Sole Source Justification.pdf

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Consequently, any attempt to hire an external software developer to integrate a software-based night vision overlay or to build direct hardware/software communication bridges between the simulation engine and Furuno radar systems would:

- Be legally blocked due to the proprietary nature of the OEM software.

- Void the existing 5-year warranty and software upgrade contract recently awarded to Virtual Marine.

- Introduce substantial risk of technical incompatibility, simulator downtime, or system failure.

Therefore, competition is limited, because Virtual Marine is the sole entity with the proprietary rights, source code, and specialized technical expertise required to perform the required upgrades.

☒ The supplies or services must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit and function) with existing systems presently installed/performing. Describe the equipment/function you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system.

The software upgrades and hardware support must be fully compatible with the existing simulators at the SBTC. The proposed night vision visual overlay and the Furuno chart-plotter integration must interface directly and seamlessly with the VR headset hardware and simulator software currently deployed with NSW. Only Virtual Marine can write and compile code updates that are guaranteed to function on the existing hardware configuration without degrading system performance.

☒ A patent, copyright or proprietary data limits competition.

The required products can only be provided by Virtual Marine. The Government already owns Coastal Simulators, which were designed and manufactured by Virtual Marine. The simulator software is closed-source.

Development of the simulated night vision toggle and the custom software interface for Furuno radar output requires direct modifications to the simulator's core physics, visual rendering pipeline, and data-output loops.

This proprietary data is owned and controlled exclusively by Virtual Marine. No other vendor has the rights, source code, or technical expertise to access, modify, or upgrade this proprietary system. Therefore, competition is limited as Virtual Marine is the sole entity capable of performing the required maintenance and upgrades the SBTC requires.

☒ These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

As mentioned above, this procurement is a logical continuation of the initial simulator purchase from Virtual Marine. The government has made a significant capital investment in purchasing these two VR simulators and has recently secured their long-term operational effectiveness via a 5-year warranty/upgrade program with the OEM. Procuring these tactical upgrades directly from Virtual Marine is a logical and necessary continuation of that initial procurement. Securing a sole source contract from the OEM is the standard, most efficient, and lowest-risk method to ensure the continued functionality and support of the specialized equipment for the Government.

Other information to support a sole source action:

The above mentioned rationales are all supportive of a sole source action to Virtual Marine to ensure there is not a loss of function to the Government.

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION:

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF

MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROCESSING OF THIS SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

PRECLUDES THE USE OF FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION.

I HEREBY DETERMINE THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES

JUSTIFYING ONLY ONE SOURCE IS REASONABLY AVAILABLE APPLIES TO THE CONTRACT ACTION.

Signature Date

Requiring Activity

Contracting Officer Signature Date

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk Contracting Department, Pentagon Directorate