Redacted_Sole_Source.pdf

Control Number [REDACTED]

Simplified Acquisition Sole Source Justification Review Document

Program/Equipment: Tensor Six Degree of Freedom Vibration Test Module for high frequency multi-axis testing

Authority:

41 USC 1901, 41 USC 3304(a) and FAR 13.501(a)

Amount: [REDACTED]

Prepared By:

Typed Name: [REDACTED] DSN: [REDACTED]

Title: [REDACTED] Date: 11 February 2015

Procuring Contracting Officer:

Date Reviewed: 28 April 2015

Technical Representative:

Title: [REDACTED] Date Reviewed: 29 April 2015

Requirements Representative:

Title: [REDACTED] Date: 11 February 2015

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

[REDACTED]

Simplified Acquisition Sole Source Justification

Using Simplified Acquisition Procedures

1. a. Contracting Agency:

U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, Adelphi Contracting Division, (ACC-APG-CCAP-SCA), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783.

1. b. Requiring Agency:

U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Vehicle Technology Directorate (VTD), Mechanics Division (RDRL-VTM), Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005.

2. Description of Action:

Approval is requested to solicit for a new firm fixed price (FFP) contract in support of the Army Research Laboratory’s (ARL) Vehicle Technology Directorate (VTD) on the basis of other than full and open competition pursuant to FAR13.501(a). The requested contract is for the purchase of one (1) Tensor Six Degree of Freedom (SDOF) Vibration Test Module for high frequency multiaxial testing. Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Mission funds will be utilized for this effort.

3. Description of Supplies/Services:

The Government requires one (1) Tensor SDOF Vibration Test Module to support the ARL Sciences for Maneuver (SM) Logistics and Sustainability campaign and the Virtual Risk-informed Agile Maneuver Sustainment (VRAMS) Key Campaign Initiative (KCI).

The SM Logistics and Sustainability campaign consists of two (2) primary areas of focus: Reliability and Mechanism State Awareness. Reliability research focuses on exploring and innovating capabilities and design concepts to achieve a “zero maintenance” goal for US Army platform systems, subsystems, and components. The Mechanism State Awareness research focuses on discovering, innovating, and transitioning capabilities and design concepts that can be used to enable state-of-the-art self-health diagnostics, inspections, and monitoring for US Army platform systems, subsystems, and components. The VRAMS system is a new integrated capability designed to automatically gauge changes in air, ground, and autonomous systems vehicles’ functional state at the material level, and allow for total awareness of location and status of assets. TEAM Corporation, 11591 Watertank Rd, Burlington, WA 98233- 3626 (Cage: 22018, DUNS: 008355836), a Small Business, is the sole source provider of this requirement for which the Government is seeking to procure under other than full and open competitive procedures.

4. Authority Cited:

41 USC 1901 and 41 USC 3304(a) When Noncompetitive Procedures May Be Used. — An executive agency may use procedures other than competitive procedures only when— (1)the property or services needed by the executive agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of property or services will satisfy the needs of the executive agency as implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

The Mechanics Division within VTD, in partnership with the Survivability and Lethality Analysis Directorate (SLAD), requires one (1) Tensor Six Degree of Freedom Vibration Test Module with associated accessories. Researchers at VTD and SLAD are tasked to create the Reliability and State Awareness Testbed (RSAT) facility to support the ARL SM Logistics and Sustainability campaign and the VRAMS KCI. The main objective of the RSAT facility is to provide the Army with a testing and experimental capability to simulate battlefield environmental conditions in a laboratory environment. The RSAT also aims at supporting the proposed ARL Open-Campus Reliability and State Awareness Center (RSAC), where new ideas and collaborations will be exposed to the Science and Technology (S&T) communities at large and multidisciplinary research teams will be given opportunities to work collaboratively. The RSAC aims at adopting these best practices to simulate logistics and sustainability research innovation and state-of-the art computational technology and advanced analysis infusion. Thus, it is necessary to simulate battle field dynamic loads in a laboratory environment to enhance the reliability and survivability of future Army systems.

The equipment necessary to accomplish these types of dynamic tests is unique and specifically designed and manufactured to simulate harsh battle field conditions. The TEAM Corporation is identified as the sole provider of the required testing capability, based on the controlled multiaxial vibration shaker technology for high frequencies, which is patented in the United States, Japan, and China. The Tensor will provide ARL researchers with the ability to conduct tests defined by Military Standard (MIL-STD) 167C, MIL-STD 810 F/G, and MIL-STD 2105C for all Army weapon systems. The patented test system developed by TEAM Corporation will provide ARL researchers and Army Program Executive Offices (PEOs), industry, and academia a complete flexibility in the number of axes and rotations of excitation to simulate the dynamics of any platform.

Through this technology it will be possible to vibrate a system in three (3) dimensional environments (3-D; vertical, horizontal, and sideways) simultaneously. In addition to the 3-D environment, three (3) rotations (pitch, roll and yaw) are available with high control accuracy. This capability allows the replication of actual field environments in all degrees of freedom simultaneously or in any combination as needed. No other test system is available on the marketplace that has the combination of SDOF and a frequency range from 20-3,000Hertz (Hz) with electro-dynamic shakers. The combination of SDOF with the broad frequency band is essential as it meets the intent of Method 527 as well as encompassing the frequency band currently deemed necessary by MIL STD 810(g) to reproduce the appropriate dynamic responses. Using this capability will provide ARL with the unique ability to perform an array of tests defined in MIL-STD 810 F/G and/or based on theater data on the entire set of Army vehicle and weapon systems of varying lengths, weights, and dynamic loading.

The system will provide an ability to reproduce the shock environment inherent to rotorcrafts and ground vehicles. This capability will aid ARL in developing damage tolerant structures and models to limit and reduce excessive Army operation and maintenance costs. Many Army life-cycle issues are due to exposing systems to extreme loading conditions such as multiaxial vibration and shock. It has always been intuitively understood that the single degree of freedom testing defined in MIL STD 810(g) is only a fair representation of field conditions. Many researchers have investigated the improvement in test fidelity when multiple axes are excited simultaneously, but all have been handicapped by the lack of qualified test hardware and software. Current testing performed on a smaller version of the required Tensor, performed over the last two (2) years at [REDACTED] has demonstrated multiple degree of freedom testing increases stress accumulation significantly and decreases the time to failure. This research supports conclusions produced by other researchers in the field and has been a significant catalyst in the creation of Method 527 in MIL STD 810(g) as well as continuing work to formally incorporate SDOF testing in various military standards. Existing TEAM systems at [REDACTED] have proven to be the only currently available solution that offers the accuracy, repeatability, and robust nature needed for the aggressive tests dictated by the standards (MIL-STD) 167C and MIL-STD 810 F/G) in use, as well as meeting the needs of various Army platform programs. [REDACTED] conducted extensive studies on multiaxial vibration shakers, which included accuracy, control, and impact on mechanical systems. The study found that use of the TEAM technology proved the capability of reaching a control accuracy up to 99.8%, which far exceeded other providers (see Section 8). Accuracy in reproducing test profiles and the field response of a test article is essential to the reliability evaluation process, as the effectiveness of design revisions can only be measured if the Unit Under Test (UUT) is subjected to the same input before and after modifications. The typical tolerance bands acceptable in MIL STD 810(g) is +/- three (3) decibels (dB) over the frequency band. No other system has demonstrated the ability to reproduce MIL STD profiles with this degree of accuracy over the entire frequency band while precisely controlling all degrees of freedom. All competing systems to the Tensor are either limited by degrees of freedom or frequency band. No other system exists that can reproduce the measured response of a component as it actually responds in the field in six (6) degrees of freedom throughout the actual frequency band (between two (2) kilohertz (kHz) and three (3) kHz).

[REDACTED] have developed experimental process and techniques using TEAM’s systems. Research and data over the last six (6) years were processed using an earlier TEAM prototype system and is essential to the mission of the Mechanics Division at VTD.

ARL has published more than 15 journal papers and conference publications on multiaxial vibrations with [REDACTED].The combination of very long stroke, ability to reproduce very high velocity transients, and a broad frequency band are a unique set of performance capabilities which are critical for improving the reliability and survivability of current and future Army platforms. The system also incorporates unique components designed specifically to achieve the multiaxial vibration capability. [REDACTED]. There are three

(3) major components that are unique to the TEAM Corporation system; the system includes 12 high precision electro-dynamic exciters capable of 3,600 pounds (lbs.) per axis, 4,800 pound force (lbf) sine per axis, a close loop high frequency controller that is capable of controlling the exciters simultaneously at high speed and accuracy, and custom made tensor amplifiers 10 kilo Volt Ampere (kVA) power modules with significant electromagnetic nose reduction to enhance the vibration amplitude accuracy.

TEAM Corporation has been identified as a unique supplier of these components and has also been identified as a designer and manufacturer with the proven ability to delivery this type of system. Competing systems currently available do not provide effective constraint of the range of cross-axis motion expected to be generated by the anticipated UUT. The design of the Tensor creates 12 individual points of control authority, meaning the mechanical system can precisely produce a desired response at 12 separate locations on the table and consequently on the test article, throughout the entire frequency band.

Competing systems capable of providing only 1/10th the frequency band and have six (6) points of control authority; those systems with higher frequency response (up to 1200 Hz) have only three (3) points of control authority. The software controlling the Tensor has demonstrated the ability to control unwanted responses at each point of control authority as well as produce desired response.

No other test system to date has demonstrated that capability. Cross axis motions are considered unwanted responses as they are not controlled, and consequently can interfere with effective evaluation of test results. Quantifying control of cross axis motions is system specific as they are generated by a combination of inputs from the individual shakers, the stiffness of the connection between the shaker and table, and the dynamic behavior of all components in the drive system, including shaker, reaction mass, shaker armature, coupling, table, and the dynamic response of the test article. The Tensor has demonstrated the ability to counteract cross axis motions at resonance very effectively, cutting unwanted motions to perhaps 30% depending upon specific test conditions and controlling the balance of the test profile to perhaps 2%. The current vibratory testing is an iterative process, where the tests performed sequentially applying single axis excitation along each orthogonal axis (X, Y, and Z). This is accomplished by exciting the UUT vertically then repeating the procedure two (2) more times after reorienting the UUT 90 degrees each time. This process is costly and time consuming and produces erroneous results. ARL has shown that this process under estimate the fatigue life by more than 50% and under predict the dynamic response of systems by 75%. These type of errors are unacceptable for military platforms and are costly. Based on research and market evaluation, utilization of the Tensor system could reduce the testing time and program costs by at least 70%. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the actual failure mechanisms of the military components through experimental analysis by emulating real world operational conditions, which includes simulating multiaxial dynamic loads. The Tensor is the only shaker on the market that can provide ARL with the capability to meet the requirement for future Army platforms.

The Tensor consists of twelve (12) electro-dynamic actuators; four (4) for each of the three (3) orthogonal excitation axes. Eight (8) are in-plane and four (4) out of plane (underneath the shaker table). The controllability of the shaker is based on TEAM’s patented coupling system, where twelve (12) electro-dynamic shakers are mechanically coupled to the table via self-aligning hydro-dynamically lubricated bearings. The four (4) actuators in each axis can be run in-phase or out-of-phase to produce translation in that axis or rotation about transverse axes. This architecture allows the shaker to produce a true multiaxial vibration environment. The controllability and excitation accuracy for multiaxial system is extremely complicated. The Government requires a system capable of producing harmonic, shock, or harmonic-on-random excitations. Alternative vendors such as [REDACTED] have tried solving the controllability while mitigating unintended coupling between the axes, however they have been unsuccessful. The TEAM patented design has been proven in satisfying all system requirements. ARL has shown that this technology can produce realistic environment to meet military standards such as MIL- STD-810G. Unlike other testing methodologies, multiaxial shakers provide a more controlled simultaneous loading along different axes of a test specimen, thus, allowing controlled exploration of cross-axis interactions that is impossible to explore with single-axis excitation. The goal of acquiring the SDOF technology is to provide the US Amy with a capability to simulate battle field dynamic environments in the laboratory prior to qualifying and producing expensive military systems. Without this technology, it will be impossible to produce multi-rotational vibration, turbulent forces and repetitive shocks seen in high-value rotorcrafts and unmanned aerial system, and multiaxial random vibration with repetitive shocks seen in ground systems.

Implementing multiaxial vibration will lead to better understanding of root causes of system failures, accelerating tests, and enhancing MIL-STDs used in the commercial and defense industries. Thus, the Tensor is crucial in providing multiaxial testing standards which will assist the defense industry in producing more cost effective and reliable systems for the Warfighter by designing platforms based on “real-world” operational conditions. When the test and evaluation is based on accurate loading stress, it will guarantee that the Warfighter would have access to reliable and robust devices. The TEAM corporation system is the only system that has proven its capability to satisfy Government requirements, and therefore the sole source supplier for this procurement.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

Effective competition is not anticipated for this procurement based on the market research performed (see Section 8), however a synopsis was posted to the Government Point of Entry (GPE) on 07 May 2015 with a notice of intent to sole source to the TEAM Corporation and a Request For Information (RFI) for any source that believed they were capable of satisfying the requirements. TEAM Corporation is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and is the only Offeror with a patented and proven system that will enable the fulfillment of VTD and SLAD mission objectives to procure a system with 12 high precision electro-dynamic exciters (12 points of authority) capable of producing a true multiaxial vibration environment. TEAM Corporation, owns all design technology for the aforementioned system, and is the only system currently available that satisfies the minimum requirements of the Government. Additionally, effective competition is not anticipated for this acquisition based on the requirement for experimental continuity relative to the previous use of TEAM Corporation systems in collaboration

[REDACTED].

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

The Government will continue to perform market research to locate other sources capable of providing a multiaxial shaker system with SDOF capabilities and 12 high precision electrodynamic exciters, comparable to the TEAM Corporation Tensor system.

Continued oversight of the vibration testing marketplace will allow for Government requirements developers to stay knowledgeable about the best and most advanced technologies available. The Tensor system design is proprietary to the OEM, TEAM Corporation, however as the vibration testing industry continues to advance the Government will continue to monitor this market to ensure all evolutions in system technology are taken into consideration in future procurements.

8. Market Research:

Market research was conducted from January 2012 through November 2014 by [REDACTED]. Market research was conducted by querying Government-wide databases of contracts and other procurement instruments, searches in the General Services Administration (GSA) General Supply Schedule, reviews of other market research efforts, review of published RFIs and technical publications and journals, reviews of catalogs and other product literature published by manufacturers, and internet searches. Research found that the TEAM Corporation’s patented Tensor system is the only system capable of satisfying the requirements in Section 5. Market research resulted in five (5)) alternative vendors that currently provide multiaxial vibration equipment [REDACTED].

[REDACTED] produces shaker systems for Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) and Highly Accelerated Stress Screen (HASS) testing. These systems are built specifically to provide industry with accelerated reliability testing, and is very energy efficient.

However, the [REDACTED] system is a multi-degree of freedom for random broadband excitation only with a range of ten (10) Hz to 5,000 Hz. One (1) key shortfall with this system is that the frequency band and dynamic loads cannot be controlled. Additionally, the shaker is not capable of producing harmonic, shock, or harmonic-on-random excitations and the excitation load is limited to a range of five (5) to 70 root-mean-square acceleration (Grms). The Government requires a system that allows for controlled excitation (as opposed to random with the Typhoon system) that is capable of producing harmonic, shock, or harmonic-on-random excitations. Because the [REDACTED] system does not have these capabilities, is it unable to satisfy Government requirements.

[REDACTED] produce multiaxial shakers with strike impactors that are also able to force more fatigue and damage at a lower Grms level using less compressed air. The [REDACTED] shaker systems have load level limitations at frequencies below 500Hz, which is not acceptable for US Army applications based on the requirement for MIL- STD-810G specifications. The shaker system provides up to 100 Grms levels in high frequency mode, which is too low for US Army applications. Though the system does have a frequency range of ten (10) Hz to 5,000 Hz, the frequency band and dynamic loads cannot be controlled, and the system is not capable of producing harmonic, shock, or harmonic-on-random excitation. Because of the aforementioned, the [REDACTED] system is not able to satisfy Government requirements.

[REDACTED] produces a multiaxial shaker capable of subjecting vibration load in SDOF and includes a table for stiff resonance-free vibration to support test articles, however the applicability of this system is limited to specific automotive components with limited frequency range of five (5) Hz to 50 Hz. Because of the limited scope of automotive components and frequency range, [REDACTED] is unable to satisfy Government requirements.

[REDACTED] also produces shaker systems for HALT and HASS testing, built specifically to provide industry with accelerated reliability testing while being energy efficient. However, like [REDACTED] system’s key shortfall is that the frequency band and dynamic loads cannot be controlled, and the shaker is not capable of producing harmonic, shock, or harmonic-on-random excitation. The Government requires a system that allows for controlled excitation that is capable of producing harmonic, shock, and harmonic-on-random excitations, and because the [REDACTED] system does not have these capabilities, it is unable to satisfy Government requirements.

[REDACTED] produces a multiaxial shaker capable of subjecting vibration load in SDOF and incudes a table for stiff resonance-free vibration to support test articles. The key shortfall, like [REDACTED], is that the applicability of this system is limited to specific automotive components with limited frequency range of five (5) Hz to 50 Hz.

Because of the limited scope of automotive components and frequency range, [REDACTED] is unable to satisfy Government requirements.

[REDACTED] and members of VTD continue to monitor the marketplace for the latest advancements in multiaxial shaker technology. The group will continue to conduct market research for consideration in future requirements, however based on the aforementioned market research and technical requirements, the TEAM Corporation system is the only system capable of satisfying Government requirements.

9. Interested Sources:

A notice of intent to sole source, W911QX-15-T-0097, was submitted to FedBizOpps on 7 May 2015 with a closing date of 22 May 2015. During this synopsis announcement period on 18 May 2015, [REDACTED] responded to notify the Government that their firm is able to provide one (1) component of the required system, the controller, however they are not able to fulfill the full requirement. The Contractor requested that the Government split out the individual component their firm is able to provide and process that as a separate procurement action. The Government informed the Contractor that splitting requirements was not reasonable and the specific requirement captured in the synopsis was for the full integrated system, of which Team Corporation is the only source capable of providing. No other offerors responded to the synopsis.

The TEAM Corporation Tensor system is the only system currently available that satisfies the Government requirements.

However, as required by FAR 5.201, should any other notices or bids be received by the Government in response to this synopsis, they shall be forwarded to the approving officials for consideration.

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement History:

This is a first-time buy therefore no procurement history exists.

b. Other Facts:

This is not a follow-on contract

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. The basis for this determination will be a price analysis of past proofs of sales, published price lists, and/or itemized pricing building information.

14. [REDACTED]

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

15. Additional Approvals

Typed Name: [REDACTED]

Typed Name: [REDACTED]

APPROVAL

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of one (1) TEAM Corporation Tensor Six Degree of Freedom Vibration Test Module for high frequency multi-axis testing on another than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 USC 1901(e) as implemented by FAR13.501 (a); subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services and property herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition If the proposed contract action is not completed within 180 days from the below date, this Justification and Approval shall be returned to the Special Competition for Advocate (SCA) for revalidation. Additionally, if any changes to the requirements, basis for the justification, market conditions, or increases in the estimated value of the proposed action occur at any time, the Contracting Officer shall document these changes in a memorandum and obtain review/concurrence from the Competition Advocate.