REDACTED Brand Name Justification.docx

NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CARDEROCK DIVISION

MEMORANDUM

Requirements POC:

Requiring Code:

PID#:

This requirement is for a commercial product or commercial service that is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) and FAR Part 12 procedures will be used for the purchase. FAR 12.102(a) states that the decision to restrict competition, including the use of brand name descriptions without allowing for “equal” products, must be documented. The Requirements Owner requests approval to restrict competition for the identified PID# for the reasons stated in Section III and submits this memorandum to document the basis for the request pursuant FAR 12.102(a).

I. TYPE OF RESTRICTION REQUESTED

SELECT ONE

· DON Enterprise Licensing Agreement (ELA). Enter ELA#: Click or tap here to enter text.

· Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI). Enter ESI# Click or tap here to enter text.

· NASA Strategic Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP)

II. REQUIREMENTS DESCRIPTION

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

CUI

CUI

B03 Request to Restrict Competition NTE SAT v060126 Effective June 2026

· Authorized OEM Dealer or Reseller POC provided market research.

Market Research Source POC Name:

Jay Bailey

Market Resource Source POC Phone#:

(360) 293-8488

Market Research Source POC E-Mail# fernando@cortlandinternational.com

III. BASIS TO RESTRICT COMPETITION

A. Existing Restrictive Rights/Licensing Agreements.

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

B. Coordination with Existing Equipment and Systems.

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

C. Market Research Conducted & Conclusions.

The requested procurement is needed to extend the length of the Low Frequency Line Arrays (LFLAs) at the SEAFAC acoustic facility near Ketchikan, Alaska. The original LFLAs were designed and built using these same Cortland mooring line and splice accessory part numbers. By extending the length of these arrays, the Government will be able to add up to eleven (11) more acoustic sensors, greatly expanding test coverage during full-scale submarine trials at significantly lower cost than building a completely new array.

The LFLAs are unique in that they carry a 10,000 lbs ‘array-stabilization’ weight at the bottom of the array. All other underwater arrays at SEAFAC are not built to carry such a heavy stabilization weight. In the case of LFLA, this was necessary to keep the vertical string of sensors as straight as possible. Because of this verticality requirement, safety and robustness are more important than for typical underwater arrays, and even more true for any array modification. Any material substitutions or non-compatibilities have the potential to introduce strength and/or reliability differences in the final assembly.

Market research indicates that while commercial alternatives exist, the specified Cortland Plasma® synthetic rope is fabricated from proprietary ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that undergoes a patented thermal enhancement process unique to Cortland. Utilizing any alternative rope would introduce unquantifiable differences in stretch, creep, and load-bearing performance under sustained tension. To ensure overall system survivability and eliminate the risk of premature catastrophic failure of active sensor arrays, all ancillary components (including matching HMPE sleeve braids and galvanized thimbles) must maintain direct, compatibility with the proprietary Cortland synthetic line.

To maximize competition within these technical constraints, this requirement is brand-name specific but not sole source to a single vendor. The procurement will be competed among all authorized Cortland resellers and distributors capable of delivering the specified supply, thereby ensuring fair and reasonable pricing.

IV. CERTIFICATIONS & APPROVALS

A. Requirements Owner/Technical Certification. I certify that the information provided above is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that approval of this request precludes use of full and open competition.