Sole Source-Brand Name Justification VectorNAV VN300_Redacted.pdf

NSWCCD Sole Source/Brand Name Justification ≤ SAT rev 1 Effective September 2020

USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION LESS THAN

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD MEMO

FROM:

CODE: NSWC Carderock

SUBJECT: Sole Source/Brand Name Justification / Limited Source Justification for Use of Other than Full &

Open Competition for an Acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT)

I. BACKGROUND

1. FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) states for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting

Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

2. As required by FAR 13.106-3(b)(3)(i), this memorandum explains the absence of competition for this acquisition, as only one source will be solicited for this requirement (or for a portion of the requirement) and the requirement is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

3. This memorandum is derived from Enclosure 3, Department of Navy Simplified Acquisition Procedures Guide

(April 2018) and is only applicable to acquisitions under the SAT.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ITEM OR SERVICE (include manufacture/sole source name and address)

VectorNAV produces VN300 Inertial Navigation Systems which are high accuracy and non ITAR controlled allowing them to be used for Unmanned Surface Vessels operations where loss of the vessel may occur either through sinking or capture. These VN300 Inertial Navigation Systems provide high update rate position and orientation to the autonomy software running on the vessel so that it can navigate while performing sensor fusion of RADAR contacts to avoid obstacles.

Estimated Cost:

MANUFACTURER: VectorNAV Technologies, LLC

ADDRESS: 10501 Markison Road, Dallas, TX 75238, USA

PHONE: 1.512.772.3615 x246

POC: David Sentell

III. BASIS FOR DETERMINATION FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

☒ A. BRAND NAME:

Item required must be a brand name product, or feature of a product, particular to one manufacturer.

The government has conducted and tested multiple inertial navigation systems on the market over the past year.

We have tested ASEI ATACNAVs, KVH GEOFOGs, VectorNAV VN200s and VectorNAV VN300s. We have also partnered with John Hopkin’s Applied Physics Lab who have tested additional devices from other vendors.

The VectorNAV VN300 is the only device in its price range (of a few thousand dollars) that provides the minimum accuracy and the update rates needed for autonomy to perform properly and for perception to track targets on the water. The ASEI ATACNAV and KVH GEOFOGs are ITAR restricted and also cost tens of thousands to well over 100 thousand dollars each.

☐ 1. Restrictive Rights: The source has established proprietary rights, limited rights in data, patent rights, copyrights, or secret processes in the item or service required.

☐ 2. Exclusive Licensing Agreements: The item or service is only available from the Original Equipment

Manufacturer (OEM).

☒ 3. Other Reasons: As stated above, the VectorNAV VN200 is the only device in its price range that can provide the accuracy and the update rates needed for autonomy and perception software processes on the

Unmanned Surface Vessels to perform. Failure to process this SAP will result in significant delays and cost overruns of the Grain Barge Project.

☐ B. SOLE SOURCE (select all that apply)

☐ 1. Restrictive Rights: The source has established proprietary rights, limited rights in data, patent rights, copyrights, or secret processes in the item or service required.

☐ 2. Exclusive Licensing Agreements: The item or service is only available from the Original Equipment

Manufacturer (OEM), or there is only one authorized distributor or technical representative for the OEM.

☐ 3. Other Reasons:

IV. CERTIFICATIONS & APPROVALS

A. Technical/Requirements Certification: I certify that the facts and representation under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

B. Certification/Approval per FAR 13.501: Upon the basis of the above justification, I hereby approve the solicitation of the proposed procurement(s) described herein using other than full and open competition, pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c).

Contracting Officer Signature Name / Title / Phone Date