Redacted BNJ Santi Systems.pdf

Subj: BRAND NAME MEMORANDUM TO ACQUIRE SANTI SYSTEMS GEAR AND ACCESSORIES

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Limited Source” Justification.

This is a brand name justification. Contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), 110 Vernon Avenue, Panama City, FL 32407-7001 (Contracts Department Code 02).

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

This action will award a firm fixed price purchase order, on a brand name basis, to acquire SANTI systems gear and accessories. Santi systems refer to specialized thermal heating and diving gear manufactured by Santi Diving including heated vests, undersuits, thermos valves, and dry glove setups. These systems are widely used by cold-water and technical scuba divers to maintain core warmth.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated).

The contract effort is to acquire the following:

Description Qty

SANTI ELITE PLUS 4

SANTI HEATED BZ420 8

SANTI HEATED GLOVES 8

SANTI THERMOVALVE 8

SANTI SMART GLOVE RING SYSTEM 4

HALYCON EXPORE 20 AMP HR HEATER PACK 8

The Government’s minimum needs have been verified by the certifying technical and requirements personnel. This memo does not authorize acquisition for other requirements. This acquisition will be conducted using simplified acquisition procedures with a total dollar value above micro-purchase levels, but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000.00. All procured equipment will be delivered no later than ninety (90) days after receipt from the Government. The contract action will be funded with 2025, Other Procurement, Navy (OPN) funds.

4. Identification of the justification rationale and, if applicable, a demonstration of the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service. This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 12.102(a), Restricting Competition for Commercial Acquisitions Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. The determination has been made that only one brand name is reasonably available to meet the Government's minimum needs.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https%3A//santidiving.com/&ved=2ahUKEwjj1d2OgvaVAxXYrokEHd9FIpoQy_kOegoIAggACAAICBAE&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw1k7mXrEg4cAYc3Op4vPUh5&ust=1785350253890000

Santi Systems is the only brand of diving gear that will meet the Government’s needs for the following reasons.

Santi’s proprietary, high-precision hand-sewing and hand-gluing techniques, combined with 100% individual sizing customization, are technically necessary to ensure operator safety, suit integrity, and mission success in arctic, contaminated, and high-abrasion environments. The Government requires diving equipment capable of maintaining absolute thermal protection and dry integrity during extended under-ice, salvage, and special operations. Santi Systems stands out in the market thanks to its innovative approach to hand-sewing and hand-gluing dry suits.

Santi’s manufacturing process virtually eliminates the micro-tears and rapid seam degradation common in mass-produced, machine-taped alternative dry suits. The additional seam strength provided by Santi's process ensures the suit remains fully sealed under high-stress underwater maneuvers, thus preventing catastrophic exposure to freezing waters.

Additionally, standard off-the-shelf, fixed-size dry suits introduce significant operational risks, including restricted range of motion, air trapping (which severely compromises buoyancy control), and friction-induced material wear.

Santi's diving suits are individually tailored to each customer's needs. Santi's range includes full customization. This comprehensive customization capability is a critical military requirement that ensures:

• Elimination of excess material folds that trap air, allowing for seamless buoyancy adjustments during tactical ascents and descents.

• Enhanced range of motion during swimming, climbing, and obstacle navigation.

• Operators can configure essential tactical accessories (such as specific valve placements, relief valves, pocket configurations, and integrated heating system connectors) directly into the tailored suit build.

In summary, procuring any brand other than Santi Systems would compromise operator safety, limit mobility during critical dive profiles, and result in premature equipment failure due to seam leakage under rugged operational conditions. No other manufacturer combines this level of specialized, hand-crafted seam durability with fully customized, made-to-order sizing configurations.

5. Best Value Determination in Accordance with FAR 12.102(a).

The Contracting Officer will determine that this order represents the best value to the Government. This determination is based on the unique and time-sensitive mission requirements of Special Operating Forces.

Awarding this as a sole-source order is the most advantageous approach. The best value is achieved by ensuring mission readiness and avoiding the costs and operational impacts of extended equipment downtime.

6. A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

For the reasons specified in paragraph 4 above, SANTI systems is the only brand of equipment that will meet the Government’s needs.

7. Any other facts supporting the justification.

None.

8. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.

For the reasons specified in paragraph 4 above, SANTI systems is the only brand of equipment that will meet the Government’s needs.