Redacted Brand Name DnF for OTFOC_26QA181.pdf

This is a Determination & Findings (D&F) for Other Than Full & Open Competition justifying a sole-source procurement under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.102(a).

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks to procure one ULTRIS X20 Plus Dual Sensor Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) System and one Flight Lite Package from Cubert GmbH (manufacturer located in Ulm, Germany; CAGE Code CNBK3; Large Business). The estimated total contract value is redacted. The procurement is justified as a sole-source award based on the "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements" statutory authority. The D&F identifies two potential authorized resellers: Bodkin Design & Engineering LLC (small business in Newton, Massachusetts) and Axiom Optics Inc (large business in Cambridge, Massachusetts). The justification emphasizes experimental continuity as the primary rationale, citing specific technical requirements the ULTRIS X20 Plus uniquely satisfies: strict power constraints (≤630 grams weight, ≤12 watts power consumption, 86 x 121 x 105 mm dimensions), snapshot light field technology enabling single-frame data capture at four hertz with global shutter readout, high spatial and spectral resolution (1800 x 1800 pixels, 350-1000 nm range with 4 nm sampling and 10 nm FWHM), and proprietary Flight Lite Package software integration (Cubert CUVIS HSI Software, SDK supporting Python/C++/C#, Flight Recorder Mini PC with GPS). The document argues that competing systems from manufacturers such as Living Optics, Ximea, Imec, and BaySpec GoldenEye fail to meet these specifications due to excessive weight, truncated spectral ranges, or inadequate frame rates. The D&F certifies fair and reasonable pricing and notes that failure to procure this specific system would result in loss of experimental continuity, compromised data integrity, and inability to integrate or operate the equipment.