Redacted DnF for OTFOC.doc

DETERMINATION & FINDINGS FOR OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

(ACTIONS SAT AND BELOW)

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT: The Government requires one (1) Optical Parametric Amplifier (OPA) System.

2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER:

Coherent Inc.

5100 Patrick Henry Drive Santa Clara, California 95054

CAGE: 1DR13

Business Size: Large

3. ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE: [REDACTED]

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: The statutory authority permitting sole source is 41 USC 1901(e), implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i):

_x__ Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

___ Unusual and Compelling Urgency

___ Industrial Mobilization; Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability; or Expert Services

___ International Agreement

___ Authorized or Required by Statute

___ National Security

___ Public Interest

5. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE:

The item(s) listed in section one above is available from only one source and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available.

_x__ Compatibility: The item(s) must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. Describe the equipment you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system:

[REDACTED] of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires one (1) Coherent Optical Parametric Amplifier (OPA) system compatible with the existing equipment: the Coherent Astrella Femtosecond (FS) System. The Coherent OPA is specifically designed to interface with the laser beam produced by the Coherent FS laser, allowing ARL to tune across a wide range of wavelengths from Ultraviolet (UV) to Infrared (IR). This capability will enable the investigation of a broader range of molecules and materials previously inaccessible. [REDACTED] requires a probe at a wavelength of 1,550 nanometers (nm), which cannot be achieved with the current equipment. Therefore, the Coherent OPA is required to optimize the wavelength range, power, energy, and beam shape.

The Government also requires the system to meet operational environmental conditions and enhanced eye safety standards. All optics for OPA operation, including harmonic generation, sum and difference frequency generation, beam conditioning, telescopes, wavelength separation elements, and electronics, must be housed in a single enclosure. No other company offers this feature.

It is estimated that replacing the Astrella FS System to accommodate another brand’s OPA would cost approximately [REDACTED], plus the cost of a compatible OPA. In addition to the equipment cost, there would be an estimated delay of two to three months in research due to the need to learn new software. Acquiring an entirely new laser system would require significant time to understand the laser's operation, optical pathways, and methods for fine-tuning for optimal energy. Coherent is the only vendor that manufactures a complete OPA system meeting the requirements for ARL's experiments and can provide complete end-to-end service and support for the system.

[REDACTED], a Research Chemist with over 21 years of experience in the field, conducted market research between May 1, 2024, and June 1, 2024. Research methods included searching government sources such as the GSA federal supply schedule, Unique Corporation (UNICOR), and Ability One Procurement, as well as conducting internet searches of vendors like Spectra Physics and Coherent. Based on the market research and the unique feature of being housed in a single enclosure while working compatibly with the Astrella FS System, it was determined that Coherent is the only manufacturer that meets the requirement.

___ Proprietary: A patent, copyright, or proprietary data limits competition. The proprietary data are described as follows:

___ Experimental Continuity: The item(s) must be consistent with prior materials in order to ensure experimental continuity. Describe the conditions that necessitate the use of experimental continuity:

___ Warranty: Purchasing item(s) from another manufacturer/provider would void existing warranty. Provide a brief explanation for the use of this reason and the impact that would occur if the item was purchased from another manufacturer/provider:

___ Direct Replacement: These are “direct replacement” parts/components for existing equipment and no substitutes exist.

___ Other reasoning to support a sole-source buy:

6. FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE DETERMINATION:

It has been determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable and that approval of this recommendation is in the best interest of the government. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Template last updated 4/23/2018