single_source_justification Stress Vest_Redacted.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

November 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 2

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: 501st Regional Contracting Office, 501st Combat Support Wing

Project/Program Name: Stress Vest Close Combat Mission Capability Kit (CCMCK) Training Simulation

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F3B7SF0254AW021

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The 422nd Security Forces Squadron at RAF Croughton, United Kingdom, has a requirement for tactical training simulator, in accordance with AFI 36-2654, Combat Arms Program. Purchase of Stress Vest and Shock Knife force-on-force tactical simulation equipment, and on-site instruction. The Stress Vest is a vest with laser sensors wired to headgear and an abdominal belt. The system uses training small arms that fire a laser. The vest receives laser pulses and delivers an electric shock to the wearer, simulating receiving gunfire. The shock knife These items use a laser-based small arms weapons, and hand-held knives, which deliver an electrical shock to vest of the wearer, simulating receiving gunshots and stab wounds. Manufacturer, Setcan Limited.

Quantity, 8 each.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

Many laser-based tactical combat systems exist, under the generic term "laser tag". The Department of the Army initially developed the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) in the 1970s to simulate a realistic battlefield environment for soldiers, however the effectiveness of the MILES system was limited due to event data such as "hits" not being recorded.

Wearer of the MILES system were able to cheat by covering the laser sensors, or continue engagements despite receiving multiple simulated "hits". Improvements to the system led to capturing of "hits", which is available in commercial laser-tag systems, however the "hits" do not generate any consequences for the wearer, and tactical errors will continue to be made during training simulations; which may be fatal in real-world operations.

These limitations were addressed in paragraph 7.4 of AFI 36-2654. The Stress Vest system overcomes these limitations by delivering electric shocks to the wearer, until deactivated by the instructor; creating real-life duress, discouraging cheating, and ultimately more realistic training. The Stress Vest system is unique because it can can be integrated with existing MILES equipment, has the added capability of simulating casualties caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and comes with an instructor-led training course.

In accordance with paragraph 7.5.1 of AFI 36-2654, "Personnel responsible for implementing training scenarios using the CCMCK must complete training by attending either a manufacturer’s course, MAJCOM/AFIMSC approved course or a unit developed train-the-trainer course." Personnel would be unable to use equipment for simulation without being trained.

In accordance with paragraph 7.5.3.2 of AFI 36-2654, use of operational equipment such as body armor is recommended to ensure realistic training. However, the over-use of protection detracts from realism [in the case of "paintball" marking simulators, by wearers not feeling the impact of the projectile].

As part of Market Research, two companies, Combat Laser Games Limited, of Kent, U.K.; and SB Tactical of Reno, NV were found to provide laser-tag equipment which also delivers electrical shocks. In both cases, their equipment was geared toward the commercial/recreational environment. Their simulation weapons are not comparable to small-arms issued by Security Forces personnel. Their systems also lack the capability for simulating IED casualties. Finally, no equipment training is available, making their products unsuitable to meet the Government's needs.

Based on the above, the combination of support for existing MILES equipment, simulated stress via electric shocks, similarity to small-arms issued to Security Forces personnel, and manufacturer-provided instruction, makes the Stress Vest system unique.

No other sources are capable of meeting the Government's needs.

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

November 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 2

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Market research was conducted via Internet searches and querying the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). Generic laser-tag as well as paintball marking equipment is available from numerous sources, with varying degrees of realism. The need for realism in military training simulations restricts competition; sources of recreational combat game-play will not be able to meet the Government's needs.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

Should the Government have a requirement for similar items in the future, the requiring activity will examine their training needs to determine the level of realism needed to ensure Security Forces personnel are adequately trained.

The Contracting activity will conduct market research by issuing a request for information (RFI), to determine if there are additional vendors that can provide solutions which utilize existing equipment, provide realism, and overcome the limitations of previously attempted solutions.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

29-Sep-2020

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

JUSTIN A. SCALES, TSgt, USAF

Signature of Contracting Officer

SCALES.JUSTIN.ANDREW.10

96433146

Digitally signed by

SCALES.JUSTIN.ANDREW.1096433146

Date: 2020.09.30 00:22:56 +01'00'