Justification Approval_OTFOC.pdf

Control#: RTP-FY-14-07

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

(ACTIONS $150,000 AND BELOW)

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT :

This effort will provide transportation, maintenance, and reinstallation of the holographic display from ARL- STTC to the University of Minnesota.

2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER: Zebra Imaging, Inc 9801 Metric Blvd STE 200 Austin, TX 78758

3. ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE: Basic contract: $49,747.81

TOTAL $49,747.81

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION: FAR 6.302-1

5. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE:

The proposed work is to conduct maintenance and relocation of a light-field holographic display. All research and development of the display was conducted by Zebra Imaging, and the display is the first of its kind. At present there are no other light-field holographic displays that have been developed. Furthermore, Zebra has proprietary hardware and software incorporated into the light-field display including unique optics, spatial light modulators, computational layer, and holographic data computation software. The inner workings of the display and the software play a key role in the functioning of the display; without knowledge of these factors, the calibration and maintenance of the display is not possible. As a result, Zebra Imaging is the only company with the capability to calibrate and maintain the device.

Furthermore, due to the proprietary hardware and software, only Zebra engineers would have the experience necessary to conduct the work. These components have been patented by Zebra and are included in their intellectual property. Due to these facts, a sole source award was deemed necessary.

6. MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED/EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION:

Matthew Hackett, a Science and Technology Manager with experience in holography and holographic displays conducted the market research during the month of January 2013 utilizing (1) online searches, (2) conference attendance, and (3) communication with other sources familiar with holographic displays. (1) Online searches were conducted using the keywords digital holography, motion holograms, holographic display, and light field display. The results of the information gathered found that there are other companies conducting research into holography, however none of the companies were developing a light field display. The companies used techniques such as multi-projectors for angular slices (Third Dimension Technologies Inc.) or were developing static holograms (Holoxica Inc.). Other companies such as Microsoft are also developing holographic displays, but are using a spinning mirror system, which is a vastly different display modality. zSpace also provides a holographic display capability, but requires glasses in their configuration.

Through the online searches, no companies had a holographic display configuration similar to the existing one to be maintained. As a result, none of the companies are familiar with the hardware and needed techniques to generate a light-field hologram. (2) Conferences attended for research upon this topic included Digital Holography and 3D Imaging conference, which is the foremost conference in holography. I/ITSEC was also attended in hopes of looking for new holography vendors. At these conferences, a number of vendors were present, including Third Dimension Technologies and Infinite Z, but neither of these companies have the capabilities to maintain a lightfield display. (3) Other sources of information included discussion with other Government personnel, such as engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) who are also currently conducting holographic research. The information provided by AFRL engineers confirmed the findings of the market research conducted by Mr. Hackett.

7. FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE DETERMINATION:

It has been determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable and that approval of this recommendation is in the best interest of the government. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature:

E-Signed by JELKS.NIKIA.S.1241952505 VERIFY authenticity with ApproveIt

Name: JELKS.NIKIA.S.1241952505 Title: Contracting Officer (KO) Date: Friday, 15 August, 2014