Redacted J_A.docx

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Activity.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst, NJ

2. Description of the Action Being Approved.

This Justification and Approval authorizes and approves the issuance of a five-year indefinite delivery indefinite quantity fixed-price contract for the procurement of Tactical Operations Center Network (TOCNET) tactical Intercommunications System (ICS) equipment on a sole source basis to SCI Technology Inc. Orders will be issued on a Firm Fixed Price basis.

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

The NAWCAD Webster Outlying Field Special Communications Mission Solutions (SCMS) Division has been tasked by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to procure tactical ICS equipment for the modernization of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Combatant Command craft communication systems. The tactical ICS equipment is used in conjunction with the current Command Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) suites found within the NSW Combatant Command craft. The requested tactical ICS equipment (the TOCNET kit) replaced the legacy intercom system (AN/VIC-3), which reached its product end-of-life. The tactical ICS is able to withstand maritime environmental conditions and allows six users to communicate simultaneously both internally and externally to the craft using onboard craft radios. The tactical ICS equipment provides craft operators with necessary situational awareness in theatre through interconnection of variant communication systems. The required TOCNET kit also provides an additional capability for radio remote control of the USSOCOM radio variants (AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-148, AN/PRC-117F, and AN/PRC-152A) and is compatible with the integrated headset, which is part of the baseline of the craft set by USSOCOM.

The tactical ICS interoperates the radios that are part of the C5ISR suite. The tactical ICS is required to provide a full digital craft intercom system, allowing for bridging, cross banding, and conferencing of various disparate assets such as radios, phone lines, Voice over Internet Protocol, and network internet protocol. The configurations included in the requested TOCNET tactical ICS specifically work in conjunction with other equipment designed into the craft variant platforms. The requested equipment is part of the heavy craft variant system configuration, and USSOCOM requires an ICS solution with the same fit and function as those already integrated and fielded to maintain commonality, interoperability, and sustainability.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition.

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority.

The requested TOCNET ICS equipment is the only tactical ICS compatible with the integrated headset, cabling, network connections, and software application configurations of the combatant craft platforms baseline. The Combatant Craft system variants require a replacement for the legacy craft intercom system (AN/VIC-3) that maintains the same fit and function as those already integrated and fielded. The Combatant Craft program began integrating the TOCNET ICS solution in craft variants and the requested systems will be used to continue the modernization of the intercom systems across the fleet. The requested TOCNET kits have previously been procured on contracts .SCI Technology Inc. is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the required ICS.

Additionally, the requested TOCNET ICS solution from SCI Technology Inc. was validated by NSW during system design reviews and user evaluations completed. The TOCNET ICS solution is the closest replacement for the legacy system as it requires minimal changes to the craft. Other solutions evaluated would require mounts, hardware, and metalwork changes that would cause the Government to incur irrecoverable, duplicative costs and a schedule delay. Any schedule delay would render a craft inoperable with other craft variants. Three separate radio circuits are interconnected to the TOCNET craft ICS, allowing up to six craft occupants to communicate with each other and access command and control communications on all three circuits via headsets while in route to, and during, special operations missions. Inoperability would reduce the aforementioned capability by allowing only one or two operators to have access to radio circuits due to the proximity of mounted radios to craft passenger/operators and no intra-craft communications. Without intra-craft communications, the craft occupants cannot communicate within the operational theater, which could result in a failed combat mission or loss of life.

Estimated costs anticipated if the Government were to select an alternate ICS solution include procuring alternate material, testing new equipment, and updating technical manuals. Material costs include replacement of fielded equipment currently integrated in craft variant systems. Changes to the ICS solution would require changes to the existing craft designs and would require retesting of the overall system configuration. Testing at both the component and system level would also need to be performed to ensure that the operation was In Accordance With (IAW) the requirements and that no additional issues were introduced due to the modifications and changes in the system. Additionally, testing at the component and system level would need to be performed to ensure each of the integrated manufacturer subsystems operate IAW the requirements. Changes to the ICS solution would require updates to technical manuals, drawing packages, and training material. Manual updates would include troubleshooting procedures, technical information, system operations, and support/sustainment information.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable.

Thorough market research was conducted utilizing various methods to identify additional possible sources for the required equipment and to obtain current information in regard to availability and price. A search was conducted using the nomenclature “tactical intercom system” and by part numbers, which resulted in several manufacturers of this type of equipment. Additional market research was conducted to identify authorized resellers or distributors for the SCI Technology Inc. equipment utilizing the Google search engine, General Services Administration Advantage, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement V contract. SCI Technology Inc. does not have authorized distributors or resellers for the required equipment.

On 14 January 2020, a Request for Information (RFI) was placed on the beta.SAM website to survey the marketplace for additional sources that have the ability to meet the Government’s requirements. The RFI closed on 21 January 2020 with responses from four manufacturers. Per the market research conducted, SCI Technology Inc. was identified as the only manufacturer found that provides the TOCNET ICS solution that meets the requirements of the Government.

A pre-solicitation synopsis was posted on 25 March 2020 and closed on 09 April 2020. No responses were received.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

The Contracting Officer shall ensure that the price negotiated for this acquisition is fair and reasonable IAW FAR 15.4. The Contractor will submit a formal price proposal with certified cost or pricing data and sufficient information to support the accuracy and reliability of the cost estimate. The proposal will be reviewed by experienced technical personnel at SCMS and the Contract Specialist. The Contracting Officer will utilize cost and price analysis IAW FAR 15.404-1 as the basis for negotiating a fair and reasonable price.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION

LAKEHURST, NJ 08733

For the reasons stated in paragraph five, only SCI Technology Inc. can provide the required TOCNET tactical ICS equipment. The Government will continue to evaluate other technologies that would allow future competition by conducting market research to determine if there are any future vendors that have the capability to meet this requirement.

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