAY 2019

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

Textured Ceramic STAT Element Development

PR 1300778161

BACKGROUND:

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) Undersea Weapons, Vehicles, and Defensive Systems Department, Code 85, has overall responsibility for the development and maintainability of undersea defense systems. Code 85 is currently undergoing efforts to develop a new sonar array for the AN/WSQ-9 Technology Refresh program using the Stepped Tonpilz Acoustic Transducer (STAT) element design. The overall goal is to develop a design that can transition from concept to future fleet capability. This requirement is for the enhancement of the STAT element that currently uses PZT ceramic with textured ceramic.

REQUIREMENT:

This requirement is for the enhancement of the STAT element that currently uses PZT ceramic with textured ceramic. A textured STAT element enables the full array to be populated with elements versus the current elements which will reduce array cost. The contractor shall develop a design for a textured ceramic STAT element. The contractor shall perform in-air and in-water elements to evaluate the acoustic performance.

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION/BRAND NAME SPECIFICATION:

Qortek has a developed a new textured ceramic transduction material with their own proprietary formulation, and is the only company with a textured ceramic manufacturing capability for this proprietary formulation. Evaluation of the new textured ceramic in the STAT element is desired for its potential of reducing the number of elements in the current full array design that uses PZT ceramic, which will offer a cost savings to the Government.

Due to the aggressive, near term schedule required to develop and test the EDM STAT array, other companies are not capable of producing a viable solution within the current cost and time constraints. Failure to meet the test schedule will delay development, extend the time to production, and greatly impact delivery to the fleet in both time and cost. Additionally, failure to meet the test schedule will increase the costs, requiring additional funding to support hold/wait periods, test rescheduling efforts for multiple performers, and Government oversite.

Qortek has prior experience developing the direct drive power amplifier for the STAT partial array. There familiarity with the STAT array will greatly reduce the timeframe to achieve a textured STAT element design with their textured ceramic manufacturing capability. Award of this contract to any other company would require a significant learning curve that would result in a substantial duplication of cost to the Government and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Navy’s requirement.

RESELLERS:

N/A