REDACTED BNJ.pdf

This is a Brand Name Justification for a limited source acquisition by the Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). The Government intends to award a purchase order on a brand-specific basis to acquire five Popoto Dash Acoustic Modems (part number PMM4511-00) and one Marine Acoustic Rapid Innovation Architecture (MARIA) License (part number SWL-MARIA-00). The total acquisition value does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000.00.

The Popoto brand acoustic modems are justified as the only solution meeting the Government's requirements for underwater communications as part of the "Internet of Underwater Things" (IoUT) initiative to replace obsolete modems. The Popoto modems are the only acoustic modems capable of delivering required data transmission speeds ranging from 80 bps to 10,240 bps under varying ocean conditions, and they feature a software-defined architecture enabling NSWC PCD to develop custom protocols. Unlike traditional "black box" acoustic modems, Popoto modems function as underwater computers with ARM processors running Debian Linux, allowing developers to create custom drivers, network stacks, and translation software directly on the modem. The Contracting Officer determined this acquisition represents the best value considering price, special features, and administrative costs. No market research was conducted among schedule holders because only the Popoto brand meets the Government's frequency requirements. Competition will be limited to authorized distributors and resellers of Popoto brand equipment.