JA_Smartronix_Redacted.docx

J&A NUMBER

J&A_18_0540

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND AIRCRAFT DIVISION

21983 BUNDY ROAD

BUILDING 441, UNIT 7

PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND 20670

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Activity.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD) Patuxent River, MD

2. Description of the Action Being Approved.

This justification is for the sole source procurement of hardware and software maintenance of Smartronix Series 5000, x5000, and G2 Telemetry Front End (TFE) Systems, Smartronix TFE Systems, Omega-NExT software, and the Omega Data Environment (ODE) site license. The Smartronix TFE Systems and the Omega Data Environment are integral components of the Atlantic Test Range (ATR) (5.2.4.3) Telemetry Systems Branch’s Real-time Telemetry Processing System (RTPS), Portable Telemetry Processing System (PTPS), and the Post-Flight Data Lab Systems. Smartronix is the sole supplier for these telemetry processing products.

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

The Smartronix Series 5000 and G2 systems are integral components of the Atlantic Test Range (ATR) (5.2.4.3) Telemetry Branch’s Real-time Telemetry Processing System (RTPS) and Portable Telemetry Processing System (PTPS) designs. With the proven success and dependability of these components and the requirement for a seamless, integrated, compatible solution, these Smartronix systems were selected as the Telemetry Front End (TFE) replacement for the FY16 RTPS V Improvement and Modernization (I&M) Project. With this I&M Project completion, all RTPS front-end systems have been procured and integrated. Both hardware and software maintenance is required to assure equipment is maintained to assure production functionality, as well as to meet Navy Information Technology (IT) and Assurance (IA) standards.

With increased real-time requirements due to increased flight test (e.g. CH53K) and new Navy programs (e.g. MQ-25 and F-18 NGJ), the Telemetry Systems Branch expects to expand both RTPS and PTPS over the next 3 years. Therefore, additional Series 5000 and G2 systems shall be procured and integrated, as determined by evolving program requirements.

The post-flight, real-time (Series 5000), and remote (G2) systems utilize the Omega Software Suite for telemetry and onboard data processing. This data is visualized by and distributed to the NAVAIR 5.1 Flight Test Engineers (FTE) via the Omega Data Environment (ODE – DADMS 32762), a server-client visualization application residing on both the RDT&E networks and within various program labs (e.g. Triton, ATR, CH-53K, VX-23). Increase data processing requirements has resulted in the requirement for additional ODE licenses over the course of the next 3 years. Per a cost analysis of software license procurement and maintenance, it was determined that a site license procurement would be more cost efficient. The site license only applies to ODE.

Omega-Next (DADMS 89292), a component of the Omega Suite, is not included in the site license; as it was not cost beneficial. However, this software product is essential to the successful processing of telemetry and onboard data. Software maintenance must be maintained in order to assure Omega software compatibly and assurance that software tools meet Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) standards. With expansion of the ATR Data Lab to Navy programs for post-flight data processing, additional licenses shall be required.

Estimated Dollar Value in Thousands

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

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority.

After a comprehensive market survey performed from 2014 - 2015, it was determined that the Smartronix Series 5000 and G2, running the Omega Software Suite were the best solution for the telemetry front end replacement RTPS V Improvement and Modernization effort. This replacement, which began in December 2015 and will be completed in November 2018, is now entering the system sustainment period; requiring hardware and software maintenance.

The Post-Flight Data Lab has been successfully utilizing the Smartronix Omega data processing solution for the past 12 years and has become an integral component of the NAVAIR 5.1 Flight Test Engineer (FTE) data distribution, visualization, and analysis toolset. RTPS and PTPS Telemetry Data Systems have been successfully utilizing the Smartronix Series 5000 and G2 for data collection and visualization for the past 2+ years. All systems have been integrated into a single data processing solution. The inability to update the Omega software would result in Information Assurance (IA) deficits, force the redevelopment and re-engineering of those systems and toolsets, and result in a disruption in FTE workflow.

Smartronix is the sole proprietor of the Omega software and hardware systems; therefore, is the only source of this software and hardware support and components. The cost to duplicate the acquisition process for the telemetry processing products would cost the Government $2.5M now that the software upgrade has been completed on the previous contract.

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

The Telemetry Branch has been engaged with industry for over forty years through procuring various telemetry products as well as through attendance of the yearly International Telemetry Conference. The previously mentioned market survey included meetings, datasheet reviews and demonstrations with several telemetry vendors. The Telemetry Branch sent surveys, containing technical questions about systems capabilities to five vendors. Four of the vendors provided responses stating they could not meet the requirements with their current resources. The response to these technical surveys, along with hands-on evaluation and pricing information, was used to select the RTPS V Telemetry Front End. Smartronix was the vendor that was selected due to their proven success and dependability of the components and the requirements needed for a seamless, integrated, compatible solution for the telemetry front end.

A sources sought was posted in FedBizOps on Friday, August 30, 2018 with the Government’s intent to award to Smartronix. Responses were due on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. No responses were received. Smartronix is the sole manufacturer and distributor.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

In accordance with FAR 15.402, the Contracting Officer shall ensure that all supplies and services provided under this contract are procured at a fair and reasonable price. The Contractor will submit a formal price proposal with pricing data and sufficient information to support the accuracy and reliability of the estimate. Smartronix’s proposal will be reviewed by experienced technical analysts and contract specialists. As these items are considered Commercial Items as defined in FAR 2.101, the Contracting Officer will utilize price analysis as the basis for negotiating a fair and reasonable price.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

The ATR Telemetry Systems Branch’s Real-Time, Remote, and Post-Flight systems have been designed to allow isolation of both hardware and software components, so hardware components and/or software could be changed out without redesigning the entire system. This approach will enable future versions of RTPS and Data Lab systems to employ Telemetry Front End and software applications from different vendors; indirectly fostering competition since the Telemetry Systems Branch won’t be absolutely tied to a particular Telemetry Front End and/or software data processing vendor.

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical Cognizance:

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No. Date

Requirements Cognizance:

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No. Date

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No. Date

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No. Date

APPROVED

Upon the basis of the above justification, I hereby approve the solicitation of the proposed procurement(s) described herein using other than full and open competition, pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Division Head, Aircraft Support Contracts Dept.

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