SSJ Redacted.pdf

8 May 2023

MEMORANDUM

From:

To:

Subj: RECOMMENDATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Ref: (a) 0502-04 – Northrop Grumman (NG) Tactical Data Link Integration Exerciser (TIGER) Servers Package

1. It is recommended that other than full and open competition be used to acquire reference (a) for the following TIGER server, software, and training, manufactured by Northrop Grumman Corporation:

Description Part Number Quantity

TIGER Single Link Software License 172-DSL-SL 1

TIGER Server (Single Link) 172-A11488 1

Interface, Link 16, 1553, Single 246-A30761 1

Interface, Time Reference 246-A30774 1

5 Day Operator Training: US East Coast SPT-USEC-OT 1

The total estimated cost is $ with delivery requested as soon as possible after receipt of the order. The requested hardware, software, and training represents the minimum requirements of the government.

2. There is a new lab for the , with no link simulator equipment currently in the lab. This procurement is for the purposes of obtaining Link Simulation capacity for the lab. The TIGER server, a Tactical Data Link simulator, will allow the recreation of a multi-platform shipboard environment. The TIGER simulation provides simulated messages that allows a to operate in a Link-16 environment. The simulated link environment allows a program to validate their requirements for Link-16 and conduct link certification events. Without the TIGER simulation in the lab, the program will not be able to obtain the necessary objective quality evidence (OQE) to allow for a link certification needed for a ship certification and deployment. Tactical Data Link simulators are required to

Subj: RECOMMENDATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION recreate the multi-platform shipboard environment that represents real world battle groups. By installing TIGER systems, the lab will be able to recreate a multilink environment for the test teams to assess and detect deficiencies prior to shipboard installation. The servers must be compatible (form, fit, and function) with the currently installed components on ships and in the labs. Without this capability in the lab, the program will need to pay the developer for lab time for the needed testing to be conducted. This could have a cost upwards of $ - $ depending on the amount of total lab time needed. Additionally, the developer lab is not completely ship representative as the government lab will be;

therefore, issues could result that are not found until delivered to the ship, which will cause additional cost if issues are found late in the cycle. Furthermore, if the developer lab must be utilized, they will need to halt development causing a delay of delivery of the combat system software resulting in the delay of ship deployments. In addition, other sites currently have over $ worth of Northrop Grumman components already installed in other facilities. Using any other manufacturer’s products would result in incompatible server components that would not meet Information Assurance and Cybersecurity mandates at the sites.

Proprietary data limits competition.

3. Market research conducted included contacting subject matter experts, performing internet searches, reviewing catalogs and product literature published by manufacturers available online, contacting the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Northrop Grumman Corporation, and obtaining a market research quote. This market research and the review of the manufacturer’s compatibility and system specifications, has shown that these products would be the only solution compatible with the production suite. Northrop Grumman Corporation is the OEM of this proprietary hardware verifying that there are no authorized resellers for these specific proprietary servers.

CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in the above recommendation, are accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that the processing of this recommendation precludes the use of full and open competition.

Date: _________ ________________________________ Signature of Originator

5/24/2023