Sole Source Justification Approval SOW 23-3B2 Redacted.pdf

DMEA# 23-28

Defense Microelectronics Activity 4234 54th Street, McClellan, CA 95652

SOW# 23-3B2

Sole Source Justification

1. Agency and Contracting Activity:

Office of Secretary of Defense, Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA).

2. Nature/Description of Action:

New firm fixed price requirement to procure a Blue M Oven IGF-6680-E-F4T with O2 sensor for polyimide cure capability for SiC device manufacturing and future high voltage device manufacturing from Thermal Product Solutions (TPS).

3. Description of Supplies/Services:

The Blue M Oven IGF-6680-E-F4T with O2 sensor is a standalone oven capable of processing 150 mm wafers for polyimide film cure, in an inert gas environment and is for use in DMEA’s Foundry SiC device manufacturing to cure Polyimide film to passivate device.

4. Authority Cited:

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) Soliciting from a single source; 41 U.S.C. 1901.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

Currently, DMEA’s ARMS Foundry has no polyimide capability which is required for SiC/high voltage device manufacturing since polyimide films are used as a passivation layer for these devices. After depositing a polyimide film onto a wafer, a cure in an inert environment is required to stabilize the film and achieve the desired film properties. Therefore, an inert gas oven is required to successfully manufacture SiC/high voltage devices.

Due to limited space within the ARMS Foundry, it’s necessary to purchase the polyimide cure oven from TPS since it is able to meet DMEA’s manufacturing requirements while having a smaller footprint. The DMEA’s ARMS Foundry has significant space constraints. Consequently, only TPS Blue M Oven will fit in the space available in the Foundry, such that procurement from this sole source, TPS, is required.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: On 16 Dec 2022, a sources sought was posted on SAM.gov, which produced only one viable source, TPS. However, the solicitation, accompanied by this approved justification will be posted on SAM.gov. The Contracting Officer will consider quotations submitted by responsible sources in accordance with FAR 5.207(c)(16)(ii).

7. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. This determination is based on the Independent Government Estimate and market research.

Typed Name: Zonel Laborde Date: __________________________

Title: Contracting Officer Signature: ______________________

8. Market Research:

DMEA# 23-28

Market research consisted of a review of catalogs and other generally available product literature published by manufacturers, distributors, and dealers available on-line. A Sources Sought was also utilized. It produced only three responses. Aviate Enterprises responded, but can only provide maintenance support of DMEA’s need, not production, so they were determined not to be able to meet the requirement. Despatch responded by showing they can produce an oven that meets the technical requirement, however it is too large to fit in the space available in DMEA’s foundry. Thermal Product Solutions also responded and showed they have a product available, the Blue M Oven that can meet the technical need and fit within the size requirements of DMEA’s Foundry. Thus, they were determined to be the only responsible source.

9. Other Facts:

None.

10. Listing of Sources:

Entity Name: Thermal Product Solutions LLC SAM Unique Entity ID: EDN3VLXQVK55

CAGE: 62682

Company Physical Address:

2821 Old Route 15 New Columbia, Pennsylvania 17856-9396, United States

11. Actions to Increase Competition:

As current market research identified only one viable source, this requirement will be met utilizing a Sole Source Justification. However, market research will continue to be conducted to identify emerging vendors for future requirements.

12. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of the contracting officer’s knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Zonel Laborde Date: __________________________

Title: Contracting Officer Signature: _______________________