(Source Selection Information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4) programs and other high priority DEVCOM-AC Science & Technology projects, the acquisition of this software and support is a necessity. This software enhances DEVCOM-AC’s capability to perform advanced finite element analysis, which is of the Army’s projects. The requirement for ABACUS (SIMULIA) fits seamlessly into the

. DEVCOM-AC is directed to prioritize several under the umbrellas with which encompasses the . These projects utilize the highly complex and uniquely critical ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software for M&S tasks that include strength of design analysis and activities for prototype developments, which are briefed at the Pentagon level. Utilizing the ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software for hybrid work has boosted engineering capabilities, resulting in successful project outcomes. ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software is also used for several current root cause investigations

, development of the weapon system designs, and the Extended

Range Cannon Assembly (ERCA) Program.

For over 20 years, DS Government Solutions alone has been responsible for all of DEVCOM-AC’s ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software support and is the only source that can satisfy the Government’s current requirement in the timeframe necessary to meet the Army’s analytical requirements for mission needs. This sole source position is predicated on DS Government Solutions being the original manufacturer, developer and distributor of ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software and software support.

DS Government Solutions is the only provider that has access to source codes and patent rights for ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software. DS Government Solutions alone has the required knowledge and familiarization with the existing Abaqus (SIMULIA)software as well as the background and knowledge of Army requirements and projects utilizing ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software. Not only has DS Government Solutions provided the ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software support described above, but they also have the unique capability to provide any and all future ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software requirements and support through License Renewals.

Competition for this requirement is not feasible and would result in a substantial duplication of costs that is not expected to be recovered through competition. All other potential software developers would have to develop software products that can duplicate the functions that ABAQUS currently provides. ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software is the only software that provides our users with the ability to execute models for highly complex through a variety of conditions. ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software is capable of processing. All other potential software developers would have to develop software products that can duplicate the functions that ABAQUS currently provides. This delay would create a significant capability gap for the Army's Long- Range Precision Fires modernization priority, impacting national security readiness.

The following chart shows the schedule impact of not awarding to DS Government Solutions.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: The Contracting Officer shall publish the notices required by FAR 5.201 and any bids or proposals received shall be considered.

a) Effective Competition. Effective competition is not feasible for this effort because DS Government Solutions is the sole source capable of supplying the necessary software.

b) Subcontracting Competition. Not applicable. No subcontracting opportunities are available since the software is solely developed, distributed, and supported by DS Government Solutions.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: No actions can be taken to increase competition due to the manufacturer, DS Government Solutions, being the sole developer, and distributor of ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software support, and the only provider that has access to the source codes and patent rights for ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software. The Government will continue to conduct market research on an annual basis in an effort to find viable competition and in accordance with FAR 5.201(b), future requirements will be synopsized. If other authorized ABAQUS sellers are found, or an alternate software application has emerged with the capability to meet the Government's finite analysis software needs, competition will be provided to the greatest extent possible.

8. Market Research: From October 1, 2025 to December 30, 2025 the technical community conducted market research by attending M&S Symposia, evaluating alternative government and commercial codes, and contacting other Government Agencies to assess their tools/workflows.

The research concluded that DS Government Solutions is the sole manufacturer, developer, and provider of ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software support, and is the only provider that has access to the source codes and patent rights for ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software. There is currently no other software that can meet the requirements of the DEVCOM-AC M&S Community.

9. Interested Sources: To date, no other sources have expressed interest in the acquisition.

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement history.

Contract Number: W15QKN25PA024; award date: 18 March 2025; Value: $1,589,951.68.

I. Competitive Status: Sole Source.

II. Authority previously cited: Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.501(a)(1)(ii), sole source (including brand name).

III. Previous J&A Paragraph 7, Actions to Increase Competition: No actions can be taken to increase competition due to the manufacturer, DS Government Solutions, being the sole developer, and distributor of ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software support, and the only provider that has access to the source codes and patent rights for ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software. The Government will continue to conduct market research on an annual basis in an effort to find viable competition and in accordance with FAR 5.201(b), future requirements will be synopsized. If other authorized ABAQUS (SIMULIA) sellers are found, or an alternate software application has emerged with the capability to meet the Government's finite analysis software needs, competition will be provided to the greatest extent possible.

IV. No prior contracts for this requirement have been accomplished using Full and Open Competition.

V. There are no unusual patterns or urgent buys throughout the history of this Program.

VI. The circumstances justifying the previous procurement are similar to this justification. Since DS Government Solutions is the original manufacturer and does not have any authorized distributor or reseller, there have not been any significant changes to the procurement.

Contract Number: W15QKN-19-D-0021; Award Date: 21 December 2018. Associated Delivery Orders (DO) are as follows:

DO Date of Award Value

W15QKN-19-F-0176 2018DEC21 $918,004.80

W15QKN-19-F-0292 2019FEB01 $1,133,149.20

W15QKN-20-F-0017 2019DEC20 $1,196,520.76

W15QKN-20-F-0502 2020OCT01 $ 38,473.60

W15QKN-21-F-0033 2020NOV30 $1,196,520.76

W15QKN-21-F-0428 2021SEP09 $ 39,243.09

W15QKN-21-F-0087 2021DEC15 $1,269,391.65

W15QKN-23-F-0090 2022NOV30 $ 40,816.65

W15QKN-23-F-0112 2022DEC12 $1,269,391.65

W15QKN-24-F-0046 2023DEC08 $1,390,029.74

I. Competitive Status: Sole Source II. Authority previously cited: Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial

Items, 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.5, Exclusive licensing agreements.

III. Previous J&A Paragraph 7, Procurement’s Actions to Increase Competition:

No actions could be taken to increase competition. DS Government Solutions was responsible for all of DEVCOM-AC’s ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software support because DS Government Solutions is the original manufacturer, developer and distributor of ABAQUS (SIMULIA) software and software support. DS Government Solutions does not have any authorized distributors or resellers. The Government conducted market research prior to each DO award and found no change in the market condition.

IV. No prior contracts for this requirement have been accomplished using Full and Open Competition.

V. There are no unusual patterns or urgent buys throughout the history of this Program.

VI. The circumstances justifying the previous procurement are similar to this justification. Since DS Government Solution is the original manufacturer and does not have any authorized distributor or reseller, there have not been any significant changes to the procurement.

Other facts: There are no other pertinent facts remaining.