Sole Source Justification_Redacted.pdf

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Document Number: N23-217

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

1. Identification of Agency and Contracting Activity.

The requiring activity is Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC), Silver Spring, MD and Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (NAMRU-D, Wright Patterson AFB, OH); the contracting activity is NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk, Contracting Dept.,

2. Description of the Action Being Approved.

This is a sole source action for the provision of research support services. This is a new requirement.

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

The Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (NAMRU-D) and the Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Lab at Brandeis University are conducting a funded study that will investigate visual and auditory feedback mechanism impact on perception control when gravity-dependent otolith and somatosensory position signals are no longer adequate to allow heading direction to be identified. This study requires the use of a multi-axis rotation system device at Brandeis that can produce flight-like dissociation of vestibular and somatosensory graviceptive cues from dynamic cues about equilibrium. Funding was provided to NAMRU-D from the Defense Health Agency under the FY23 Interservice Restoral Program, of which was budgeted for the team members at Brandeis.

Estimated Dollar Value

Period Estimated Period of Performance Estimated

Price Base Period 23 September 2023 - 22 September 2024

Option Period 1 23 September 2024 - 22 September 2025

Option Period 2 23 September 2025 - 22 September 2026

Total

The estimated total value of the base period of this action is , the overall total estimated value this action if all options are exercised is . The resultant contract will be funded with FY23 Research and Development (R&D) appropriations. These funds are currently available.

Options will be funded utilizing R&D appropriations of the fiscal year in which the option year is exercised.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Sole Source.

The statutory authority permitting this sole source action is 41 U.S.C. 1901, Simplified acquisition procedures - a sole source acquisition using simplified acquisition procedures for the acquisition of commercial items, as implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority.

IAW FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, this requirement will be solicited on a sole source basis to Brandeis University. Brandeis University Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Laboratory is the only center in the country that has the demonstrated expertise with separating mechanisms for orientation to gravity and to the dynamic direction of balance (DOB) needed to complete the requisite research.

They utilized their unique Multi-Axis Rotation System device to dissociate the dynamic DOB from its normal alignment with the direction of gravity (DOG) in their previous work. This work led to a paradigm that discovered a new, poorly understood subclass of spatial orientation that represents “non-orientation” in pilot-relevant conditions, and a way to study it.

Their collective results indicate that gravity-dependent positional cues are exceedingly important for adequate multi-axis control in realistic conditions which may allow for predicting an imminent Multi-Axis Rotation System system “crash” several seconds before it occurs.

The team from Brandeis University was instrumental in writing the proposal that was ultimately awarded the funded for this procurement.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable, including a Description of Market Research, if applicable, and a List of Interested Sources, if any.

Brandeis University – Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Laboratory was an essential co-author of the proposal that ultimately received this award. The established criteria for this current contract was based on the aforementioned proposal, this research team’s unique expertise, and the paradigm developed at Brandeis University. Therefore, they are the only ones able to meet the required criteria established for this contract. A notice will be publicized as required by FAR 5.2.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this Justification will be fair and reasonable.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk has no plans at this time to compete future contacts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.

9. Contracting Point of Contact. The point of contact at (e.g., NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, is Lorna Mohney, Code 217, who may be contacted at (757) 443-1135 or by e-mail at lorna.d.mohney.civ@us.navy.mil.

Document Number: N23-217

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that the Justification value is , the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of the document.

Signature Name (Printed) Date Phone No.

CONTRACTING ACTIVITY COMPETITION ADVOCATE REVIEW

To the extent that the Justification value is greater than $750K and <$15M, the Competition Advocate’s signature below also represents approval of the document.