SAP_J_NL914C_and_Panobridge_MK2_Justifiction_1.pdf

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

JUSTIFICATION FOR LIMITED

COMPETITION/SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR

ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), OR The following justification and approval for the use of sources limited to fewer than those required in FAR 8.405-1 is prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405-6(c). This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Multiple-Award Schedule Program (41 U.S.C.

251, et seq, and 40 U.S.C. 501).I hereby determine that the NL914C Night Vision Monocular and Panobridge MK2 listed on DJF-21-3370-PR0004461 is available from only one source, and competition is precluded as there are no substitutes available.

1. This acquisition is restricted to the following sole source:

Company: Nightline Inc Company Address: 300 Industrial Drive, Mountain City, TN 37683 Company Point of Contact and Phone Number: Wes Johnson 423-612-0454 w.johnson@nightline.us

2. The NL914C (2) and Panobridge (1) is estimated to cost $6,700 (plus $484 for L4 G24 NVG Mount and hard carry case) and is required to be delivered by 10/30/2021.

The NL914C is more fully described as a Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD) that will accept a single AA battery or CR123 battery and has an extended battery life of up to 75 hours on one battery. It has an upgraded push button design for on/off, IR illuminator and gain controls. The Panobridge is more fully described as an articulating bridge system for NL914C and/or PVS-14 style MNVDs. The Panobridge will accept two MNVDs which then turns into a Dual-tube Night Vision Device (DNVD) which allows the end user all the benefits of having a night vision device (NVD) that incorporates both eyes.

3. The following specific characteristics of the NL914C and Panobridge MK2 that limit the availability to a sole source are as follows: The NL914C has dual option for batteries, either AA Battery or C123 Batteries with an extended run time of 75 hours. The upgraded push design reduces the weight of the NL914C to 275g with a battery. The NL914C will also have white phosphorus tubes, 3rd generation MILSPEC Tested with a minimum of 2000 figure of merit (FOM) optical tubes. Standard Tubes (not aviation grade) will be supplied by wither Elbit Systems or L3. No consideration will be given to filmed or un-filmed tubes. The NL914C or MNVD equivalent will have an IR Light

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Source. The physical specifications of the NL914C are more fully described as Magnification: 1X Field of View: 40 degrees Minimum Focus Range: 25cm (9.8”) Focal Length: 25mm (.98’’) Diopter Adjustment: +3 to -6 Eye Relief: 25mm (0.98’’) Controls: Push Button Design Variable Gain: +10 to 3,000 Power Source: One 1.5 V AA Battery or One CR123 Battery Operation Time: up to 75 hours Weight: (with battery) 275g Submersibility: 20M (66’) Operating Temperature: -51 to 50 Celsius (- 60 to +22 Fahrenheit) Storage Temperature: -51 to +85 Celsius (-60 to +185 Fahrenheit). The Panobridge MK2 is the only bridge unit that allows the user to rotate one or both monoculars out of the way to clear their unaided line of sight. In this stowed configuration, articulating goggles allow the user to rotate the devices’ center of gravity closer to the helmet, reducing the stowed profile and re-distributing the system’s weight, reducing neck strain. The Panobridge MK2 offers an Adjustable Field of View (AFOV) system that allows users to yaw the monoculars between a center neutral position, offering a traditional 40-degree field of view, up to 20 degrees outboard in a diverging image tube or wall eye configuration., providing up to a 75-degree lateral field of view. The Panobridge achieves the AFVO via friction adjustable pivots on the center hub of the Panobridge. The physical specifications of the Panobridge are more fully described as: Weight: 1.5oz, Dimensions: 2.75” x 2.75” x 1.25” (collapsed) Construction: Arkema polymer, aluminum, stainless steel Finish:

Matte Black Mount Interface: BNVS (Dovetail) Compatible with: Mil-Spec PVS-14 & Mod3B (Autogain Housing Only) Warranty: Lifetime Transferable Made in USA. Only this suggested source can furnish the requirements, to the exclusion of other sources, because Nightline Inc is the exclusive distributor of the Panobridge and NL914C system.

4. Check and fill in all that are applicable for an Open Market Buy:

The material or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. The current equipment is <insert description of current equipment>, and the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system by <insert description of how the new item/service must coordinate or interface>.

A patent, copyright, proprietary data, or licensing agreement limits competition. The proprietary data are described as follows:

Nightline Inc is the exclusive distributor of the Panobridge and NL914C system

These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

Other information to support a Choose an item. buy:

The patent pending Panobridge MK2 is an innovative new product from Noisefighters.

At its base, the Panobridge MK2 is a featherweight articulating bridge system for PVS-14 style MNVDs–by using high strength Arkema-based polymers and additive manufacturing, Version 1.0 Page 3

Noisefighters has been able to create the lightest PVS-14 bridge system on the market, at 1.5 ounces.

In addition to being an extremely lightweight PVS-14 bridge system, the Panobridge introduces a new, patent pending “AFOV” or Adjustable Field of View system that allow users to yaw the monoculars between a “center neutral” position, offering a traditional 40-degree field of view, up to 20 degrees outboard in a “Diverging Image Tube” (DIT-NVG) or “wall eye” configuration, providing up to a 75-degree lateral field of view* via friction adjustable pivots on the center “hub” of the Panobridge.

This AFOV system allows users to temporarily increase their lateral field of view without permanent modifications to the device or specialized WFOV NVG systems.

After examining multiple brands and models, the Panobridge MK2 was found to be the best option for the Knoxville Division SWAT users.

The articulating design of the Panobridge allows the individual monoculars to be rotated up and out independently, allowing the user to rotate one or both monoculars out of the way to clear their unaided line of sight, observe natural lighting conditions, or utilize a handheld or weapon mounted thermal device, or any other application that requires one or both monoculars to be rotated out of the way without fully stowing them.

In the stowed configuration, articulating goggles allow the user to rotate the devices’ center of gravity closer to the helmet, reducing the stowed profile and re-distributing the system’s weight, reducing neck strain.

The MK2 variant of the Panobridge has also been updated with revised BNVS dovetail dimensions for a more solid lockup on a wider variety of manufacturers’ mounts, as well as the addition of a lanyard loop allowing the user to more easily secure the device.

In addition to being an extremely lightweight PVS-14 bridge system, the Panobridge introduces a new, patent pending “AFOV” or Adjustable Field of View system that allow users to yaw the monoculars between a “center neutral” position, offering a traditional 40-degree field of view, up to 20 degrees outboard in a “Diverging Image Tube” (DIT- NVG) or “wall eye” configuration, providing up to a 75-degree lateral field of view* via friction adjustable pivots on the center “hub” of the Panobridge.

The authority and supporting rationale for GSA FAR Part 8 (see 8.405-6(a)(1)(i) and (b)(1)) and, if applicable, a demonstration of the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service.

[Identify only one of the following:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%208_4.html#wp1091891

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FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i))(A) – An urgent or compelling need exists, and following the FSS ordering procedures would result in unacceptable delays.

FAR 8.405-6 (a)(1)(i) (B) – Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized; or

FAR 8.405-6(a(1)(i)(C) – In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow on to an original FSS order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with applicable FSS procedures. The original order or BPA was not issued under sole source or limited sources procedures.

FAR 8.405-6(b) – An item peculiar to one manufacturer is required.

IF GSA FAR Part 8, complete items 6-7

5. A determination by the ordering activity Contracting Officer that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR 8.404(d).

The contracting officer will determine, after considering the level of effort and the mix of skills available for the tasks needed, that the proposed order or BPA represents a reasonable total price and will be the best value for the FBI.

6. A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders, and the results of the research. A statement must be made that the supplies and services are available from the FSS.

N/A

7. Any other facts supporting the limited source justification.

N/A

8. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency will take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for supplies and services is made.

The Government will continue to research the market to obtain as many available sources as required in accordance with the FAR to ensure that there are other vendors out there that can satisfy this requirement. In addition, the customer will do due diligence in ensuring that barriers to competition are avoided to ensure we obtain the best value for the government.

CERTIFICATION

Requestor:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification and which form a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

Date

Contracting Officer:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature Date

Unit Chief/Team Supervisor (Required if amount exceeds $750,000):

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature Date

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8/20/2021