JA_15_25066_RQ21_for_Posting.doc

J&A_15_25066

J&A_15_25066

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Activity.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst, NJ

2. Description of the Action Being Approved.

This Justification and Approval authorizes and approves the firm fixed-price procurement of nine (9) MaxPac 8210SL2 computers and two (2) MaxPro 8210 computers on a sole source basis with Rugged Portable Computers, LLC (dba MaxVision (MaxVision)).

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

The RQ-21A Blackjack is an unmanned aerial vehicle that provides persistent maritime and land-based tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition data collection and dissemination capabilities to the warfighter. The MaxPac 8210SL2 and MaxPro 8210 computers are used as trainers/simulators in support of the RQ-21A Blackjack Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (STUAS) program.

See Appendix A for Estimated Dollar Value

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition.

41 U.S.C. 1901, Simplified acquisition procedures (Test Program for Certain Commercial Items)

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority.

The MaxPac 8210SL2 and MaxPro 8210 computers are the approved trainer/simulators for the RQ-21 Blackjack UAS. They include a unique hardware and software combination and contain a specific cybersecurity configuration that complies with the Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification & Accreditation Process certification requirements. In addition, they are the only known trainers/simulators approved for use as both standalone RQ-21A Blackjack trainer/simulators and for connection to the RQ-21A UAS.

The MaxPac 8210SL2 and MaxPro 8210 computers meet all form, fit, and function requirements of the STUAS program with no further alteration, re-design, or follow-on testing. There is no other known source capable of fulfilling this requirement.

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

Market research was conducted to determine other sources capable of providing ruggedized computers. No other manufacturers were located that could provide the form, fit and function trainer/simulator computer as MaxVision. An internet search for MaxPac 8210SL2 and MaxPro 8210 returned only MaxVision, the Original Equipment Manufacturer for these items.

A search for additional vendors that might be able to provide the exact equipment specified determined several potential distributors, however they are not capable of distributing the exact parts required.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.201, this procurement was synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities website on 24 June 2015 and closed on 06 July 2015. One inquiry was received from a vendor of ruggedized computers stating his product would operate in the same form, fit and function manner, however upon review of the product it was determined that it was not certified for use within the Blackjack Program. This information was provided to the vendor and no further inquiries were received.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

In accordance with FAR 15.402, the Contracting Officer shall ensure that all components provided under this contract are procured at a fair and reasonable price. An independent Government cost estimate has been provided for this effort. The Contractor will submit a formal price proposal with other than cost or pricing data and sufficient information to support the accuracy and reliability of the estimate. The proposal will be reviewed by experienced technical personnel and the Contract Specialist. The Contracting Officer will utilize price analysis in accordance with FAR 15.404-1, including a review of historical data, as the basis for negotiating a fair and reasonable price.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

At this time, only the required computers identified above are capable of fulfilling this requirement. PMA-263 and NAWCAD 4.11.3 will continue to monitor the market for alternative vendors and products that satisfy the form, fit, function and security requirements of the RQ-21A Blackjack UAS. They will also monitor technological advances that may drive changes to the system design, and potentially increase competition. If a viable alternative product is discovered, it will be evaluated to determine if competition is feasible.

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