Redacted JandA.pdf

Control No: JA-20-Adel-165 Contractor: DCS Corporation

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

UNCLASSIFIED / FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

FAR PART 6 JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Programs/Equipment: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

Authority: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR Part 6.302-1 -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

Amount: $49,997,958.10

Prepared by: DSN:

Date: 28 May 2020 Email:

Contracting Officer: Moy, Christopher DSN: 290-2021 Contracting Officer Date: 2 June 2020 Email: christopher.r.moy.civ@mail.mil

Technical: DSN:

Date: 28 May 2020 Email:

Requirements: DSN:

Team Date: 28 May 2020 Email:

Reviews: I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition.

Program Manager:

Legal Counsel:

Advocate for Competition:

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

FAR Part 6 Justification and Approval for Other than Full and Open Competition

1. Contracting Activity: U.S. Army Contracting Command, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD 20783-1138

2. Description of Action: The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requests a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) follow-on contract with DCS Corporation, located at 6909 Metro Park Drive, Suite 500, Alexandria VA 22310. [Redacted] and Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funds from the appropriate FY will be used to fund future task orders. The estimated ceiling amount of the IDIQ contract is $49,997.958.10 with a [redacted] ordering period.

_X_ An acquisition plan is not required because this procurement either does not meet the threshold at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 207.103(d)(i), or is an R&D acquisition and does not meet the definition of services in 10 U.S.C. 2330(c)(2).

__ (Insert approval authority title approved an acquisition plan in accordance with FAR 16.301-3(a)(2) and/or DFARS 207.103(d)(i) on (insert date).

__ The required acquisition plan in accordance with FAR 16.301-3(a)(2) and/or DFARS 207.103(d)(i) is currently awaiting approval.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: ARL Human Research and Engineering Directorate (HRED), [redacted], requires Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services, specifically in the areas of Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI) development, software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation environments for vehicle crewstation technologies, dismounted simulation environments, real-time human sensing, and real-world neural sensing and processing. These aforementioned services support [redacted].

Ordering Period:

Total Value: $49,997,958.10

The Total Value estimate referenced above was developed using historical contract data from for the same or similar work conducted under DCS Corporation indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract W911NF-10-D-0002. The Total Value estimated ceiling operating costs/prices at fully loaded rate of $49,997,958.10 for an IDIQ contract vehicle.

The estimate includes labor, overhead, material handling, travel, general and administrative and profit and fee. The proposed estimate also accounts for future additional staffing requirements, and [redacted].

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

This contracting effort is supports both on-going and future ARL-HRED research initiatives over the next [redacted]. Therefore the Total Value assumes and accounts for future (unforeseen) work expansion requiring additional labor, time, and associated costs for any of the relatable Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services the contractor will provide for Warfighting Machine Interface (WMI) Development; WMI-Based Software in the Loop (SIL) Simulation Environment for Vehicle Crewstation Technologies;

WMI-Compatible Dismount SIL Simulation Environment; WMI-Compatible AI/ML in Dismount Soldier Weapons.

The estimated ceiling was developed using current valid DCS labor rates and hours for plant or field staffing expertise.

Current contractor labor hours ([redacted] hours – varied by OS and work requirement) were used to estimate forecast future hours over a [redacted] $49,997,958.10.

4. Authority Cited:

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

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

The ARL HRED requires Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services to support [redacted] Priorities. To that end, HRED requires [redacted] Human-Agent Teaming research combined with subject-matter expertise in the following requirement focus areas:

Warfighting Machine Interface (WMI) Development : The Government requires Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering services to integrate new software features within the WMI. ARL-HRED is collaborating directly with the Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) on the development of enhanced capabilities within the WMI, which is the crew interaction software used within the GVSC demonstration and prototype vehicles. The WMI serves as the primary R&D architecture for both ARL-HRED and GVSC’s work in human interfaces and human-agent teaming. In addition, the WMI is the primary method for transition of novel human interface and human-agent teaming capabilities not only between ARL-HRED and GVSC, but also between GVSC and the Program Executive Office – Ground Combat Systems (PEO-GCS).

WMI-Based Software in the Loop (SIL) Simulation Environment for Vehicle Crewstation Technologies: The Government requires customized WMI-based simulation environments in the Information for Mixed Squads (INFORMS) laboratory to test Human-Agent Teaming research concepts. The INFORMS laboratory is a real-time co-simulation environment that serves as ARL-HRED’s laboratory and experimentation environment for development [redacted] technologies in the areas of

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services human interface and human-agent teaming. The simulation environment combines several commercial and Government owned simulation components to create realistic Army scenarios in which the Government can test new capabilities for Soldier- Autonomous agent teams. This laboratory environment is a large and technically-complex facility that simulates the crew stations of multiple fully- and optionally-manned next generation combat vehicles, and provides multiple WMI frontends with a technological backend that includes Unreal Engine based image generation, GVSC Robotics Technology Kernel, and the SimCreator® Multibody Dynamics Component Library. The WMI-based simulation environment must enable interoperation between simulated and real components using methods including High Level Architecture (HLA), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), and National Direction of Digital Services (NDDS).

WMI-Compatible Dismount SIL Simulation Environment: The INFORMS laboratory must also incorporate the WMI-compatible simulation of local dismount squad operations in a mixed-reality space in virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) applications. These environments require multiple player operations for squad level simulation with high fidelity and synchronous operations and high resolution human sensing, including small-parameter deep convolutional and recurrent neural networks for generalizable analysis of brain data, integration of sparse concurrent brain data and eye tracking data for characterizing Soldier situational awareness (SA), integration and synchronization with the Lab Streaming Layer, Multi-Aspect Real- World Integrated Neuroimaging (MARIN) system, NeuroPype framework, integration with virtual and physical vehicle or robotic components including autonomous control systems, wireless control systems, small unmanned air systems, unmanned ground vehicles, turret systems, gun systems, fire control systems, soldier machine interfaces, artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision support agents, aided target recognition systems, and communications devices. These approaches are a requirement under this effort in order to enable inference of Soldier cognitive state and a characterization of the contextual environment and have the potential to enable the development of highly adaptive/dynamic AI/ML systems for a variety of Army applications in support of Next Generation Combat Vehicle and Soldier Lethality.

WMI-Compatible AI/ML in Dismount Soldier Weapons: The Government requires the capability to design, develop, integrate, and test WMI-compatible AI/ML computer vision, target tracking, and ballistic calculation technologies within live-fire dismounted weapons. This requires specific expertise in the analysis of biosignal and biomechanical data and expertise in AI/ML focused on state-of-the-art dismounted fire control methods and approaches, including computer vision, target tracking and ballistic calculation, Soldier-weapon interface, dismounted weapons, AR cueing, requiring capabilities in human subjects research and human research protection within the context of live-fire experimentation.

Streamlined Data Management Chain: The Government requires a streamlined data management chain capable of storage and on-demand access to physiological and behavioral data from many human subjects and systems at up to 15 different locations

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services for analysis and processing. The streamlined data management chain must provide data storage for both raw and processed data, develop Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for using the data collection architecture and accessing the stored data, implement novel data visualization techniques and control graphical user interface (GUI) for use in experimentation and demonstration. Furthermore, the streamlined data management chain must hold expertise in WMI development, WMI-based SIL development, WMI-compatible dismount SIL development, and WMI-compatible AI/ML in dismount soldier weapons technologies in order to maintain seamless and real-time operations across the effort and mitigate technical, cost, and schedule/management risk to the Government.

Currently, the incumbent contractor, DCS Corporation, performs the technical service supporting ARL-HRED programs focused on Human-Agent Teaming and WMI development and capability integration under contract W911NF-10-D-0002, [redacted].

Only DCS Corporation has the required technical expertise to meet all of ARL’s Human- Agent Teaming focus area minimum requirements stated above.

i. WMI Development: The Government-owned WMI software that serves as the background to ARL-HRED’s research in Human-Agent Teaming and primary method of transition to CCDC GVSC and PEO-GCS has been directly and solely developed by DCS Corporation. Although DCS Corporation developed the WMI software for the Government, the Government holds unlimited data rights. The WMI has served as the primary crew interaction software for more than 12 major vehicle crew station programs for the US Army. This experience has made DCS the sole experts in WMI development within Army demonstration and prototype vehicles. Over the next five (5) years, ARL-HRED has been required by the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team to engage with CCDC GVSC to deliver human interaction and Human- Agent Teaming capabilities within the WMI framework in support of Army modernization. No other source has been identified who can currently provide the required WMI development.

ii. WMI-Based SIL Simulation Environment for Vehicle Crewstation Technologies:

DCS Corporation has unique experience developing WMI-based SIL simulation environments for the development of crew station technologies for Army ground vehicles, which is required under this effort. They have been the sole provider of WMI-based SIL simulation environments for the US Army over the last 10 or more years. This experience is critical to enable ARL to engage with CCDC Agencies to provide an integrated and interoperable MDO simulation environment, and no other source has been identified who can provide the required WMI-based SIL simulation environments for vehicle crewstation technologies.

iii. WMI-Compatible Dismount SIL Simulation Environment: DCS Corporation has unique specialized expertise in WMI-compatible simulation of local dismount squad operations in a mixed-reality space in virtual reality VR/AR applications.

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

Specifically, DCS Corporation has unique specialized knowledge in incorporating concurrent neural signal and eye tracking data in real-world VR/AR applications which is required under this effort. DCS Corporation has specialized expertise in development of small-parameter Deep Neural Networks for processing sparse concurrent neural and eye tracking data for characterizing Soldier situational awareness (SA), integration and synchronization with the Lab Streaming Layer, Multi-Aspect Real-World Integrated Neuroimaging (MARIN) system, NeuroPype framework, integration with virtual and physical vehicle or robotic components. No other source has been identified that can provide specialized knowledge in multi-faceted sensing of human behavior and physiology and specialized experience incorporating concurrent neural signal and eye tracking data in real-world VR/AR applications.

iv. WMI-Compatible AI/ML in Dismount Soldier Weapons: DCS Corporation has unique experience designing, developing, integrating, and testing WMI-compatible AI/ML focused on computer vision, target tracking, and ballistic calculation within live-fire Soldier dismounted weapon technologies as required under this effort. This area of research has emerged over the last 18 months, and DCS’s effort under contract # W911NF-10-D-0002 during this time have enabled them to build a unique expertise in the integration of these technology areas. These capabilities are integral to ARL-HRED’s Human-Agent Teaming deliverables to the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, and no other source has been identified who can provide the required experience designing, developing, integrating, and testing AI and ML focused on computer vision, target tracking, and ballistic calculation technologies.

v. Streamlined Data Management: DCS Corporation has unique experience in performing streamlined data management chain oversight for human subjects data from multiple locations. Specifically, DCS Corporation currently performs this type of management for data related to WMI development, WMI-based vehicle-based SIL simulation development, WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment development, and WMI-compatible dismount in soldier weapons development under W911NF-10-D-0002.

As aforementioned, only DCS Corporation currently has the specific technical skills to address ARL-HRED’s required capabilities for Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services. Award to a source other than DCS Corporation would result in substantial duplication of cost and time as outlined below. The minimum duplications of cost (conservative estimate) outlined below are derived from [redacted].

Likewise, the duplications in time (conservative estimates) outlined below were also derived from historical DCS contract data from W911NF-10-D-0002:

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

i. WMI Development: The Government estimates that switching to a source other than DCS Corporation would require a minimum additional [redacted] (conservative estimate) and a minimum additional cost of [redacted] (conservative estimate) in labor in order for the new source to develop comparable WMI expertise to DCS Corporation to fully integrate into the required support positions and then provide the breadth of required support outlined in this effort at the same required expertise and performance level already held by DCS Corporation. As an alternative to utilizing the current Government-owned WMI software, a new source could develop a new software solution outside of the current WMI software to meet the Government’s needs.

However, the Government estimates that developing a comparable new software solution to the current WMI would require a minimum of [redacted] (conservative estimate).

ii. WMI-Based SIL Simulation Environment for Vehicle Crewstation Technologies:

The Government estimates that switching to a source other than DCS Corporation would require a minimum additional [redacted] (conservative estimate) at a minimum additional cost of [redacted] (conservative estimate) in labor in order for the new source to develop comparable WMI-based vehicle-based SIL simulation environments expertise to DCS Corporation to fully integrate into the support positions and then provide the breadth of required support outlined in this effort at the same expertise and performance level already held by DCS Corporation. As an alternative to utilizing the current WMI-based vehicle-based SIL environment, a new source could develop a new vehicle-based SIL environment outside of the current WMI-based vehicle-based SIL environment and WMI software framework to meet the Government’s needs. The Government estimates that it would require a minimum of [redacted] (conservative estimate) in duplicative time at a minimum duplicative cost of [redacted] (conservative estimate) of labor and material to develop a comparable capability to the current WMI-based vehicle-based SIL environment. This duplicative time and cost would be in addition to the [redacted] conservative duplication estimates related to the new source first switching out the WMI software solution to a new comparable software solution as mentioned in “i.” above.

iii. WMI-Compatible Dismount SIL Simulation Environment: The Government estimates that switching to a source other than DCS Corporation would require a minimum additional [redacted] (conservative estimate) at a minimum additional cost of [redacted] (conservative estimate) in labor in order for the new source to develop comparable WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment expertise to DCS Corporation to fully integrate into the support positions and then provide the breadth of required support at the same expertise and performance level already held by DCS Corporation. As an alternative to utilizing the current WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment, a new source could develop a new WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment solution outside of the current WMI-compatible

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services dismount SIL simulation environment to meet the Government’s needs.

However, the Government estimates that developing a comparable WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment solution would require a minimum of [redacted] (conservative estimate) in duplicative time at a minimum duplicative cost of [redacted] (conservative estimate).

iv. WMI-Compatible AI/ML in Dismount Soldier Weapons: DCS Corporation has been designing, developing, integrating, and testing AI and ML focused on computer vision, target tracking, and ballistic calculation within live-fire Soldier dismounted weapon technologies for over [redacted]. The Government estimates that switching to a source other than DCS Corporation would require a minimum of [redacted] (conservative estimate) in duplicative time at a minimum duplicative cost of [redacted] (conservative estimate) in labor in order for the new source to develop comparable WMI-compatible AI/ML in dismount soldier weapons expertise to DCS Corporation to fully integrate into the support positions and then provide the breadth of required support at the same expertise and performance level already held by DCS Corporation.

v. Streamlined Data Management: DCS Corporation has been performing streamlined data management oversight for human subjects data from multiple locations. This base expertise is broadly available from multiple sources.

However, the required data management source must directly coordinate with the required WMI development, WMI-based vehicle-based SIL simulation environment development, WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment development, and WMI-compatible AI/ML in dismount soldier weapons development technologies on a direct, continuous, and evolving basis. Award of the data management component of the effort (estimated to be approximately [redacted]) to another source will result in an increase in the Government oversight necessary to mitigate technical, cost, and schedule/management risk for this effort. Award to a single source capable of meeting the full requirement will enable a streamlined data management chain and will facilitate effective transition of technologies to CCDC partners.

As a whole, any delays to any of the laboratory programs that this contract supports would cause unacceptable delays in [redacted].

Due to the aforementioned, no source other than DCS Corporation has the specialized knowledge, expertise, and technical specificity to meet the Government’s minimum requirements.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

The Contracting Officer shall publish the notices required by FAR 5.201 and any bids or proposals received shall be considered. A Notice of Intent to Sole Source Synopsis- Request for Information (RFI) was posted on Beta.SAM.gov on 20 April 2020 and closed

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services on 5 May 2020. No responses, capability statements, or challenges were received from interested sources within the aforementioned posting window.

Based on the market research performed (referenced in Section 8 and 9), there are no sources other than DCS Corporation able to meet the Government’s minimum requirements of Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services in support of the [redacted]. Only DCS Corporation currently has the specific technical skills to address ARL-HRED’s required capabilities for Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services. DCS Corporation has the required software expertise in WMI development, experience in developing WMI-compatible dismount simulation integrated with neurotechnologies, expertise in developing WMI-compatible AI/ML in dismount weapons, and expertise in integrating all of these technologies within a WMI-based SIL simulation environment.

Because DCS Corporation is the only source capable of performing this requirement, effective competition is not achievable.

Subcontracting competition will be achieved by requiring the prime contractor to submit a subcontracting plan (SCP) to the Government. The Government will ensure that a SCP is stipulated in the contract and monitored throughout the contract period of performance.

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

ARL HRED will continue to monitor the market for other potential sources in order to increase future competition for this service requirement. In order to promote future competition, the PEO-GCS has initiated a partial rollout of the WMI software as Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) to all Next Generation Combat Vehicle competitors. The PEO-GCS anticipates full rollout within the next five years. This rollout will allow new sources to develop comparable expertise to DCS Corporation to fully integrate into the required support positions and then provide the breadth of required support outlined in this effort at the same required expertise and performance level already held by DCS Corporation. The WMI-based vehicle-based SIL simulation environment, the WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment, and the WMI-compatible AI/ML in dismount Soldier weapons methodology data has already been publicly released as Government Furnished Information (GFI) via various technical reports available through Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) and other scientific publication venues. Additional methodology and technical data documentation related to these three (3) focus areas is planned for publication within the next five (5) years. As a result, expertise in the required Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering focus areas previously outlined is expected to become much more broadly available within industry within the next five (5) years.

8. Market Research:

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

Market research was conducted between November 2019 and May 2020 by [redacted].

Market research information was obtained from reputable Internet sources via Google and Google Scholar search engines. Other sources used to gain company information were Government procurement databases, the Dun & Bradstreet database, and the Glassdoor website. Using the Internet, the initial research began with scanning for the top 100 defense contractors in the marketplace. Next, requirement specific keywords (i.e.

multimodal physiology, adaptive soldier technologies, real-world neuroimaging, measuring and interpreting neural activity, soldier autonomy, machine learning, in-the-loop software, Graphical User Interface, and sensor systems) were entered into the applicable search engine and results were individually evaluated and recorded as a potential support contractor or not. Also evaluated were scientific, academic journal articles, and papers that listed contractors as author/co-author, or acknowledged contractor work accomplishments. Additional source information was obtained from two

(2) professional databases and one (1) professional service website. The first database existed within the Discovery Market Research Tool (DMRT). Using DMRT advanced search functions, NAICS codes for Research and Development (R&D) / Engineering were used to identify industry contractors within the database. Second, company profile information was frequently obtained from the Dun and Bradstreet database and the Glassdoor website.

Based upon Google and Government procurement website search results, three (3) methods were used, in parallel, to organize the results into more manageable segments.

The first method consisted of broadly listing all companies into a database with brief descriptions of their specialties. Next, since data was retrieved from different Internet sources, it was essential to identify and remove duplicate companies from the database.

The final approach was to evaluate company expertise, capabilities and services provided, in comparison to ARL’s requirement. This last evaluation reduced the number of companies that could potentially fulfill the requirement.

Overall, based upon extensive market research, the Government concluded that only one

(1) source meets ARL specific requirement in all required performance areas. Only DCS Corporation has the required technical expertise to meet all of ARL’s Human-Agent Teaming focus area minimum requirements. DCS Corporation is an incumbent contractor serving ARL’s current research objectives and has demonstrated onsite expertise within Human-Agent Teaming, WMI software, expertise in WMI development, SIL, Dismount simulation environment; AI/ML in dismounted Soldier weapons, and streamlined data management research areas. Moreover, DCS Corporation also has in place a well-trained staff of researchers and engineers that are familiar and functional with ARL’s Human- Agent Teaming focus areas specific to WMI software, expertise in WMI development, Software in the loop, Dismount simulation environment, AI/ML in dismounted Soldier weapons, and streamlined data management. Therefore based on the evidence provided, it is in the best interest of the Government to consider a sole source approach with DCS Corporation.

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

9. Interested Sources:

A Notice of Intent to Sole Source Synopsis-RFI was posted to Beta.SAM.gov on 20 April 2020 and closed on 5 May 2020, notifying the marketplace of the Government’s intent to solicit and negotiate with DCS Corporation. No responses, capability statements, or challenges were received from interested sources within the aforementioned posting window.

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement History:

Contract: W911NF-10-D-0002

Award Date: 26 May 2010 Period of Performance: 26 May 2010 to 25 February 2021 Dollar Value: Ceiling Amount = Competitive Status: Full and Open

1) The previous W911NF-10-D-0002 IDIQ effort was a new requirement to develop the WMI software solution, WMI-based vehicle-based SIL simulation environment, WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment, and WMI-compatible AI/ML in dismount soldier weapons software/technologies. As such, that requirement could be competed and DCS Corporation was awarded the contract.

2) The current W911QX20R0017 IDIQ effort is to continue the development of those same Government-owned software/technologies. Their continued development requires unique expertise in WMI development, WMI-based vehicle-based SIL simulation environment development, WMI-compatible dismount SIL simulation environment development, and WMI-compatible AI/ML in dismount soldier weapons development. At present, only DCS Corporation possesses the required expertise because these software/technologies have been developed for the Government solely and directly by DCS Corporation. Switching to another source currently unfamiliar with the Government-owned WMI software and associated technologies or switching to a new comparable software solution and flowdown of associated technologies would result in significant duplications of time and cost to the Government and result in unacceptable delays in program experiments and transition schedules (reference Section 5 above).

3) This information is already provided in para 7.

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

11. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signer’s Title: ERP Manager

12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signer’s Title: Team Lead-Human Visual Processing

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

This determination will be made using the following:

_X_ Cost analysis __ Price analysis __ Should cost

_X_ IGE

__ Audit:

__ Other:

As a part of this basis, certified cost or pricing data:

_X_ Will be required.

__ Will not be required and the following exception applies (FAR 15.403):

__ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on adequate price competition.

__ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on prices set by law or regulation.

__ A commercial item is being acquired.

__ A waiver has been granted by the head of the contracting activity (HCA) in accordance with DFARS PGI 215.403-1.

__ The contract action is a modification to a contract or subcontract for commercial item(s).

__ The estimated cost of the contract action is less than the threshold for certified cost or pricing data.

14. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Supply/Service: Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services

Approval

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of Human-Agent Teaming Research and Engineering Services, for an estimate of $49,997,958.10 [redacted], on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR Part 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

//ORIGINAL SIGNED//

(End of J&A)