J AStratsysRedacted.pdf

Control No: W911W6-10-C-0070

SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION SEE FAR PART 3.104

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

ACQUISITION OF A LARGE ENVELOPE RAPID PROTOTYPING MACHINE

1. Contracting Activity: U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) Attention: (CCAM-RDT), Building 401, Lee Boulevard, Fort.

Eustis, Virginia 23604-5577.

2. Description of Action:

The nature of the contractual action will be to procure a large envelope Rapid Prototyping System (3D Printer) and software that will be used in an office environment to produce prototype as well as usable Army aircraft parts and subassemblies for demonstration, fit-up, and flight testing purposes. The Rapid Prototyping Division (RPD) of the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate intends to upgrade their capability of producing prototype components for RPD, Aviation Integration Directorate, Program Management Offices (PMO’s) and Green Army Flight Test Programs.

3. Description of Supplies/Services:

The Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) intends to award a firm fixed price contract utilizing FAR Part 12, acquisition procedures to acquire a Rapid Prototyping System (3D Printer) and software that will be used in an office environment to produce prototype as well as usable Army aircraft parts and subassemblies for demonstration, design fit-up, and flight testing purposes.

System requirements include accuracy tolerance for parts manufactured is +/- 0.0035 inches (+/- 0.0015 per inch). The system will be compatible with operating in an office environment, i.e., it shall not require electrical power greater than 230V / 50 A; it shall not produce excessive noise while in operation; it shall not require additional ventilation for fumes; it shall not consume HAZMAT materials or produce HAZMAT waste. Minimum build envelope is 36” x 24” x 36”. The system will have the capability to produce three dimensional parts designed on Pro-E software using a variety of engineered thermoplastics with known material properties. The materials and combination of materials used to produce parts shall have a minimum material tensile strength of 8,000 psi, flexure strengths of up to 16,700 psi and heat deflection temperatures above 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The system shall operate as a local printer for a Government provided Local Area Network (LAN)-connected personal computer. The software provided shall perform all required translation of Pro-Engineer, Solid Works, and Solid Edge 3D CAD data files either (.prt, .stl, or .stp), shall control the operation the operation of the system and shall be compatible with Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 2007 operating systems. The 3D printer shall be capable of running unattended once started and of producing multiple parts (identical or not identical) in one setup, assuming they fit within the build envelope. The 3D Printer system shall produce parts which require minor hand finishing before use; a system that requires post processing such as ultraviolet light, spraying or soaking with fixatives or heating is unacceptable.

Additional procurement services include site delivery, installation, set-up, and calibration of the rapid prototyping system; on-site demonstration and training (of up to 10 personnel) at Fort Eustis, VA. This requirement includes use of software to step through sequence of actions to produce parts, and the actual fabrication of a few demonstration parts. The system procured will be supplied with any and all required materials and tools to begin part production immediately following set-up / training phase. Optional services may include annual system maintenance requiring software updates, technical support and machine part replacement.

This acquisition will be conducted using procedures as provide for in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12. The acquisition will be pursued on a non-competitive basis with award on the basis of an acceptable cost and technical proposal.

This sole source contract is expected to be awarded by 30 September 2010 with a six to eight week period of performance.

4. Authority Cited: Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements as authorized by 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 as implented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.501(ii).

5. Reason for Authority Cited: This action requires use of the above cited authority based on Stratasys, Inc.’s unique qualifications to meet the Government’s requirements. Stratasys, Inc. has a proprietary technology known as fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. This process was developed by Stratasys, Inc. and enables 3D models to be built using multiple production-grade engineered thermoplastics on state-of-the-art machines. The FORTUS 900MC 3D Production System, manufactured by Stratasys, Inc. in Eden Prairie, Minnesota is currently the only available machine which will meet or exceed the needed expanded capability. The FORTUS 900MC utilizes state of the art proprietary FDM processes to increase part accuracy (part tolerances to +/- 0.0035 inches using ball screw linear motion system), repeatability, and speed. Advances in thermoplastics, such as ULTUM 9085, (which can only be used by the FORTUS 900MC), enables the production of flight worthy parts which have been approved by FAA standards for heat resistance and flammability. The new materials provide an increase of 67% in material tensile and flexure strength over the standard first generation FDM process. Other materials, including ABS-PC combination, PPSF, and ABS-M30i can also be utilized in the FORTUS 900MC, as in the existing 400MC machine owned and operated by AATD Design & Analysis Branch. Maximum model build envelope is configurable to 36” x 24” x 36”, which is the largest 3D printer envelope for this type of office compatible machine. As with the present capability of the Design and Analysis Branch, the FORTUS 900MC has network compatible software (provided) enabling direct digital manufacturing of Pro-Engineer, Solid Works and Solid Edge part files converted to Stereo Lithography (STL) files.

a. Name and address of proposed contractor:

Stratasys, Inc.

7640 Commerce Way Eden Prairie, MN 55344-2020

b. Eastern Representative:

Aaron L. Blackmore

North American Channel Manager Stratasys, Inc.

412) 580-1662

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: A synopsis of previous acquisitions for a small and medium sized 3D Printer System was published in the Army Single Face to Industry (ASFI), Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) in May 2005 and June of 2007, respectively. At that time, it was determined by a technical review of the offerors, the Stratasys products (Dimension BST and 400MC 3D printer) exceeded AATD’s requirements for the systems needed. During the second acquisition time period, the largest envelope available was developed by Stratasys, Inc. of 16” x 14” x 16” build envelope. It is believed that the present requirement of a larger build (36” x 24” x 36”) utilizing similar build processes and materials can only be meet by Stratasys, Inc., however, any sources expressing an interest in writing will be given consideration as required by law. A synopsis will be published in the Army Single Face to Industry (ASFI), Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) on 30 Aug 2010. Although any responsible source may submit a proposal, it is not anticipated that competition will be obtained.

Therefore, as a result of this action, no competition and no other actions to obtain competition are anticipated due to the unique qualifications of the selected contractor.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: The Stratasys, Inc. 900MC machine solution is the only source of 3D printer manufactures that can meet the multiple requirements of build envelope, materials with the required thermal and mechanical properties, and office compatibility. The FORTUS 900MC System utilizes approved build software which has previously been successfully applied by Design and Analysis Branch personnel numerous times. The demand to maintain and further increase the prototyping needs (in accuracy, size, and speed of manufacturing) for AATD’s RPD and S & T customers will be accomplished by the Stratasys product FORTUS 900MC. Accordingly, no actions are practicable to increase competition for the instant acquisition due to reasons previously discussed.

8. Market Research:

a. FAR Part 12 will be utilized for this acquisition.

b. The proposed acquisition was published in Competition Advocates Shopping List (CASL) on 02 Sept 2010.

c. In accordance with “Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10, market research has been conducted from December 2009 through April 2010, in an attempt to ascertain the most suitable approach to acquire the effort described herein and to determine whether commercial items, non-developmental items or modified non-developmental items are available to meet the Government’s requirements. This market research was conducted by:

- Mr. Ravi Dhanvada, Mechanical Engineer, USA Aviation and Missile Research

Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) / Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD)

d. The following techniques were used for market research for this effort:

- Personal knowledge in procuring supplies / services of this type.

- Searches for similar products using the Thomas Register database, and numerous Google based searches for relevant keywords between June 2010 through August 2010.

e. Contact with knowledgeable persons in Government and industry regarding the commercial nature of this requirement and standard industry practices in this area of supply / services.

Mr. Charles S. Walls, U.S. Army.

Mr. Joseph m. Hicks, U.S. Army.

Mr. Kenneth Shields, U.S. Army.

Mr. Steve Hartman, CAS, Inc.

f. Based on the results of the above research, the following potential source was identified:

Stratasys, Inc. Business Size: Small CAGE Code: 1GKB4

DUNS 613465806

Tax ID 363658792

9. Interested Sources: To date, no other sources have written to express an interest. A synopsis will be published in the Army Single Face to Industry (ASFI), Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) on 30 Aug 2010 thru 08 Sept 2010. Though no competition is anticipated, any proposals received will be considered.

10. Other Facts/Other Factors:

a. Procurement History: AATD RPD Design and Analysis Branch has procured two 3D Printer Systems in May 2005 and June 2007 time frames. At both instances, competition was sought for these systems, with Stratasys, Inc. the chosen supplier which met or exceeded the technical requirements. Ref. Control numbers: W911W6-08-C-0028

b. Acquisition Data Availability: All data, documentation, and know how required to manufacture, or even specify or describe this product are owned by Stratasys, Inc., and therefore these systems are exclusively manufactured by Stratasys, Inc. Therefore, Stratasys Inc. is the only source of 3D Printer Systems suitable to meet AATD’s requirements.

c. Subcontracting Competition: Stratasys, Inc. is a small business and will be required to submit a subcontracting plan in accordance with FAR 19.704 that will be incorporated in the Master Contract. The following subcontracting clauses will be incorporated in the Master Contract:

FAR 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns

FAR 52.226-1 Utilization of Indian organizations and Indian-Owned Economic Enterprises FAR 52.224-2 Subcontracts FAR 52.224-5 Competition In Subcontracting FAR 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Items

DFAR 252.209-7004 Subcontracting With Firms That Are Owned by The Government of a Terrorist Country DFAR 252.219-7003 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (DoD Contracts)

11. Technical and 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.

George Dimitrov Date: __16 Sept 2010________________

Title: Chief, Rapid Prototyping Div Signature: ____________________

12. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. This determination will be based on use of techniques, which include price analysis, cost analysis, forward rate agreements, audit and technical evaluation.

13. Contracting Officer Certification:

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

Kenneth E. Helms Date: ___16 Sept 2010________

Title: Contracting Officer Signature: ____________________

CONCURRENCES:

Wayne J. VanKauwenbergh Date: ____16 Sept 2010________

Title: Legal/Counsel Signature: ____________________

Linda Diedrich Date: ____17 Sept 2010________

Title: Chief, Contracting Division Signature: ____________________

Approval

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of the Stratasys FORTUS 900MC Rapid Prototyping Machine, utilizing $400,000 FFP contract on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services and property herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Date: __17 Sept 2010__________

Signature: ________________________________