Redacted JA.docx

19-0219

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Activity.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD) Lakehurst, NJ

1. Description of the Action Being Approved.

This Justification and Approval authorizes and approves a Fixed Price contract with UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS), CAGE U9231, located in The Radley’s, Marston Green, Birmingham, B33 OHZ United Kingdom, on a sole source basis for the design, manufacture and testing of one (1) each, MK4.5+ Test Rig (also known as the “Fixed Module Repair Organization (MRO) Test Rig”) and Interface Test Adapter (ITA). This unit is used to test and diagnose Pegasus F402-RR-408A/B engine Digital Engine Control Units (DECU) (0510, 0520, 0530, 0550, 0560 unit types). This Test Rig will replace the current Fixed MRO Test Rig, P/N: DRG40580-DGL, CAGE Code: U9231, that cannot continue to be repaired due to obsolescence issues and technology changes.

1. Description of Supplies/Services.

The Fixed MRO Test Rig is specifically designed to test and diagnose Pegasus DECU unit types 0510, 0520, 0530, 0550, 0560 which are used to control the F402 engine operation when installed in the Harrier AV-8B aircraft. It is mission critical that the Test Rig will reside at the contractor’s facility for the proper operation of the DECU system. If the DECU system is not functioning correctly it can cause damage to the engine which can lead to a catastrophic failure which would cause a loss of aircraft and potential loss of life. This procurement of the Fixed MRO Test Rig to repair and maintain the DECU is estimated at $1.5 million dollars.

Estimated Dollar Value in Thousands (K)

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

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

1. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority.

The current 20-year-old Science and Engineering Research Council (SERCO) DECU Test Rig has known limitations, is unreliable and contains multiple unsupportable assemblies and piece parts due to obsolescence. This J&A defines the effort required for the fabrication, test, and deployment of one (1) automated test system to replace the current F402 DECU Test Rig due to obsolescence issues and technical advancements. The new Fixed MRO Test Rig is specifically designed to test and diagnose Pegasus DECU unit types 0510, 0520, 0530, 0550, 0560 by UTAS to meet the current F402-RR-408A/B engine maintenance requirements. All components of the new Fixed MRO Test Rig are specifically designed to interface with the U.S. Marine Corps Harrier AV-8B DECU which is still in use.

UTAS currently repairs, provides maintenance of the DECU, and is necessary for compatibility with the existing AV-8B aircraft and the F402-RR-408A/B engine configuration. The Government does not possess the technical data and drawings to allow an alternate source to design, manufacture or test a new test rig. As such, UTAS is the only source capable building a replacement Fixed MRO Test Rig capable of meeting the mission requirements.

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

A Request for Information was posted to the Federal Business Opportunities Website (FEDBIZOPPS) on 25th February 2019 without receiving any responses. The proposed contract action was synopsized on FEDBIZOPPS on 12th March 2019 and closed without any challenges. Market Research was also performed using internet search engines. Market research confirmed that due to proprietary technical data and drawings, UTAS is the only source that can manufacture the Fixed MRO Test Rig. An adequate purchase description or other information suitable to solicit by full and open competition has not been developed because the Government does not have sufficient engineering data or drawings to organically design the above items and enable a competitive procurement.

1. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

In accordance with FAR 15.402, the Contracting Officer shall ensure that all supplies and services provided under this contract are procured at a fair and reasonable price. The Contractor will submit a formal price proposal. UTAS proposal will be reviewed by experienced technical analysts, cost analysts, and contract specialist. The Contracting Officer will utilize price analysis as the basis for negotiating a fair and reasonable price.

1. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

There are no actions that the Government can take at this time to remove barriers to competition. The Government does not possess the technical data that would be required to solicit by full and open competition and the OEM is unwilling to sell unlimited data rights. This contract action is expected to fulfill all currently known AV-8B requirements. However, if new requirements emerge, the Government will assess the marketplace for new and emerging technology.