ARGUS Ultrasonic Scanning System Maintenance

STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1. Only One or a Limited Number of Responsible Sources, and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

DEMONSTRATION THAT THE CONTRACTOR'S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES THE USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE (APPLICABILITY OF AUTHORITY)

The ARGUS system is a highly specialized and complex system that uses high frequency, highly directional sound waves to measure material thickness, find hidden internal flaws, or analyze material properties in metals, plastics, composites, ceramics, rubber, and glass. Using frequencies beyond the limit of human hearing, ultrasonic instruments generate short bursts of sound energy that are coupled into the test piece, and the instrument monitors and analyzes reflected or transmitted wave patterns to generate test results.

The ARGUS system requires access to proprietary data for hardware and software for the purpose of maintenance, repairs, and upgrade services. Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas, Inc. is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the ARGUS system and owns the proprietary data for the system. Commercial product sheets, test data, qualification data, support manuals, or related data that defines the performance and manufacturing characteristics of the ARGUS system are not available. Olympus is the only source with qualified OEM certified service/repair technicians, which assures a rapid response time and reduced system down time. They have the required background experience/expertise, proprietary data, and spare parts availability for the system to meet the Government's requirements.