Simplified Acquisition Sole Source Justification Redacted.pdf

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‘Qualification Hardware’ to be evaluated by the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) in fiscal year (FY)25. In parallel to this hardware build and testing, a Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) build will begin in FY25 and a transition to Full Rate Production (FRP) by a Contractor will be initiated for Builds in FY26 and beyond. A Level-3 TDP consisting of assembly, piece-part & tooling drawings, bills-of-material, quality assurance provisions, assembly & test procedures, and other documents need to be prepared and updated as the transition occurs into and through these hardware builds for the next several years. Because of the critical need for MICLIC systems, an accurate and complete Level-3 TDP is needed to manufacture, test and field safe/reliable systems to US Forces and allied countries. Since Vectrus Systems LLC prepared the Level-2 TDP documents, they already possess a full working knowledge of the system design details and therefore it is critical that they fully develop an accurate Level-3 TDP for transition into future hardware builds and fielding.

The critical nature of the MICLIC transition through qualification and into production imposes the urgency of promptly and accurately preparing and maintaining the Level-3 MICLIC TDP. Engaging with another vendor would introduce unacceptable delays of at least twelve (12) months and would incur duplicate costs to the Government, as the different levels of TDP’s from Vectrus Systems LLC are already being used in various hardware builds. It is estimated that the costs for a different vendor to review and fully understand the complicated design details and TDP requirements and processes of the ARL-developed systems would be approximately $ and would delay the program by at least 12 months. It would also pose significant safety risks such as documentation errors; noncompliance with applicable standards; improper materal and componenet callouts; inaccurate, unclear and unsafe assembly and test procedures; and inadequate quality assurance standards. These safety risks can lead to costly rework delays, and potentially serious injuries. Since only Vectrus Systems LLC has significant experience with the numerous integrated safety mechanisms and ARL-specific TDP requirements plus ARL’s CAD systems and other equipment. The safety mechanisms that are being referred to are electromechanical assemblies and subassemblies designed to function in perfect coordination, which must operate seamlessly together within extremely precise time windows, often measured in tens of milliseconds. Vectrus Systems LLC is the only company to work on previous contracts for this requirement that goes back ten (10) years. Estimated delays of 12 months in ongoing RAMS ESIP and new system development would also occur causing likely schedule slippages in production and fielding of critically needed military systems. There would potentially be schedule slippages because a new contractor would require at least 12 months to thoroughly review and understand the detailed production documentation, design requirements, and prototype designs of the developmental systems. These delays would then affect production timelines and the subsequent fielding systems. If there are delays in system delivery it could leave military forces without critical capabilities, compromising their ability to respond effectively to threats.

Considering the urgent requirement to deploy the MICLIC system to theater and address safety and reliability issues with the current MICLIC inventory, a sole-source contract with Vectrus Systems LLC is required. Vectrus Systems LLC’s unique capability to meet the specific CM/DM, technical support and TDP documentation requirements, combined with the time-sensitive nature of the MICLIC and RAMS programs, positions Vectrus

Systems LLC as the only viable choice for efficiently and effectively fulfilling this contract.

Based on these considerations, it is determined that Vectrus Systems LLC is the sole source company capable of providing the required CM/DM, technical support and TDP documentation within the timeline mandated by the Government.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: The Contracting Officer shall publish the notices required by FAR 5.201 and any bids or proposals received shall be considered.

Because this is a sole source action, effective competition is not applicable while meeting the Government’s technical requirements.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: ARL will continue to survey the marketplace to increase competition by attending conference/exhibitions, trade journals, and conducting internet searches. ARL will further continue to interact with other researchers through open discussions with government and industry experts. However, the specialized knowledge obtained through performing work in the specific programs referenced in Section 5 inhibit other vendors due to the increase in anticipated costs (duplication of costs), schedule risk, performance risk and technical risk associated with a new contractor being awarded this effort. It is anticipated that as current programs conclude and new programs emerge, the pool of potential vendors will increase due to the development of new requirements which will support a possible competitive award in the future.

8. Market Research: Market research was conducted from 01 October 2024 to 17 October 2024, by an experienced Mechanical Engineer and Team Leader with 41 years of expertise in the field. This research employed various methods, including internet searches, reviews of Government-wide contract directories and consultations with knowledgeable individuals and Subject Matter Experts.

Mr. also reviewed the market research efforts conducted for the previous procurement, W911QX-22-F-0024. The conducted market research revealed that no other vendor can fulfill the Government’s requirements. It was determined through ARL’s extensive experience with Vectrus Systems LLC Corporation that they can and are fulfilling the requirement of the Government without any performance issues to date.

The Government is not expected to achieve any benefit from a new competitive procurement for this subject requirement.

Mr. also searched GSA and found only one capable source, Vectrus Systems LLC Corporation which holds contract GS-00F-213CA. Pursuant to FAR 8.002, Priorities for Use of Mandatory Government Sources, GSA should be prioritized by military agencies when purchasing services. Because the required services are only available from one source, and that source is a GSA contract holder, market research determined that this Task Order shall be issued to Vectrus Systems LLC under GSA contract GS- 00F-213CA. However, this will be a stand alone contract after confirming with the point of contact for Vectrus Systems LLC.

The findings clearly indicate that no other company has the required Configuration Management (CM), Data Management (DM), and Technical Data Package (TDP) capabilities, combined with a demonstrated track record in similar Fuze design projects particularly with respect to the unique and critical safety requirements of these systems.

Also, no other company is knowledgeable or experienced with the ARL-specific formatting, procedures and requirements with respect to Drawings, Parts Lists, Quality Assurance Provisions, Assembly/Inspection/Test Procedures, Engineering Change Notices/Proposals; Engineering Release Records; Drawing Trees; CAD software, hardware and additive manufacturing equipment. Engaging an alternative company would necessitate extensive learning curves, and introduce risks of compatibility issues, and potential safety hazards. It would also significantly delay the Qualification schedule;

Low Rate Initial Production; Full Rate Production; and fielding to US and Allied forces.

Efforts were also made to explore options within government agencies. The only agency that has a broad understanding of the MICLIC and RAMS system designs is DEVCOM AC who is already a partner with ARL in the development and production of these systems. Because ARL is the ‘lead technical agency,’ ARL is responsible for developing and maintaining the Technical Data Packages and DEVCOM AC provides general input to the TDPs. At this time, they do not have the full capability or resources needed to prepare and maintain the system TDPs at the required levels.

9. Interested Sources: In accordance with DFARS PGI 206.302-1(d), a synopsis was posted on SAM.gov on 30 January 2025. The Synopsis was open for 15 calendar days, with a closing date of 14 February 2025. From the synopsis the Government gained two

(2) responses from and . However, the Capability Statements that were provided by both vendors did not meet minimum requirements upon technical evaluation. (See and under B.01 in PCF).

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement History Contract: W911QX-22-F-0024 Contractor: VSE Corporation Award Date: 17 February 2022 Competitive Status: Sole Source Authority: FAR 8.405-6(a) (1) (i) (B). Only one (1) 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.

b. Procurement History Contract: W911QX-17-F-0007 Contractor: VSE Corporation Award Date: 21 February 2017