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FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF OCTOBER 05, 2017 FBO #5795
SOLICITATION NOTICE

66 -- OPTICAL VECTOR ANALYZER - A03 - REDACTED SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

Notice Date

10/3/2017
 

Notice Type

Justification and Approval (J&A)
 

NAICS

334516 — Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
 

Contracting Office

Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, ACC - APG (W911QX) Adelphi, 2800 POWDER MILL RD, ADELPHI, Maryland, 20783-1197, United States
 

ZIP Code

20783-1197
 

Solicitation Number

W911QX-17-T-0257
 

Archive Date

10/22/2017
 

Point of Contact

Joseph M. Dellinger, Phone: 3013940769
 

E-Mail Address

joseph.m.dellinger2.civ@mail.mil
(joseph.m.dellinger2.civ@mail.mil)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Award Number

W911QX-17-P-0281
 

Award Date

9/22/2017
 

Description

A03 - REDACTED SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION JUSTIFICATION REVIEW DOCUMENT FAR PART 13 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION Supply/Service: One (1) Optical Vector Analyzer (OVA) Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a) -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Amount: $167,500.00 Prepared by: DSN: Physical Scientist Email:Date: 09 September 2017 Contracting Officer:Phillip Amador Contracting Officer Email:DSN: Date: 09 September 2017 Technical: Physical ScientistDSN: Date: 09 September 2017 Email: Requirements: Acting Division ChiefDSN: Date: 09 September 2017 Email: Reviews: I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition. Program Manager: MAPAPP Version - November 2015 Last adjusted by Adelphi on 1/10/2017 Department of Army FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Sole Source Justification and Approval for Other than Full and Open Competition 1a. Contracting Activity: Adelphi Contracting Division, Army Contracting Command- Aberdeen Proving Ground (Soldier, Chemical, Research & Test), ACC-APG (SCRT), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783-1138 1b. Requiring Activity: The United States (U.S.) Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Computational & Information Sciences Directorate (CISD), Network Sciences Division (NSD), Tactical Network Assurance Branch (RDRL-CIN-T), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783-1138 2.Description of Action: RDRL-CIN-T requests a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Contract with Luna Technologies Inc. (301 1st Street SW Suite 200, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016-4962, United States). The Government projects award for September 2017 and fiscal year (FY) 2017 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funds will be used. ✓ An acquisition plan is not required because this procurement does not meet the threshold at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 207.103(d)(i)(B) and is not a cost reimbursement type contract (FAR 16.301- 3(a)(2)). 3.Description of Supplies/Services: An Optical Vector Analyzer (OVA) is required to perform a complete characterization of all parameters of any single-mode fiber optical component in a single scan. In order to do this, the OVA must perform a complete vector measurement of the linear transfer function of the fiber optic device under test (DUT). The OVA is required to efficiently test all operational parameters of the existing Government-owned fiber optics equipment operated by the NSD Quantum Networks research group in order to develop critically needed Quantum Information Science technologies within several existing research programs. QuantityPart NumberProduct DescriptionPrice One (1)OVA5000OVA 5000 Mainframe$125,000.00 One (1)OPT02000OVA 5000/5013 Accessory Kit$0.00 One (1)OPT01001-1Instrument Controller: Workstation-class Laptop$0.00 One (1)OPT01002-1Laptop Power Kit (North America/Japan [Type A])$0.00 One (1)OPT02004Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) Analysis for OVA$20,000.00 One (1)OPT02005Luna - Polarization Analysis Software for OVA 5000$10,000.00 One (1)OPT02006Expanded Dynamic Range for OVA 5000$7,500.00 One (1)OPT02003Desktop Analysis Software for OVA 5000$5,000.00 Total$167,500.00 4.Authority Cited: 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a) -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. 5.Reason for Authority Cited: NSD requires an OVA from Luna Innovations Incorporated. The OVA is required to rapidly and efficiently test all operational parameters of the existing Government-owned fiber optics equipment operated by the NSD Quantum Networks research group in order to develop critically needed Quantum Information Science technologies within two (2) existing research programs: (1) the ARL Center for Distributed Quantum Information (CDQI) and (2) the Quantum Science and Engineering Program (QSEP) funded by the Office of the Seretary of Defense (OSD). Technologies developed at ARL within the framework of these two (2) programs will enable secure tamper-resistant quantum communications for the Warfighter. The required OVA will enable more technologically advanced and efficient measurement and analysis from ARL quantum experimental setups far beyond current capabilities. Note however that without the required OVA, research in Quantum Information Science technologies will be significantly restricted and delayed, virtually curtailing the performance of key research and development (R&D) activities at ARL. Specifically, the lack of characterization of already-owned equipment will result in measurement uncertainties and errors which are detrimental to virtually all R&D activities performed by the NSD Quantum Networks group. Some of the existing equipment to be tested by the proposed OVA include the REDACTED, in order to characterize all parameters of the many optical fiber components which make up the REDACTED. Other already-acquired equipment which requires testing with the OVA include the REDACTED. In addition, the OVA is the primary piece of equipment required to fulfill the goals and expectations of a government-funded collaboration with Dr. Misha Sumetsky at Aston University in the United Kingdom (UK). REDACTED has already been awarded to Aston University, and a post-doctoral ARL researcher has been hired and assigned to work at Aston University for one (1) year. During that year-long assignment, the post-doc will gain knowledge and experience in developing a novel optical resonator technology known as Surface Nanoscale Axial Photonics (SNAP). The primary piece of equipment used to analyze and test the behavior of the SNAP resonator is the proposed OVA. The post-doc will use the required OVA upon returning to ARL after his one (1) year of research at Aston, and will use the knowledge gained and the proposed OVA to develop SNAP technology for Government use at ARL. Failure to acquire the proposed OVA will result in failure to achieve the goals of the collaboration and a complete stoppage of major research activities of the NSD Quantum Networks group. For the required experimentation and testing, NSD requires a device that can perform a complete characterization of all parameters of any single-mode fiber optical component in a single scan. In order to do this, the required test and measurement equipment must perform a complete vector measurement of the linear transfer function which can be manipulated to determine all parameters of the fiber optic DUT. The required parameters that can be determined from the linear transfer function are: Insertion Loss (IL), Return Loss (RL), Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL), Phase Response, Group Delay (GD), Chromatic Dispersion (CD), Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD), Second Order PMD, Min/Max Loss due to Polarization, Impulse Response, Jones Matrix Elements, Linear Phase Ripple, and Quadratic Phase Ripple. In addition, the device must allow post- measurement processing of the measured parameters including the ability to change the test bandwidth without having to take another measurement. ARL CISD Subject Matter Experts (SME) have performed market surveys to identify vendors capable of meeting ARL's requirements, details of which are in the market research section of this document. While there are a number of companies which make fiber optic test and measurement equipment, market research confirmed that Luna is the only company which has developed an OVA product which is able to measure all of the above parameters in a single scan. The ability to measure all parameters in a single scan eliminates two detrimental effects caused by measuring these parameters with other devices: (1) the need to constantly disconnect fiber optic components to test the various parameters using several different pieces of test equipment, and (2) the need to make multiple measurements at different, consecutive times in order to determine multiple parameters with one (1) piece of equipment. Disconnecting and reconnecting the DUT to various pieces of equipment results in changes to the very parameters that must be measured due to changes in the quality of the connection of the DUT to the measurement device and changes in the shape of the fiber which connects the DUT to the test equipment. Similarly, not being able to measure all of the parameters with a single scan requires that the different parameters be measured at different times, and the parameters to be tested can change over short time ranges due to the very sensitive nature of fiber optic components. As mentioned previously, the proposed Luna OVA is needed to develop critically needed Quantum Information Science technologies within three existing research efforts: REDACTED. Again, a major loss of productivity will result if the proposed OVA is not available for these programs, and CISD will not be able to advance its research into quantum networks across the various aforementioned programs. Due to the aforementioned, Luna Innovations Inc. is the only source that will satisfy CISD's requirements. 6.Efforts to Obtain Competition: Effective competition is not anticipated for this procurement based on the market research performed. Based on the results of the market research performed, along with the negative response to the Sources Sought Control No: JA-Adel-17-769 Contractor: Luna Technologies, Inc. Supply/Service: Optical Vector Analyzer (OVA) Synopsis (W911QX-17-T-0257) which was posted to the Government Point of Entry (GPE) FedBizOpps.gov (FBO.gov) on 14 August 2017, there are currently no other sources capable of meeting the Government's aforementioned requirements. In addition, a formal Synopsis was posted on 21 August 2017 for 15 days under the same announcement number (W911QX-17-T-0257) to the GPE with a Notice of Intent to Sole Source to Luna Innovations, Inc. Therefore, at this time, the procurement will be pursued on an Other Than Full and Open Competition basis in accordance with FAR 13.501(a) -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. 7.Actions to Increase Competition: This requirement is for the one-time purchase of fiber optic test and measurement equipment which can be used to determine the aforementioned parameters. It is not anticipated that these supplies will be recurring requirements. However, ARL will continually seek to explore the market to increase competition by attending conferences/exhibitions, examining trade journals, conducting World Wide Web (WWW) research and through open discussion with industry experts should the need arise in the future for fiber optic test equipment with different capabilities. 8.Market Research: Extensive market research was conducted from January thru June of 2017 by REDACTED. Throughout his career in academia, private industry, and the Government, REDACTED has kept abreast of the latest technology developments and State-of-the-Art Advancements in the industry. REDACTED researched specifications via online searches, email correspondences and frequent phone calls with Dr. Michael Sumetsky, a SME at the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies in the UK. The websites of the following manufacturers were visited: Luna Technologies, Inc. (http://lunainc.com/), General Photonics Corporation (http://www.generalphotonics.com/), Novoptel GmbH (http://www.novoptel.de/Home/Home_en.php), Keysight Technologies (http://www.keysight.com/main/home.jspx?cc=US&lc=eng), Newport Corporation (https://www.newport.com/), and Thorlabs, Inc.(https://www.thorlabs.com/index.cfm). The specifications required by NSD are the following: wavelength resolution and accuracy less than (<) 2 picometre (pm), insertion loss and return loss dynamic range greater than (>) 60 decibels (dB), IL and RL accuracy <.2 dB, IL and RL resolution <.1 dB, PDL extinction ratio > 40 dB, PDL accuracy <.05 dB, optical phase error <.01 radians, GD range > 5 nanoseconds (ns), GD accuracy <.2 picoseconds (ps), GD loss range > 50 dB, CD accuracy < 10 ps/nm, PMD range > 5 ns, PMD accuracy <.1 ps, PMD loss range > 40 dB, second order PMD accuracy < 10 ps, and scan speed < 5 seconds (s). In addition, the measurement device must also be able to measure all of the parameters with a single scan as detailed in the previous paragraph. The proposed Luna OVA is the only device on the market which can achieve all of the required specifications with a single scan using one (1) measurement device. Although there are alternative test and measurement equipment on the market, no other device can measure all of these values simultaneously with a single scan. For example, the General Photonics Polarization Measurement System (Part Number: PSGA-101) can measure PDL, PMD, second order PMD, GD, and Jones Matrix elements; however, the PSGA cannot measure the other required parameters. Furthermore, the PSGA cannot measure all of these parameters at once, i.e. multiple measurements must be made just to measure the various parameters that the PSGA is capable of determining. This was verified by market research and by actual testing of the PSGA using a demo unit that was provided to the NSD Quantum Networks research group. Similar to the General Photonics PSGA, Keysight Technologies offers an Optical Component Analyzer (Part Number: N7788B) which cannot measure all of the required parameters. The Keysight device can measure IL, RL, PDL, GD, PMD, second order PMD, and Jones Matrix elements; however, it is unable to measure the remaining required parameters. The Keysight device also cannot meet the required specification for scan speed (< 5 s). The Keysight device has a scan time of 10 s. Furthermore, market research confirmed that Luna Technologies, Inc. is the sole distributor of their products. There are no authorized re-sellers of Luna products. 9.Interested Sources: A Sources Sought Synopsis was posted to FBO.gov on 14 August 2017 with a closing date of 21 August 2017. To date, no responses have been received. Furthermore, a Notice of Intent to Sole Source Synopsis was also posted for fifteen (15) days and no responses have been received to challenge the procurements intent by another vendor. Based on the aforementioned, Luna continues to be the only responsible source capable of providing fiber optic test and measurement equipment that meet the Government's minimum requirements. 10.Other Facts: a. Procurement History: N/A,, there is no procurement history as this is a first time buy. 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: Physical Scientist 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: Acting Division Chief 13.Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. This determination will be made using the following: Cost analysis X Price analysis Should-cost IGCE Audit: Other: As a part of this basis, certified cost or pricing data: will be required. X will not be required and the following exception applies (FAR 15.403): Prices that will be agreed upon are based on adequate price competition. Prices that will be agreed upon are based on prices set by law or regulation. X A commercial item is being acquired. A waiver has been granted by the head of the contracting activity (HCA) in accordance with DFARS PGI 215.403-1. The contract action is a modification to a contract or subcontract for commercial item(s). X The estimated cost of the contract action is less than the threshold for certified cost or pricing data. 14.Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Approval Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of one (1) Optical Vector Analyzer on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition. (End of Justification)
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/3afb4c3c4ec5c0d61ecd49e4041b4140)
 

Place of Performance

Address: United States Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Adelphi, Maryland, 20783, United States

Zip Code: 20783
 

Record

SN04704977-W 20171005/171003231928-3afb4c3c4ec5c0d61ecd49e4041b4140 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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