Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source

This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), and is not a request for competitive proposal. However, if interested and capable of fulfilling the requirement, the Government shall consider all responses. NAWCTSD intends to award a Purchase Order (PO) to Scalable Network Technologies, Inc. for the procurement of EXata Network Simulation/Emulation Software and Cyber Library, as well as the complementing Maintenance and Support. The one responsible source is documented via SAP Determination Memorandum for Sole Source Acquisition Over $10,000 but not Exceeding $250,000 (Justification & Approval (JA)).

The Cyber and LVCDOC Labs at NAWCTSD Orlando require the ability to emulate various network architectures and connect it to real networks and devices. The EXata software package (including associated cyber-library) is specifically designed to evaluate network resiliency to cyber-attack. The combination of the two will allow for predictive modeling of network configurations for events such as large-scale distributed training and live-virtual-constructive (LVC) exercises, researching cyber-resiliency of current DoD networks, and providing a training ground for how to deal with cyber threats. EXata provides a network emulation software that evaluates communication networks faster and with more realism than any other tool. It is able to interoperate with live networks and provides hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, making it useful for analyzing, testing, and predicting characteristics and responses of real networks.

Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition: 10 U.S.C. 5304(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Scalable Network Technologies is the only source for this EXata + Cyber technology; there are no authorized resellers. Additionally, the analysis found that this is the only product to emulate large LBC (w/ Hardware-in-the-loop support) networks with enough fidelity to evaluate cyber-based attacks. Network emulation allows various network configurations to be evaluated before being deployed. These quick configurations further allow for analysis of alternatives before architectures are finalized and expensive hardware is purchased. The provider has provided support for the Navy on multiple projects in the past and has integrated their products to support GOTS Libraries and services (including the Joint Network Emulator, a LVC simulation platform for the development, test and evaluation of battlefield communications networks, applications and net-enabled systems, which is provided free of charge). No other sources provide these noted advantages. In the meantime, NAWCTSD will continue to review the latest commercially available LVC network emulation products for improved performance and costs benefits while providing interchangeability with the requirements of the Cyber Lab.

In accordance with FAR 15.402(a), the Contracting Officer will determine that the cost to the Government for the supplies covered by this Notice and the SAP Determination Memo, will be fair and reasonable. The contract will submit a formal quote and sufficient information to support the accuracy and reliability of the estimate. The technical point of contact and contract specialist will perform analysis of the provided quote. The Contracting Officer may also utilize historical contract cost data and other relevant information to establish a fair and reasonable price.

Any responses are due to Christiana Marshall, Christiana.Marshall@navy.mil, 407-380-8341 - no later than 4:00PM (EST) on 08 July 2020.