SS_N61331324C0004_Redacted.pdf

Third, the system meets the ASTM F2371-05 standard test method for Measuring the Heat Removal Rate of Personal Cooling Systems (PCS) using a Sweating Heated Manikin. This test method can be used to quantify and compare the cooling provided by different Personal Cooling Systems (PCS’s) worn with a standard outer garment or other specified clothing. The test method is intended to allow garments based on various cooling technologies to be evaluated fairly and objectively, by considering convective and evaporative heat transfer. This test method requires the use of a sweating, heated manikin. The sweating capability is essential to consider the potentially large fraction of heat dissipation associated with evaporative cooling. This test method covers the measurement of heat removal rate from a sweating, heated manikin as well as the duration of cooling provided by a cooling garment, to assess the effectiveness of a PCS.

Fourth, the system meets the EN 13537, Thermal properties of Sleeping Bags. This test method describes a testing standard where a thermal manikin is used as a measuring device, positioned inside a sleeping bag and placed in controlled cold conditions. Thermal loss is measured when stationary conditions are reached and, applying the result of a calibration procedure, a standard thermal insulation value of the sleeping bag is determined. A physiological model is then applied which uses the standard thermal insulation value to calculate ambient conditions corresponding to a comfort/utility range for the sleeping bag. Lastly, the NEMO Manikin system is the only system that meets the requirements of ISO 15831, measurement of thermal insulation by means of a thermal manikin. ISO 15831 describes the requirements of the thermal manikin and the test procedure used to measure the thermal insulation of a clothing ensemble, as it becomes effective for the wearer in practical use in a relatively calm environment, with the wearer either standing or moving.

In summary, there is no current thermal manikin system that is available in the commercial marketplace that meets the minimum Government needs for this proposed contract action.

Therefore, it is imperative that this system is acquired from Thermetrics immediately.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable

A sources sought notice was published on the Government point of entry SAM.gov website from 25 January 2024 through 9 February 2024. No other companies expressed an interest. No additional market research was conducted because it is not practicable, for the reasons discussed in paragraph 5 above, for any company other than Thermetrics to provide the required NEMO Manikin System.

This acquisition was synopsized in the Government Point of Entry SAM.gov on 9 February 2024 as required by FAR 5.2. As of the approval date of this justification there have been no inquiries regarding the purchase. No additional market research was conducted because it is not practicable for the reasons discussed in paragraph 5 above, and no other sources than the one specified above can meet the Government’s requirement.