Redacted Sole Source Justification- Pressure Sensor Array .pdf

This is a Justification for Sole Source procurement document for the United States Naval Academy justifying a single-source award under simplified procedures for supplies valued between Micro-Purchase Threshold and $250,000 SAT.

The procurement (Request Document Number 1301393132, CAGE Code 52681) is for a complete PCB Piezotronics Tourmaline Underwater Blast Sensor Mapping System package, priced at $11,755.80 with a required delivery date of September 14, 2026. The system comprises a Tourmaline ICP® underwater blast sensor (7.6" length, 25 psi, 0.2 mV/psi with 20 ft integral water-resistant cable), a Platinum Stock 4-channel line-powered sensor signal conditioner with unity gain and BNC input/output connectivity, and vendor-provided training for installation and operation. The equipment will support student and faculty research initiatives focused on underwater sustainability, battle damage resilience, survivability analysis, and hands-on learning across engineering and materials science disciplines. The justification for sole source restriction to PCB Piezotronics, Inc. is based on patent, copyright, and proprietary data limitations. Market research determined that only PCB Piezotronics manufactures tourmaline pressure sensor arrays meeting the institution's specific needs, particularly due to the sensors' extremely small 1.5 microsecond rise-time capability for accurately capturing initial shockwave peak pressure. The contractor certifies this is the minimum government requirement and that sole-source circumstances are reasonably available. The Contracting Officer (NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk) approved the sole-source justification on the date of certification.