61--WIRE,ELECTRICAL

The contract involves the Defense Logistics Agency, DLA Land and Maritime, acquiring electrical wire (NSN 6145-01-498-8478) through other than full and open competition under solicitation number SPM7M812R0037. The justification cites statutory authority under 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), indicating that the item is available from only one or a limited number of sources. This wire is specially designed with higher specifications for the DPGDS program, making it non-commercial and not catalogued for general sale. The procurement is set to be carried out by acquiring the product directly from the manufacturer, with due diligence through market surveys confirming no competitive sources and assessing the reasonableness of cost based on recent contract pricing. Efforts to ensure competitiveness include synopsizing the acquisition through public notices and using mailing lists for potential bidders, though only one vendor, Engineered Electric Company, was identified as a source with no alternatives found due to the technical and proprietary nature of the item. The contract documentation highlights ongoing reviews to seek opportunities for competition in future acquisitions, employing methods such as technical evaluations and possible reverse engineering. The contracting officer certifies the accuracy and completeness of the justification, confirming the necessity to limit competition to maintain military capability without delay.