Sole Source Justification Nlign Software.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: Brandon Laing

CODE: 654

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)

Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD), Code 6540, is seeking to acquire licenses and support for NLign Analytics database software. The Structures group within the Navy has been looking for a piece of software to capture all Navy inspection data for the life of the vessel. Traditional methods require legacy software or excel which does not allow the ISEA community to accurately define the issues that are happening on board ships. This software will transition the Navy to a 3D environment which will increase fleet readiness and maintenance costs:

1. NLign Professional – 6 Licenses

2. CATIA CAD License Option

3. NCheck –qty 3

4. NThead Server

The estimated value for all components is $70,000 and the desired delivery date is 8/1/2022.

MANUFACTURER: NLign Analytics

ADDRESS: 5050 Section Ave #110, Cincinnati, OH 45212

PHONE: thomas.sharp@nlign.com, 513-806-2171

POC: Thomas Sharp

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

Other commands are working on traditional structural inspection database pieces of software but none are able to reproduce what NLign is capable of. They are similar to excel with pre-defined filtering options. NLign is a 3-D environment capable of user customizable fields with a low learning curve.

☐ A. BRAND NAME:

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

mailto:thomas.sharp@nlign.com

☐ 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:

☒ B. SOLE SOURCE

☐ 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.

Explain what rights are restricted, why the restrictive rights make the required item or service available from only one source, and why another company could not satisfy the Government’s need. Describe how market research indicates other companies’ similar products or products lacking the particular feature do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency’s needs.

☒ 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.

The software was built on SBIR contract for Maintenance and Support Services associated with the Air Force and

NAVAIR. The DON Small business innovation research Phase III guidebook states and needs to be tailored for the Navy inspection processes. The US Navy has already invested a substantial amount of time and money into this software for aircraft. The next logical phase is to extend the software for US Navy ships and craft.

☒ 3. Other Reasons: The NLign Analytics software and support listed above is required for the US Navy push for database consolidation and digital transformation of inspection data. The Navy structural deficiencies are spread across a number of databases that are not searchable across platforms. This results in a major failure in the philosophy of data management. NLign Analytics has developed software to assist with inspection observations, data storage and provide a central location for scientists and engineers to analyze data.

Specifically, NLign allows engineers to upload existing ship models and navigate the model in 3D space. Defects can be added virtually and populated with pertinent information for each location. The defects can be filtered via datasets and viewed. This is a critical need for the Navy that does not currently exist. Engineers need to be able to look at the large picture when it comes to ship structure, meaning globally where the areas with abundant issues are. Without this software, it would impact the Navy’s ability to conduct the required analysis of the data and searchable databases in a central location if requirement is not solicited from the only source that can meet the requirements.

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.

Customer/Requestor Signature Name / Title / Phone Date

First Line Supervisor Signature Name / Title / Phone Date

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