Redacted_SSJ.docx

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition FAR 6.302-1(b)(1)(i)

1. Agency: EPA/NERL/EMMD/SSAB Contracting Activity: CPOD Requisition No.: PR-ORD-16-01321 Contractor: Headwall Photonics Inc

NERL/EMMD/SSAB is seeking one (1) hyperspectral camera that is sensitive to Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) energy and is small in size, weight and power. It is essential that the camera is compatible with the current computer architecture in the EPA owned and operated remote sensing system, TEROS (Transportable Environmental Resource Observation Suite). The camera is intended to be installed in an aircraft photographic reconnaissance pod consisting of multiple sensors including a Headwall Photonics Visible-Near InfraRed (VNIR) hyperspectral camera and will be operated autonomously through a Headwall Photonics controlling computer. The Headwall Photonics controlling computer operates or actuates, using trigger signals, all cameras in the pod. As such, SSAB’s market research included a requirement that the hyperspectral cameras is to be hardware and software compatible with EPA’s current remote sensing computer architecture.

The estimated value is $164,540.00

4. Authority: [Check appropriate exception.]

Exception (* = abbreviated) FAR Cite [X] Only One Responsible Source FAR 6.302-1(b)(1)(i)

5. Describe how the contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

SSAB’s requirement for a SWIR hyperspectral camera included the following minimum specifications:

· Camera detectors sensitive to the electromagnetic energy range of 900-2,500 nanometers (SWIR)

· Camera must be compatible with the current EPA owned and operated remote sensing system which uses Headwall Photonics hardware and software

· Camera must have no less than 160 separate and continuous spectral channels

· Camera must have no less than 300 separate and continuous spatial channels

· Imager must have aberration-corrected grating

· Instrument must be capable of utilizing interchangeable lens

· Instrument weight and power must not exceed 10 lbs and 15 Watts

Headwall Photonics is the only vendor that offers a Hyperspectral Camera that: (1) is compatible with the Headwall hardware and software which is currently owned and in use by the EPA; (2) has aberration-corrected grating.

6. Describe the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable: A notice of intent to sole source will be posted to FedConnect and FedBizOpps.

7. The contracting officer determines that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable because a complete analysis of all costs using audits, commerciality, previous history, or other appropriate means will be fully utilized prior to award. The contracting officer determines that the anticipated prices will be fair and reasonable based on market research performed. This is a commercial off the shelf product.

8. Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10). If no market research was conducted, state the reasons:

Market research consisted of the following resources:

· www.laserfocusworld.com

· spie.org

· Discussion with EPA, NASA and other federal Agency personnel

Market research revealed that the following vendors offer a hyperspectral camera:

· Headwall Photonics

· Corning

· Resonon

· Specim

· Surface Optics

· BaySpec

9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. None.

10. List sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. If no sources expressed an interest in writing, indicate such. No sources have expressed an interest in writing.

11. Include a statement of the actions, if any, the Agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. In the future, market research will be performed to see if there are any new companies that have entered this market and to determine if any of the existing companies have added new products that meet our needs.

Technical Officer’s Certification:

I certify that the facts and representations stated in this justification are complete and accurate which form the basis to award this requirement.

Date: ___________________________________

Technical Officer’s phone number and E-mail address :

Contracting Officer’s Certification:

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

Date:

Contracting Officer’s phone number and E-mail address:

513-487-2058 Loesch.kimberly@epa.gov