Redacted SS Justification_SS Waterproof Sensor.pdf

Enclosure (1)

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS

From:

To: Code 02 Simplified Acquisition Branch

Subj: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

1. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED SUPPLIES/SERVICES, ESTIMATED VALUE, AND

DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD), Code 8630 has a requirement for 5 identical, custom stainless steel waterproof sensors. This sensor is designed, manufactured, and distributed in the U.S. exclusively by Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc. (AMTI). The sensor has been specified to meet very specific mechanical and electrical performance specifications required to support Captive and Free-Running Submarine Models operated at the NSWCCD Hydrodynamic Facilities. The model is flooded with water, which requires that all sensors and electronics to be housed in waterproof enclosures.

Failure to collect the data provided by this sensor will negatively impact current and future full-scale submarine support, including Columbia class and the Tactical Submarine Evolution Plan (TSEP), and will cause program milestones to be missed. The projects include high-profile tests for the PMS 397, PMS 450 and N97. The manufacturer for these materials is AMTI; their contact information is listed below.

MANUFACTURER INFORMATION:

AMTI

176 Waltham Street Watertown, MA 02472

This hardware is integral in supporting a critical requirement for NSWCCD’s model testing in support of NAVSEA. The total cost for the procurement estimated at $

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR BRAND NAME BASED ON

CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION

These sensors are integral to gathering data on submarine models, which is critical to meeting the defined milestones for the Virginia and Columbia programs. The items are a fundamental and required part of the data acquisition system that supports experiments for the Virginia and Columbia programs. Additionally, these specific sensors have been used by Code 863 for many years and have been a critical data channel for many tests, yielding important torque and force measurements. The existing sensors Code 863 has are reaching end-of-life, and a drop-in replacement is required to continue to support hydrodynamics and seakeeping testing.

Selection of a different sensor would have a significant financial impact to the Government and incur substantial time delays. The tailcone section of most of our submarine models has been designed to accommodate the existing sensor that we have historically used. Standardizing on this sensor has resulted in a significant cost savings and eases logistical burdens. This is accomplished by simplifying our inventory and providing a common electrical interface for this. This also provides our sponsors with the most consistent data, as the data for this critical channel is measured using the same sensor for all of our different models. As the construction and fabrication of our submarine models is a very expensive and time-consuming endeavor, it is sensible to keep our existing instrumentation as common and interchangeable as possible. Market research was performed, and no other vendor was found that can provide a sensor that meets our mechanical, electrical, and performance requirements.

3. MARKET SURVEY

Enclosure (1)

Market research was performed in order to determine if a force sensor with an acceptable mechanical and electrical interface exists, and no alternate vendor was identified. Additionally, AMTI’s website indicates that they are the sole provider of their products in the United States.

4. ADDITIONAL FACTS

None.

5. CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

I certify that the statements and information provided above, are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the processing of this brand name justification precludes the use of full and open competition.