924MHz_RWP_Brand-Name_JA_19APR19_RA_Signedv2_Redacted.pdf

Control No:

Program/Equipment: 924MHz Radar Wind Profiler (RWP)

Version – March 2017 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

FAR 8.405-6 Limited Sources Justification

Brand Name Only

1. Contracting Activity: MICC- Fort Hood, Texas

2. Description of Action: White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) requests a firm-fixed-price, contract. Projected award is JULY 2019 and fiscal year 2019, funds type Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) Meteorology (MET) Investment Operations and Maintenance funds will be used.

An acquisition plan is not required because this procurement does not meet the threshold at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 207.103(d)(i)(B).

3. Description of Supplies/Services: WSMR has the need to acquire one 924MHz Radar Wind Profiler (RWP) that will collect wind profiles similar to a capability that WSMR possesses. The objective is to have four of these systems deployed on the Range to increase the resolution of wind data collected for projects. These wind profiles consist of wind direction and speed. Data collected will help with trajectory predictions when testing unguided vehicles. For WSMR, this capability will assist in testing current missions as well as future missions Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF), Hyper Sonics, and Vertical Liftoff missions respectively which are part of the Army’s future testing.

4. Authority Cited: The procedures in FAR subpart 13.5 were used in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1901 or the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1903.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

WSMR currently has a Raptor 924MHz Radar Wind Profiler (RWP) here on-site the team already operates. They are familiar with the operations; thus, no extensive and costly training is required beyond what comes with the system. With the addition of said system, the two systems will be interoperable and common meaning there would only be a need for one set of spare parts down the road instead of two. Manufacturer maintenance/troubleshooting would be whittled to one requirement because they are the same system vice having two different ones; thus, two separate manufacturers equals two different requirements which equals more money etc. Acquiring a secondary Raptor 924MHz Radar Wind Profiler will allow for operational continuity with minimal down-time related to introducing a system with which the operators have some familiarity. A secondary effect of acquiring the Raptor system is the fact that they provide a Linux based graphical user interface (GUI) distribution that has been approved by the ARMY/WSMR Information Assurance team to operate on WSMR’s Test Support Network (TSN).

Lastly and most importantly is the fact that this system provides wind profiles (speed and direction) that are used for making safety decisions regarding the trajectory of a launched vehicle which sometimes is an unguided missile and/or rocket respectively.

These wind profiles are ingested into the GO/NO-GO decision-making process determining the safety of launching one of these vehicles.

Ultimately, WSMR would be saving a substantial amount of money and time by going down this path. Additionally, this equipment will ensure the safety of people and property on WSMR.

6. Actions to Increase Competition: Sources sought were posted to GSA and FBO.

7. Market Research: The WSMR MET team has carried out extensive research online as well as utilizing experience from operating the legacy system to qualify the need for the additional 924MHz RWP. The MET group found several sources that provide a similar capability. The team used the GSA Advantage website as the initial point of research looking for a 924MHz RWP. The only source found on the GSA Advantage website was . This company only listed a 915MHz RWP on the website (the 924MHz RWP was not on GSA). Other sources identified that provide wind profilers are: (1) .; (2) (3) . The extent of the research performed was via Google, searching for wind profilers. Results from the internet search produced the previously-named sources. was immediately disqualified as a candidate for acquisition as a result of having a max height of 200m vice the 3km WSMR requires for better wind-data resolution. can meet five of the six key performance parameters (KPP). The only KPP that the company cannot meet is the LINUX operating system (OS) distribution request. The LINUX OS distribution is requested because it is a more secure OS than Microsoft Windows, especially regarding ARMY network security. Linux is also more dynamic and can accept upgrades/modifications. The model operates at 1 KHz frequency at 60W of power, which can be critically impacted in an atmospheric environment that can be congested with instrumentation that operates at a higher-power output and higher frequency bands. Essentially, this system would be overpowered and/or would be interfered with consistently.

8. Other Facts: Another advantage regarding this Brand-Name request is that WSMR MET can leverage SME knowledge on the Raptor systems from other ATEC ranges, specifically Dugway Proving Ground (DPG). DPG’s MET group runs their profilers with Linux-based OS's on a network. DPG has more radar wind profiler expertise than WSMR. This experience adds another layer of commonality and interoperability, helping with problem-solving, operations support, maintenance and troubleshooting.

9. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Date:

Title: Electronics Engineer Signature:

10. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Title: Supervisory Engineer Signature:

11. Contract Specialist:

Title: Contract Specialist Signature:

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

Title: Contracting Officer Signature:

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