RF Filter Limiting-Competition-Under-SAT_ACC FINAL 0792023 Signed Redacted3.pdf

CUI//SP-SSEL

Control No: JA-23-Hua-565

Version – February 2017

(GPS) frequencies.

Radio Frequency (RF) signal intended to jam L1 and L2 Global Positioning System Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems the System Under Test (SUT) that exposed Electronic Proving Ground (EPG) conducts Operational tests for assured Position

Memorandum for Record – Limiting Competition at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

1. Contracting Activity: Army Contracting Command (ACC) Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Huachuca Division

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-on Requirement

Contract Vehicle: Purchase Order Number TBD Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Number Order/BPA# against FSS Contract # Order # against Multiple Award IDIQ Contract Name or #

Order # against a single award IDC Contract

Modification # to existing PO/TO/DO/Call Order

Pricing/Contract Type:

Cost Reimbursable Hybrid

Fixed Price Time & Materials/Labor Hours

Funds: Operations & Maintenance, Army (OMA) Other Funds: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Fiscal Year (FY): 23

Name of Proposed Contractor(s) and Address:

ComNav Engineering, Inc.

430 Riverside Steet Portland, ME 04103

Brand Name Buy: Yes No

3. Description of Services or Supplies:

During these tests, EPG utilizes a device called the PNT data collector which includes a GPS unit whose output is intended to be taken at face value and compared to the output of the SUT. This device is considered the truth system. The truth system utilizes the L5 GPS frequency to avoid being jammed, however, past experiences showed that RF energy from the jammer tends to bleed into frequencies close enough to the L5 band to interfere with the truth system. An RF Filter is required to solve this problem. This filter is used inside EPG’s PNT data collector and integrates with the truth system. Therefore, it is critical that the filter match a specified footprint to integrate with the PNT Collector.

The ComNav OLI1793 rev ii is a compact, passive, electronic bandpass filter with a center frequency of 1176.45MHz. This filter’s capability of attenuating minimally55dB at frequencies near either end of the L5/E5a frequency band, and a maximum70dB at frequencies further from the L5/E5a frequency band. This is enough to prevent the truth system from being interfered with. The OLI1793 has dimensions of 3.48” X 1.48” x 0.63” and features two female SMA connectors on the front and back placed 0.33in from one side of the device and protruding 0.38in from the device. These connectors and dimensions enable the OLI1793 to be integrated with the PNT data collector.

Estimated Delivery Date: 9/1/2023

Estimated Total Value: $20,250.00

4. Authority:

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), only one source reasonably available, urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization.

Or

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) and 8.405-6(b)(1) Brand Name FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A) Urgency FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) Only One Source is Capable FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C) Logical Follow-on

Or

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) Only One Awardee is Capable FAR 16.505(a)(4) Brand Name FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A) Urgency FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C) Logical Follow-on FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D) Minimum Guarantee requirements.

frequencies. Therefore, causing EPG’s failure to successfully complete mission performance data while the SUT is exposed to signals meant to jam L1 and L2

EPG will not be able to collect meaningful to jam only L1 and L2 GPS signals.

The truth system within EPG’s PNT data collector is vulnerable to RF signals intended

5. Reasons for Authority Cited:

An RF filter providing sufficient attenuation of frequencies near the L5/E5 frequency band must interface with the truth system inside the PNT data collector to solve this issue. Only the ComNav OLI1793 rev ii provide sufficient attenuation and fitting inside the PNT data collector. No other RF Filter’s specifications are equivalent to the ComNav OLI1793 rev ii and fail to meet the specified footprint to integrate with the PNT Collector. ComNav OLI1793 rev ii is the only RF Filter that can attenuate 55dB from frequency bands near either end of the

1176.45 MHz center frequency. Other filters attenuated less power at these frequencies.

In the event this device is not purchased,

6. Publicizing Contract Actions: For FAR Part 13 actions, the public display and synopsis requirements of FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203 do not apply due to the $ threshold, apply and will be followed, or do not apply due to an exception at

5.202 .

Requirement to post justification in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(b)(3), FAR 13.105(c), or FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii)(A)

Action is NOT a brand name restriction and is under $150K, no posting required.

Action is a brand name restriction, under $25K, no posting required.

Action is a brand name restriction, over $25K. It will be redacted and posted with the solicitation.

Action is a brand name restriction over $25K but will not be posted due to exception:

FAR 6.305(f) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(A) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(B) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(C) FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii(C)

7. Market Research:

Multiple companies’ products were researched via their websites and datasheets.

These products included the Anatech Electronics 05BPCV-1176-SFSF-M01 and NuWave AM1176B1366. Anatech notes that their device can attenuate 45dB from frequencies near the center frequency while NuWave notes that their device can attenuate 30dB. This is less than the minimum 55dB the OLI1793 rev ii can attenuate near the center frequency. NuWave’s offering does not possess SMA connectors which are required to connect to the GPS receiver inside existing instrumentation, in addition, it has a high maximum insertion loss of 4dB (the OLI1793 rev ii has an insertion loss of 2dB). Insertion loss will weaken the signal that reaches the truth system. The Anatech offering has SMA connectors and a smaller insertion loss than the OLI1793 rev ii (1-1.5dB), however, it has worse rejection (45dB versus 55dB), and is 4.5in longer (7.98in compared to 3.48in) which would prevent its fitment inside the PNT data collector. Smaller chip-level filters were also considered but concerns arose from their low performance. For example, GPIO’s GPS L5 Band Pass Filter can attenuate 50dB, but only at 500MHz which is far from the 1176.45MHz center frequency. These filters will fail to prevent the L5 receiver from jamming considering the amount of RF power expected to be present during test. The ComNav OLI1793 rev ii filter is the only RF filter capable of providing the necessary performance and footprint for use within the PNT data collector.

Market research indicated that the ComNav OLI1793 rev ii is the only RF Filter that can attenuate 55dB from frequency bands near either end of the 1176.45 MHz center frequency. Other filters attenuated less power at these frequencies.

8. Other Facts: N/A

9. Technical/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.

Typed Name: NESTOR W. RODRIGUEZ III Date: 07092023 Title: Computer Engineer

Signature:

Right-Click "Signature Setup"

III.1020762493 Date: 2023.09.21 X

RODRIGUEZ.NESTOR.W

RODRIGUEZ.NE Digitally signed by

10. Contracting Officer Certification/Approval:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based upon price analysis.

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that completing this purchase as a sole source is in the best interest of the Government. Additionally, I approve this justification to limit competition subject to the availability of funds and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Typed Name: ELIZABETH C. WHEELER Date: 07092023 Title: Contracting Officer

Signature:

082177929 09:42:01 -07'00'

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