Redacted SOle Source Justification N66604-20-Q-8359.pdf

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SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

Empire Magnetics, Inc.

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT:

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport (NUWCDIVNPT), The APTF system utilizes a water filled pressure tank (weighs over 1 million pounds and takes up an entire building at NUWC) which simulates varying ocean depths while the acoustic sensors are under test. Within the pressure tank, a computerized motion controlled carriage system controls unique commercial stepper motors to finely adjust the position of the unit under test (UUT) as part of the test process. The specialized stepper motors are pressure compensated and corrosion resistant to survive the extreme requirements of the unique testing environment.

Currently, two of the three stepper motors no longer function correctly due to end of their useful life, and the third is also at the end of its service life and will likely fail soon. Failure to replace all three of the stepper motors will render the APTF completely incapable of meeting the testing requirements of the programs that depend upon this facility.

Description: Quote Proposal Number 190913A Rev 3

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

The USRD Acoustic Pressure Tank Facility (APTF) is a unique, one of a kind, facility for testing acoustic sensors at simulated ocean depths and temperatures. The units under test (UUTs) are precisely positioned in the water-filled tank by means of a computerized motion controlled carriage system, which finely adjusts the position of the UUTs during the testing operation.

Three stepper motors provide the means of positioning the carriage system to the required location (x, y, and z-axis). The stepper motors have a number of unique features that are required for the APTF system’s operation. Although there are commercial stepper motors that have some of these requirements, none other than the OEM have been found to have all the required specifications.

Due to the combination of the unusual electrical, mechanical, and computer control interface requirements necessary for this application, no commercial manufacturer or supplier was found other than the OEM, Empire Magnetics, Inc. , of the steppers motors that were originally installed in the APTF system.

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The only other option to obtain replacement motors and cables that are compatable with the current motion control software and have all the unique electrical and mechanical features would require the government to locate a manufacturer who would agree to build only 3 motor and cable systems. Such a system would require a custom designed and built stepper motor, gearbox, pressure comensation system, deep vaccuum compatability seals, compatable waterproof cableing interface system, redesigned computerized motor control system, operator training and custom instruction manuals. The lead time and expense of such a custom system is not cost effective, would likely result in the APTF ceasing operation for an extended period of time, and therefore is not in the government’s best interest. Furthermore, replacement motors and cables needed for future maintenance would require another custom system to be built with likely long lead times and much higher expense than Empire Magnetics, Inc.’s commercial off the shelf system.

Therefore, it is critical that Empire Magnetics, Inc. stepper motors are procured to avoid a disruption in NUWCDIVNPT’s APTF’s daily operation in support of the fleet.

RESELLERS:

There are no resellers of this equipment. It is only available directly from the OEM, Empire

Magnetics, Inc.

Requiring Department:

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a Sole Source basis. I certify the technical data which form the basis of this justification are complete and accurate.

APPROVAL:

Contracting Officer:

Based on the above, I have determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available that can fulfill the requirements. I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.