Quadruped Robot JA13.501-23-ML03_8.22_FINAL_Redacted.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

4555 OVERLOOK AVE SW

WASHINGTON, DC 20375-5320

Purchase Request No.: 55-8101-23

J&A No.: J&A 13.501-23-ML03 Estimated Cost:

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Under Simplified Procedures For Certain

Commercial Items In Accordance With Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.5

On the basis of the following, I, as the Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of a brand name contractual action pursuant to the authority of: 41 U.S.C. 1901 41 U.S.C. 1903

1. Contracting Activity

The U.S. Department of Navy, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Contracting Division proposes to include brand name specifications for the procurement of a Ghost Robotics Vision60 Robot, which will be issued utilizing the procedures described in FAR Subparts 12.6 and 13.5 as a small business set-aside with a brand name only justification.

2. Description of the Action Being Approved.

This action requests approval for the use of other than full and open competition, on a brand name basis, as implemented by FAR 13.501(a) for the procurement of Ghost Robotics Vision60 quadruped unmanned ground vehicle

3. Description of Supplies

The Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Navy Center For Applied Research In Artificial Intelligence is seeking a quadruped robot for researching human/robot interaction, which is capable of providing shipboard maintenance and completing tasks on deployed Naval Vessels. The quadruped robot must provide basic capabilities of balance and walking in uneven terrain, but also afford the user access to modify or replace the low-level motor/leg controller software for situations where development of such control software is integral to user's research and application area.

The estimated dollar value is which will be funded by the FY23 Capital Investment Program.

4. The statutory authority permitting Brand Name.

The authority for permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

41 U.S.C. 1901 41 U.S.C. 1903

J&A No.: J&A 6.302-1-23-ML01

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor, brand name, or the nature of the action requiring use of the authority.

Ghost Robotics Vision60 was identified as the only brand name quadruped capable of meeting the Government’s minimum requirements for this Quadrupedal Humanoid Robot requirement.

The Ghost Robotics Vision60 Q-UGV robot is the only quadrupedal robot currently available that has the level of capability to balance and walk in uneven terrains while also allowing the user to modify or replace the low-level motor/leg controller software for situations where development of such control software is integral to user's research and application area. The Vision60 will be primarily utilized for the dynamic shipboard environment. Additionally, the Vision60 has built-in blind reflexes that allow it to retain balance by adjusting step location and timing in response to any unexpected external forces. The robot can adjust and self-right itself and continue moving in unstable/uneven terrain, which is a specification for this requirement. Additionally, the fully open architecture of the SDK/API sensor data and commands makes all data available to third party developers, such as NRL, to provide support for developing higher level autonomous commands.

This functionality allows the researchers to make modifications and fix downfalls instead of reprogramming or rewriting software for this quadruped. Market research found that no other commercially available, autonomous robot can provide the unique balance and movement capabilities across uneven terrain, as well as open architecture to allow for the development of additional capability.

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

A Sources Sought Notice was posted on SAM.gov from July 5, 2023 to July 19, 2023, which yielded 1 response from Ghost Robotics Corporation. Additionally, the specialist confirmed on August 21, 2023 with the POC at Ghost Robotics that there are authorized resellers for this product. The Government intends to execute a brand name justification for the Ghost Robotics Vision 60 robot.

Because the original manufacturer and two (2) of its authorized distributors are small businesses, the Government will utilize the simplified procedures in FAR Subparts 12.6 and 13.5 by posting a request for quote (RFQ) to the Government Point of Entry (sam.gov) as a small business set-aside.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost

The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for the equipment covered by this J&A is fair and reasonable through adequate price competition (FAR 13.106-3(a)(1)), or through the methods described at FAR 13.106-3(a)(2).

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition

Code 5510 routinely monitors the commercial marketplace using the internet and publications to stay informed on current state-of-the-art laboratory equipment alternatives that could be used to further work at NRL. The Government will look to compete future requirements for similar equipment after conducting market research.

J&A No.: J&A 6.302-1-23-ML01

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.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined that this Justification is legally sufficient.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

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