A03RedactedJAW911QX15D0011.pdf

Control No. 14-24

Justification Review Document For Other than Full and Open Competition

Program/Equipment: [REDACTED] basic and applied research.

Authority: 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3 Industrial Mobilization; or Experimental, Developmental, or Research Work; or Expert Services.

Amount: $3,000,000.00

Prepared By:

Typed Name: [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Title: [REDACTED] Date: 28 May 2014

Procuring Contracting Officer: [REDACTED] Typed Name: [REDACTED] Date Reviewed: 28 May 2014

Technical Representative:

Typed Name: [REDACTED] DSN: [REDACTED] Title: [REDACTED] Date Reviewed: 28 May 2014

Requirements Representative:

Typed Name: [REDACTED] DSN: [REDACTED]

Title: [REDACTED] Date Reviewed: 28 May 2014

Legal Review: I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition.

DSN:[REDACTED]

Justification and Approval For Other Than Full and Open Competition

1.a. Contracting Agency: The U.S. Army RDECOM, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi MD and its WSMR Branch, Bldg 1624, White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002-5512

1.b. Requiring Agency: The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Survivability Lethality Analysis Directorate (SLAD), RDRL-SE-E, White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002-5512.

2. Description of Action: Approval is requested to solicit a new task-order contract in support of Survivability/Lethality Analysis Directorate (SLAD) and Computation and Information Sciences Directorate (CISD) with the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to maintain essential research in the areas of [REDACTED]. The contract type contemplated will be a cost reimbursement, no fee, task order contract. The period of performance is five (5) years from date of award. The proposed contract ceiling amount is $3,000,000.00 and intends to utilize fiscal year (FY) 2014 Research Development Test and Evaluation funds for the first year.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: This effort is to [REDACTED].

[REDACTED] support across all U.S. Army mission areas includes but is not limited to Research, Development and Engineering (RD&E) of:

a) [REDACTED] concepts

b) Measurement and experimentation techniques

c) Data collection and analysis

d) Prototype hardware development

e) Platform Survivability Enhancement which includes but is not limited to:

f) Identification of the most modern analytical and numerical techniques for scene modeling and sensor characterization

g) Integration of these techniques within a common analytical framework for analysis

h) Development of validation criteria

i) Implementation of selected specific cases

j) Integration of [REDACTED] and survivability enhancement efforts to develop modeling and analysis of environmental phenomena impacting the interaction of electronic sensors, targets associated with these sensors, and the environment

k) [REDACTED] which includes but is not limited to:

l) Cognitive research to better understand sensor-target-human decision related processes

m) Bio-semiotic fusion

n) Information assurance research (platform attack algorithms)

o) Information attack reverse engineering studies

p) Scanning/security diagnostic algorithms

q) Meteorology and homeland defense which includes but is not limited to RD&E of:

r) Boundary layer meteorology

s) Small scale modeling and analysis that includes the microscale and the lower end of the mesoscal

t) Transport and dispersion of various agents including radioactive materials associated with the detonation of a radiation or “dirty” bomb, biological, and other hazardous agents

u) Related enabling technologies such as meteorological data assimilation/data fusion and methods to transfer very large and highly perishable data sets

v) Theoretical studies to support the above services as required.

w) The design and performance of laboratory and field experiments to support the above services as required.

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires [REDACTED]. A long-term cohesive and comprehensive research program, as well as the specialized training of Army personnel in these and related rapidly developing technology areas, is required to ensure that Army goals are met. Due to UTEP’s extensive experience in [REDACTED], continuation of these efforts with UTEP further enhances the essential long-term relationship required to maintain the various R&D expertise’s mentioned above. UTEP is the only source identified as being capable of providing a sufficiently broad expertise through academic subject matter experts (SMEs) and advanced facility offerings to accomplish the comprehensive scope of the required [REDACTED] effort. .

4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3 Industrial Mobilization; or Experimental, Developmental, or Research Work; or Expert Services.

5. Reason for Authority Cited: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(3) as implemented by FAR Part 6.302-3 “Industrial Mobilization; or Experimental, Developmental, or Research Work; or Expert Services, as further implemented by FARS 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii)

The proposed contractor for this effort is:

University of Texas at El Paso 500 W. University Ave El Paso, TX 79968-0697

DUNS 132051285

CAGE: 0MLB2

UTEP is listed in the U.S. Department of Education Accredited Postsecondary Minority Institutions list. The list is compiled by the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, using enrollment data reported by Postsecondary Institutions to the National Center for Integrated Statistics and the Office for Civil Rights in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Fall enrollment survey, formerly called the Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS).

UTEP has accredited, degree-granting programs in science, mathematics, and/or engineering.

With the current pace of technology advancement, insular research and development (R&D) organizations will rapidly lose relevance and value. ARL has adopted business practices that have created a collaborative research environment between it and various colleges and universities in select technology areas. ARL sources out 66 percent of its research programs to academia with 249 academic partners in 49 states and to industry through a mix of grants, cooperative agreements, other transactions authority, or contracts.

An objective of ARL's Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI's) program is to address the projected shortfall of scientists and engineers among the diverse populations of the 21st century, to leverage HBCU/MI technical capabilities to fulfill ARL requirements, and to expand the involvement of HBCU/MI's in ongoing research at ARL. This subject contract will support in attaining that goal.

Since the awards of the previous contract, W911QX-08-D-0001, UTEP has demonstrated the ability to interpret and transition basic research from academia to the Army and other elements of the DoD.

The following is a brief list of highlighted accomplishments:

Studies of Environmental Effects of Tungsten Bearing Alloy Research in the system design of modulated laser detection and ranging (LADAR).

Stochastic Non-Gaussian Noise Modeling Spectrum Analyzer Modeling and Analysis Analysis tools for evaluation of violations of operational security policies Data visualization of pulse-Doppler radar Characterization of the stochastic input process Automated Image Manipulation Methods Specialized [REDACTED] jam-resistant radar waveform analysis Specialized [REDACTED] jamming waveform analysis Target discrimination in a jamming environment analysis

UTEP has fulfilled the requirements of the government through of use academic SMEs, students pursuing education in the mathematics and science fields, and nationally recognized researchers through their reachback capability as a public university. Over the course the contractual relationship with ARL, UTEP has acquired extensive experience in the eclectic discipline of [REDACTED], and award of this contract will facilitate continuity in the ARL research areas of [REDACTED]. This capability is determined to be critical and therefore must be maintained. Attempting to compete this requirement is determined to be a disadvantage since the previous contract was competed as a 100% Set-Aside for HBCU/MI Institutions and only one proposal was received from UTEP. This further demonstrates UTEP niche in the market of [REDACTED] and the sole source for this subject effort.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: There is no competition anticipated for this procurement. The continuation this effort requires the extension and maintenance of an essential research and development capability to be provided by this university. UTEP is the only known academic institution that has had a proven history and capability working specifically on [REDACTED]. There is a limited field of expertise in [REDACTED] and the main researchers that ARL has been working with are employed by UTEP are the developers responsible for ARL’s progress in [REDACTED].

7. Actions to Increase Competition: The Army Research Laboratory has made a practice of utilizing other institutions of higher learning to focus existing capabilities in technical areas of interest to the Army. ARL has numerous contracts and technical relations with American universities and colleges such as Tulane University, University of Alabama at Huntsville, Texas Tech University, North Carolina A&T, and State University of New York and well as ongoing collaborations with New Mexico State University, Rice University, Stanford University, and the University of Southern California. While each university offers some degree of [REDACTED] research, none of them have expanded their levels of [REDACTED] research to the extent of UTEP. The universities identified have been placed under contract for other types of research that ARL is interested in. ARL will continue to research other academic institutions and conduct literature searches to find leading experts in this area.

8. Market Research: [REDACTED] with 29 years of experience, conducted market research from February – November 2013 for this effort. It was determined that through ARL’s experience with other academic institutions, that not many institutions are deeply involved in the research UTEP will pursue under this contract for [REDACTED]. UTEP’s extensive experience in [REDACTED], its business model (i.e. the accessibility of specialized and inter-disciplinary faculty), the accessibility of senior executive management to coordinate projects and resolve issues, and proximity to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) which is approximately fifty (50) miles away and the fast and flexible response to tasking, has acquired UTEP with a unique market niche in [REDACTED] support for ARL-SLAD’s mission. Award of this contract will facilitate the maturing, research continuity, and the leverage of specialized experience, in the areas of [REDACTED]. ARL will continue to research other academic institutions; related publication; professional associations; to find leading experts in the [REDACTED] area.

9. Interested Sources: No interested sources have been identified and market research has determined that the market place has not changed since award of contract W911QX-08-D-0001, resulting in UTEP being the sole vendor capable of fulfilling the requirements of the Government.

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement history: This requirement is a continuation effort in [REDACTED] from a contract that the Robert Morris Acquisition Center awarded for ARL. Previous research for ARL was performed by UTEP under contract DATM05-02-C-0046 awarded 01 September 2002.

This was solicited as a 100 % HBCU/MI set aside resulting in UTEP being the only offeror that submitted a proposal. Performance under this contract resulted in the development for [REDACTED] research which began to expand toward the end and continuation of UTEP research was performed under, contract W911QX-08-D-0001 was issued on 17 March 2008.

W911QX-08-D-0001 was issued using sole source procedures under the authority of FAR Part 6.302-3.

(1) Contract numbers and dates of the last several awards.

Contract W911QX-08-D-0001 was awarded 14 March 2008

Contract DATM05-02-C-0046 was awarded 01 September 2002

(2) Competitive status of these actions.

Contract W911QX-08-D-0001 was awarded 14 March 2008 was awarded sole source under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3 Industrial Mobilization; or Experimental, Developmental, or Research Work; or Expert Services.

Contract DATM05-02-C-0046 was issued 01 September 2002. This contract was competitively solicited as a HBCU/MI set aside. UTEP’s proposal was the only proposal received.

(3) Authority previously used for less than full and open competition.

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3 Industrial Mobilization; or Experimental, Developmental, or Research Work; or Expert Services.

(4) If a justification was prepared to support the procurement made before this one, a summary of the contents of paragraph 7 of the justification for that procurement and an explanation of the results.

The ARL has made a practice of utilizing other institutions of higher learning to focus existing capabilities in technical areas of interest to the Army. While each university offers some degree of [REDACTED] research, none to the extent of UTEP. The universities identified have been placed under contract for other types of research that ARL is interested in. ARL will continue to research other academic institutions and conduct literature searches to find leading experts in this area.

Further, market research has determined that the market place has not changed since award of contract W911QX-08-D-0001, resulting in UTEP being the sole vendor capable of fulfilling the requirements of the Government.

(5) If any prior award was accomplished by full and open competition, a detailed explanation of the changed circumstances. Not Applicable.

(6) An explanation of any unusual patterns which may be revealed by the history; e.g., several consecutive, urgent buys. Not Applicable.

(7) If a justification was prepared to support the procurement made before this one, briefly describe the circumstances justifying the buy and whether there have been any significant changes.

FAR 6.302-3 Industrial Mobilization; or Experimental, Developmental, or Research Work; or Expert Services, as further implemented by FARS 6.302-3 (a)(2)(ii), is deemed applicable since this effort requires the extension and maintenance of an essential research and development capability to be provided by a university associated activity. There have been no significant changes; UTEP is a public non-profit research institution.

b. Acquisition Data Availability. Not Applicable

c. Unusual and Compelling Urgency. Not Applicable

d. Subcontracting Competition. Appropriate subcontracting clauses will be included in the contract. UTEP is governed by the state of Texas university system has an approved purchasing system reviewed by the Office of the Naval Research (ONR).

e. Follow-on Contracts: This requirement is intended to limit competition to allow for continued research provided under two previous contracts let to support ARL. This will be a research follow-on contract issued to UTEP under the authority of FAR Part 6.302-3. The intent of this effort is to maintain an essential research and development capability that was started under contracts DATM05- 02-C-0046 issued 01 September 2002 and W911QX-08-D-0001 awarded 14 March 2008.

11. 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.

Signer’s Title: [REDACTED]

12. 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.

Signer’s Title: [REDACTED]

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable by comparing the proposed rates with current rates for similar services which is the basis for the government estimate. In accordance with FAR 15.403- 1(c)(2), Prices set by law or regulation, cost or pricing data will not be obtained. UTEP pricing is pursuant to agreement with the Department of Health Human Services and the State of Texas.

14. Procuring Contracting Officer Certification:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

APPROVAL

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of [REDACTED] to support SLAD on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(3), subject to availability of funds, and provided that the supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.