Sole-Source Justification Redacted_Redacted.pdf

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LFOD
Solicitation number
FA558720P0075
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This sole-source justification document outlines the acquisition of a laser-based foreign object debris (LFOD) detection system for RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. The system must be mobile, able to detect FOD as small as 2mm from 50mph, scan in 3D, be self-calibrating, operate as a stand-alone unit, alert the driver in real-time to detected FOD, record GPS coordinates and characteristics of FOD, and collect pavement data including cracking, potholes, texture, and images. Market research determined Romdas is the only vendor that can provide a system meeting these requirements due to safety concerns about using radar-based systems near aircraft and munitions. The sole-source contract FA558720P0075 for an unknown amount was awarded to an unknown vendor on September 30, 2020 by the Department of the Air Force United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa for this LFOD system.

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Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

18 Jun 2019 Page 2 of 5

I. Contracting Activity.

48th Contracting Squadron (CONS) Bldg 977, Boston Drive RAF Lakenheath, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 9PN

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

The action being processed is an individual Sole Source Justification (SSJ) for the procurement of an LFOD system for the 48th Maintenance Group (48 MXG) at RAF Lakenheath. Sole Source approval is being sought for a new acquisition to provide the 48 MXG with a mobile, laser based FOD detection system.

The Government intends to issue a new Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract for this requirement.

A redacted version of the SSJ shall be posted on the Government Point of Entry (GPE) following the procedures outlined in FAR 13.501(a)(iii).

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

This requirement is broken down into two sections; airfield requirements and the equipment listing.

Section 1: Airfield Requirements;

1.1: Mobile system able to mount to almost any vehicle 1.2: Detect FOD 2mm or above in real time traveling at a minimum of 50MPH 1.3: 3D Scan with ability to detect different sizes, shapes, materials, colors 1.4: Self Calibrating 1.5: Ability to be a stand-alone system 1.6: Alert driver in real time when FOD is detected 1.7: Detect FOD on all airfield surfaces in all light conditions 1.8: Record GPS coordinates and physical characteristics of FOD 1.9: Collect pavement data; cracking, potholes, macro-texture, rutting, pavement images, surface raveling, joint/ faulting, roughness/longitudinal profile, geometry, video logging, rubber detection.

Section 2: Equipment listing;

2.1: DCL ROMDAS System, ROMDAS Controller v2 (Inc. data collection software) , CASE-Laser/ROMDAS, CASE-ROMDAS Rack, CAB-USB-Interface, Cable Ethernet 2m, Cable Ethernet 1m, Tire Gauge, 50m Tape Measure, LP Controller v1.2, CAB-LPC Pwr/Sync, CAB-LPC Comms, CAB-RC Power 3 m v2.

2.2: High Resolution DMI, CAB-HRDMI Encoder V2, Encoder, Encoder Angle Mount, HRDMI Collar, HRDMI Rod & Cable Clips, HRDMI Clevis, HRDMI Rod Extension, HRDMI Magnet Swivel, HRDMI Wheel Plate, HRDMI Nut Ext Set, HRDMI Cable Pipe.

2.3: DGPS Receiver - Trimble BX992 Trimble BX992 GPS Receiver, Antenna-GA810, Antenna Cable 10m, CAB-GPS Power v3, Cable Ethernet 2m, Omnistar VBS subscription (12 months).

2.4: DGPS Receiver - CFX Route Planning Unite Trimble CFX GPS Receiver, Antenna-GA810, Antenna Cable 10m.

2.5: Longitudinal Laser Profilometer - Roughness (IRI) Laser Unit v3, Laser Angle Bracket, CAB-Laser v3, CASE-Laser/ ROMDAS, Laser Mount v2.

2.6: Macrotexture (MPD) Upgrade To Laser Profilometer Software upgrade to Laser Profiler v3 to collect MPD texture, HW-Video USB 3, CAB-USB 3 Active, Camera Mount v2, ROW Roof Mount.

2.7: Laser Crack Measurement System Version 2 - (LCMS2) LCMS Controller Box (Inc. LCMS Acquisition & Processing Software licenses), LCMS Laser (Left), LCMS Laser (Right), LCMS Laser Cover, Laser Safety Glasses, CAB-BNC 1.5m, LCMS Electrical Assembly, CAB-PI, LCMS Rear Mount v2.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

18 Jun 2019 Page 3 of 5

2.8: LCMS - Airport FOD Detection LFOD Vehicle Mounting, LFOD Real-time Alert Software, LFOD acquisition 2.9: Rack Mount Computer System Computer Monitor, Cable HDMI 5meters, UPS Unit 2U, Inverter 1100W, Computer Custom i9, 12U Enclosure Assembly, Anti-Vibration Frame, Charge Controller v2, Monitor Stand.

2.10: LCMS Validation Tool LCMS validation tool.

2.11: ROMDAS Data View - Full Processing License ROMDAS Data View Software.

2.12: 12 Month Annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS) For ROMDAS System with LCMS12 Month Annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS).

2.13: On-Site Training & Installation On-site Training & Installation.

2.14: 12 Month Support: cooperative refinement process.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 2302b, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

The Government's need stipulates laser based FOD detection versus the industry standard RADAR based design.

RADAR based systems pose a hazard due to how it interacts with certain types of munitions. In the worst cases RADAR can cause accidental detonation. In light of this, using RADAR based systems poses an unacceptable risk to the aircraft at RAF Lakenheath. Furthermore, RADAR based systems are unable to detect FOD originating from any F-35 aircraft.

The F-35's imminent arrival at RAF Lakenheath would immediately render any RADAR based system inoperable.

Market research determined Romdas is the only vendor with a commercial solution that provides for a mobile, laser based FOD detection system.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

The Government's requirement is more restrictive than many of its commercial counterparts in regards to what can be safely used on an airfield. Commercial airports are able to operate RADAR, large structures, and close captioned cameras on their airfields. However, the risk to personnel and aircraft posed by RADAR based detection systems, Operational Security requirements that do not allow for the use of camera's directly on the airfield, and the inability to construct large structures directly next to the airfields runways and taxiways prevent the Government from utilizing any commercial solutions that utilize those practices.

In light of the above, and because market research has determined Romdas is currently the only vendor in the commercial market place offering a mobile, laser-based solution; the Government is unable to solicit from any other sources at this time.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer anticipates being able to prove the cost to the Government as fair and reasonable. The Contracting Officer intends to prove so using FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(iv) comparison with similar items in a related industry and FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(vi) comparison to an independent Government estimate.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

18 Jun 2019 Page 4 of 5

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Market research efforts were conducted in accordance with the guidance outlined in FAR part 10, Market Research.

It should be noted, the LCMS lasers, as well as the real-time alert software and the LCMS2 firmware; as outlined in the statement of work are manufactured by Pavemetrics. Pavemetrics lasers are incorporated into the LFOD among several other systems. The Laser Crack Measurement System (LCMS-2), the Laser Rail Inspection (LRAIL), the Laser Digital Terrain Mapping System (LTDM), and the Laser Tunnel Scanning System (LTSS). However, those specific systems are for roads, trail rails, open terrain, and tunnels respectively. There are a total of 18 vendors who incorporate Pavemetric lasers into their equipment, however Romdas is the only vendor who sells the LFOD versus the LCMS-2, the LRAIL, the LTDM, or the LTSS.

In order to satisfy the requirements outlined in FAR 8.003, The 48th Contracting Squadron (48 CONS) first ensured the requirement couldn't be satisfied through mandatory sources. Research determined that nothing that could meet the Governments need was available through any sources identified in the section.

After this step ProcurementIQ was queried; while FOD detection was not specifically represented. Mapping equipment appeared to be a similar item, as it is defined as software and hardware used in combination with geographical data to create visual geospatial representations. This market displays a relatively equal footing between buyers and sellers in terms of negotiating power. While buyers benefit from low market share concentration and low price volatility. Their negotiating power is somewhat hampered by switching costs and specialization within the industry.

Once ascertaining the general landscape of the industry. The Government conducted further surveys on five additional vendors to ascertain whether or not their equipment would meet the agency need outlined above. The results of the surveying are articulated in the Vendor Information section below.

In addition to surveying vendors capable of provided FOD detection equipment, the 48 FW FOD Office coordinated with its counterparts at Travis AFB, Nellis AFB, and as well as the Air Combat Command FOD Office. The research conducted with these offices corroborated the research conducted at RAF Lakenheath.

Finally, the Air Force Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) was contacted and asked to provide any market information they may have on vendors who could provide the necessary equipment. The DIU stated they were unaware of any vendors currently in the market place that were able to do so.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

None.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

As stated previously in this justification; market research has determined there are currently no commercial sources who can provide a mobile, laser based FOD detection system with a further airfield inspection capability.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

No actions can currently be taken on the Governments part to remove or overcome barriers to competition in this arena. Market research will be conducted on an ongoing basis to ensure new entrants are captured for future acquisitions.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

18 Jun 2019 Page 5 of 5

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my signature above, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my (our) responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .