REDACTED Simplified Acquisition Sole Source Justification (FAR 13.5) (M1 Banshee System).pdf

Control No: JA-22-Adel-270 Contractor: IEC Infrared Systems

Supply:

The are crucial to the military’s mission, since the ability to quickly set up and remove local surveillance is an important capability of a modern military force. This military infrared equipment shall have the imaging power to accomplish detailed surveillance tasks in harsh environments, be light enough to be carried easily for long distances, easily set up and operated, and rugged enough to stand the harsh environment of military operations. These conflicting requirements require infrared cameras and systems designed and optimized for the drop-deployment missions around the world. These components are required to provide ongoing Communications and Security in support of Global communications around the world.

Terrorism is on the rise and its significance deemed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be a potential target for terrorism or other criminal activity.

ARL requests a Sole Source contract with to maintain continuity of systems that provide equipment for the operations and infrastructure of global communications to support the country’s military operations and Senior Leadership infrastructure systems and platforms. It is essential that be procured to maintain continuity of systems that provide security communication and capability among stakeholder organizations for all operations. Failure to use IEC hardware components will result in a lack of compatibility between Government-owned IEC systems. If IEC equipment is not used, unacceptable and unprecedented delays in completing mission requirements will be realized, and ARL will not be able to sync and communicate with the Government’s current established infrastructure of global communications utilizing IEC systems. Therefore, IEC is the only source capable of satisfying the Army’s requirements.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

An Intent to Sole Source Synopsis was posted on SAM.gov from 13 April 2022 through 29 April 2022 to seek out interest from other competitive sources. IEC and NSR General Contracting and Supplies, Inc. were the only two (2) responses received. On 15 April 2022, NSR responded that they can propose and re-sell however they are a reseller of IEC’s manufactured system. Therefore, IEC was the only source found that was determined to be capable of meeting all of the Government’s minimum requirements. Due to IEC being the small business manufacturer, there are no subcontracting opportunities involved with this procurement.

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

ARL will continue to pursue market research in the form of web searches and holding discussions among the community to help locate other sources that can provide similar sensors that will interface with the current Government-owned equipment and technology. However, until that is known, ARL will continue to use the existing known source IEC Infrared Systems. Any known sources that can provide similar required equipment will be sought after for competitive interest. If ARL discovers that another brand could function with their current infrastructure, ARL would explore the possibility of competition.