DnF for OTFOC - Redacted v2.doc

DETERMINATION & FINDINGS FOR OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

(ACTIONS SAT AND BELOW) – Brand Name Sole Source

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT: One (1) Round Test RA-1600 tool and one (1) Surftest FTA-H4S3000-D for quality assurance and process control part preparation for diamond growth.

2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER:

Manufacturer:

Mitutoyo American Corporation 965 Corporate Blvd Aurora, IL 60502

Large Business CAGE code: 01EP7 Authorized Resellers:

Willrich Precision Instrument Company, Inc.

80 Broadway, Cresskill, NJ 07626 Small Business

CAGE Code: 9S016 Wright Tool Company, LLC.

24680 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48091 Small Business

CAGE Code: 14846

3. ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE:

4. AUTHORITY PERMITTING CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: The authority permitting sole source is 41 U.S.C. 1901, as implemented by RFO FAR 12.102(a):

_X__ Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

___ Unusual and Compelling Urgency

___ Industrial Mobilization; Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability; or Expert Services

___ International Agreement

___ Authorized or Required by Statute

___ National Security

___ Public Interest

5. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE:

The item(s) listed in section one above is available from only one source and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available.

__ Compatibility: The item(s) must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. Describe the equipment you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system:

___ Proprietary: A patent, copyright, or proprietary data limits competition. The proprietary data are described as follows:

_X_ Experimental Continuity: The item(s) must be consistent with prior materials in order to ensure experimental continuity. Describe the conditions that necessitate the use of experimental continuity:

The High Frequency Electronics and Materials branch within the United States (U.S.) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires one (1) Round Test RA-1600 tool and one (1) Surftest FTA-H4S3000-D tool for quality assurance and process control for diamond growth. These testing systems (hereafter process quality control (QC) systems) are required to meet diamond material growth preparation requirements as specified by proprietary procedures from Element Six.

As part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Element Six, and contract W911QX23C0006, ARL has acquired two (2) diamond reactors and training on diamond material growth from Element Six to synthesize diamond material for radio-frequency (RF) device technology. A critical element of the process chain laid out by Element Six is the need for process QC systems to evaluate processing results of critical parts for diamond growth. Mitutoyo systems were used in the training to ensure the proper preparation of these parts, and all the other elements of part preparation including quality checking the parts and equipment for process control rely on the results gained from measurements with these systems. The processed parts must meet a narrow, multi-element specification which includes flatness, roughness, and roundness uniformity as described by Element Six. Deviating from the procedures laid out by Element Six, i.e. by purchasing process QC systems other than those integrated into the original proprietary process, will forfeit the benefit received from training, which cost [REDACTED]. Overall, ARL has invested roughly [REDACTED] to execute these processes so far. Element Six has invested over [REDACTED] to arrive at the current processes used. If ARL cannot purchase the required process QC systems, it will hinder the Army’s ability to develop next generation RF devices, potentially giving near-peer adversaries a tactical advantage on the battlefield in future combat operations.

Market research was performed by [REDACTED], Research Physicist for High Frequency Electronics and Materials Branch at ARL, with 18 years’ experience between 24 April 2026 and 14 May 2026. [REDACTED]conducted interchange meetings with Mitutoyo, Willrich Precision Instrument Company, Inc., and MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Based on offerings from each vendor, it was concluded deviation from procedures and systems laid out by Element Six would result in additional non-trivial process development to achieve the necessary adherence to specifications laid out, and again forfeit the benefit of the training. These conclusions were discussed in interchange meetings with [REDACTED] who collectively have 47 years of experience diamond growth, processing and characterization.

Additionally, a Sources Sought was submitted on SAM.gov from 24 June 2026 through 30 June 2026 by the Contract Specialist. Two (2) responses were received (Willrich Precision Instrument Company, Inc. and Wright Tool Company. Both are registered as small businesses and are authorized resellers of Mitutoyo brand Equipment.

Based on the aforementioned, Mitutoyo American Corporation is the only manufacturer that supplies a Semiconductor Device Characterization System that meets the Government's minimum requirements. In addition to Mitutoyo American Corporation, two (2) authorized resellers (Willrich Precision Instrument Company, Inc., and Wright Tool Company) offer the same Mitutoyo brand systems.

___ Warranty: Purchasing item(s) from another manufacturer/provider would void existing warranty. Provide a brief explanation for the use of this reason and the impact that would occur if the item was purchased from another manufacturer/provider:

___ Direct Replacement: These are “direct replacement” parts/components for existing equipment and no substitutes exist.

___ Other reasoning to support a sole-source buy:

6. 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.

Template last updated 4/23/2018