Redacted Approved J and A.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NA VY

NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

4555 OVERLOOK A VE SW

WASHINGTON, DC 20375-5320

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Under

Simplified Procedures For Certain Commercial Items In Accordance

With Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.5

PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 72-7203-20

ERP NO. 1300856281

J&A NO: J&A13.501-21-EN01

Estimated Cost: $570,200

On the basis of the following, I, as the Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of a sole source (brand name or equal) justification proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of :

181 41 U.S.C.1901 D 41 U.S.C.1903

1. The U.S. Department of Navy; Naval Research Laboratory Contracting Division proposes to enter into a contract with a supplier who can provide the Brand Name or Equal Items listed below, under simplified procedures for certain commercial items included in FAR subpart 13.5.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source (brand name or equal) under procedures for certain commercial items in accordance with FAR 13.5.

The purpose of this sole source (brand name or equal) justification is to procure a Millimeter Electrical

Network Analyzer System (MENAS) manufactured by Keysight Technologies. The U.S. Naval Research

Laboratory (NRL) has a requirement for the MENAS for the electrical characterization of components used in receiver systems in the frequency bands from 10 MHz to 220 GHz (specific bands denoted in performance requirements). The MENAS shall consist of a base 4-port network analyzer unit with frequency extender modules as required to meet frequency spectrum, WR-OS calibration kit, 2.4 mm test cables, and integrated analysis software. The specifications below shall be met in order to be a compatible electrical vector network analyzer systems. Technical backup that the product offered meets all required specifications and is a fully compatible electrical vector network analyzer system shall be provided by source.

Reliable and accurate Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) data is crucial to the navigation of the fleet and safety of personnel. METOC data provides critical environmental knowledge to the warfighter through timely atmospheric and oceanic forecasts and conditions. Weather forecasting and the accurate portrayal of sea state conditions provides essential information to Strike and Expeditionary operations, Mine Warfare, Maritime and Aviation operations, Marine Amphibious operations, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The Remote Sensing Division (RSD) has a long history of supplying environmental sensors and data analytics with the mission of providing vital information on ocean-atmosphere processes. In order to deliver the highest quality data to feed in to weather models and prediction algorithms central to fleet operations, finely calibrated instrumentation is mandatory.

RSD has been at the forefront of developing instrumentation for atmospheric and ocean remote sensing.

The ability to field future instruments in the millimeter-wave spectrum is a key component to remaining a leader within the scientific community for providing critical data products to the fleet. In order for the

RSD to continue to contribute precision sensors that supply crucial data products and address additional requirements to the METOC and ISR communities, a MENAS is essential for receiver design and component characterization. The MENAS will provide a comprehensive evaluation of system components that are central to the high fidelity measurements provided by the remote sensors. Procurement of the

MENAS would allow the advancement of new receiver systems, as well as offer improved calibration measurements for current sensors that continue to provide essential information for Navy operations.