J&A_SPRDL1-18-R-0106_REDACTED.pdf

J&A SPRDL1-18-R-0106

Previous J&A SPRDL1-14-R-0205 is available and embedded in the document

J&A SPRDL1-18-R-0106

data that would be required to produce a competitive TDP. The current Support Plate Assembly drawing/TDP, drawing No. 12388582, a source control drawing, does not contain adequate technical data and/or information necessary to support a full and open competition.

Borisch Mfg is the actual (or original equipment) manufacturer and the only known source that possesses the required technical knowledge and engineering expertise to successfully manufacture this item per the current TDP. Borisch Mfg. developed, tested and obtained the Government's approval of this item for the M1 Abrams’ Support Plate Assembly at their own expense. The Government did not fund Borisch Mfg.’s efforts in developing and testing this item. Additionally, the Government did not fund Borisch Mfg. to prepare fully detailed TDPs.

As such, Borisch Mfg. is the sole owner of their drawings and technical data rights. The Government does not own proprietary rights to the Borisch’s data that would be required to produce a competitive TDP.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:There are no current plans to acquire a competitive TDP because funds are not available to acquire the data necessary to support a competitive acquisition.

ARDEC-RI engineering estimates that the cost to develop a competitive technical data package (TDP) for this item through reverse engineering could run as high as $750,000 and require an estimated delay of at least 36 months to include fabrication and testing of the prototype hardware, and releasing a validated TDP. Since there are no procedures in place to determine whether other sources are qualified to meet the government’s requirements, it would then take an additional $150,000 and take about 12 months for the U.S. Army/ARDEC engineers to develop government’s requirements for the prospective contractor to produce and qualify the items listed in section 3. Finally, it would cost $100,000 and take at least 12 months to conduct the actual Engineering analysis to determine if a new source has become approved in accordance with the newly competitive TDP. This would include the cost for any additional test equipment or fixtures, higher level assemblies and or end item systems, required to test this part and any costs for test facilities as applicable.

The overall costs associated with developing a competitive TDP, to include reverse engineering, developing government’s requirements and engineering analysis would be at least $1,000,000.00 dollars which would not be recovered through subsequent competition.

The aggregate delay in the acquisition process for the development of a competitive TDP is at least 60 months. A delay of this scale is not considered acceptable in fulfilling the army’s requirements and would have significant detrimental impact on the army’s ability to support the soldier in the field and will jeopardize the availability and supportability of Abrams FOV.

Due to lack of funding and urgency of the item requirement, the Government would not be able to conduct reverse engineering effort at this time. These stated costs would be very difficult to be recouped through subsequent competition and the consequential time delay for this effort is unacceptable to meet the Government's requirements.

J&A SPRDL1-18-R-0106

7. Actions to Increase Competition: No contractors are in the process of being qualified at this time, nor will be prior to the contract award due to funding constraints. Currently, there has not been any expressed interest by any known vendor(s) to become qualified source(s) to produce this item.

Qualifying a new source would require a substantial expenditure of the limited funding that has been provided to support the Abrams Vehicles. New sources would require the development of extensive testing and processing procedures. The additional time required for these actions would prohibit delivery of this item in a time frame that would meet the Government’s requirements.

At this time, there are no current or planned efforts to qualify additional sources due to the fact that there is no technical data available to produce a competitive TDP.

Any new vendor who decides to pursue the qualification process will be directed to the Competition Advocate’s Source Approval Program.

8. Market Research: In December 2017, market research was performed by ARDEC Engineering. At that time, ARDEC Engineering determined the Support Plate Assembly, 12388582, is a unique military item. No commercial equivalent exists. Therefore, no commercial item will satisfy the Army's need for the Support PlateAssembly.This item does not appear on the TACOM Warren Competition Advocate’s Shopping List (CASL) or Advanced Procurement Planning List (APPL) dated 16 JAN 2018.Vendors interested in pursuing source approval on this item are instructed to contact the Source Approval Officer in the Competition Management Office.

9. Interested Sources: A Sources Sought Synopsis for this NSN was posted on Fed Biz Opps on 22 NOV 2017 to see if there is any interest from perspective Offerors at this time. To date no other known source has expressed interest in writing regarding the manufacture of this item.

Attached is the referenced Sources Sought Synopsis for Component: Backplane Assembly NSN: 5998- 01-492-9055 Part number: 12388582 End Item: M1A2 V2 Abrams Family of Vehicles (FOV).

2018-113.pdf

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement history:

Contract: SPRDL1-15-C-0035 Award date: 2015 June 19 Contractor: Amphenol Borisch Technologies

J&A SPRDL1-18-R-0106

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

Due to the dollar value not expected to exceed $750,000.00, Certified Cost or Pricing Data will not initially be requested in accordance with FAR 15.403-4(a)(1), but will be required if the proposal exceeds the required threshold IAW FAR 15.403-4. However, Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data may be required in order to establish price reasonableness. The appropriate forms of cost and/or price analysis will be utilized, and negotiations will be conducted if necessary. This item is non-commercial.

Name: Jeffrey J. Mahlmeister Title: Contracting Officer Date: 05/02/2018 Signature: //JJM//

14. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name: Jeffrey J. Mahlmeister Title: Contracting Officer Date: 05/02/2018 Signature: //JJM//

15. Legal Concurrence:

Concur: // // Date: 05/07/2018

J&A_SPRDL1-14-R-0

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