ASM-07 Handheld IR Devices - Aerial Supervision

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity. Program/Requiring Activity: USDA Forest Service, Washington Office Fire and Aviation (WO-FAM) Contracting Activity: Procurement and Property Services 2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved. This justification provides rational for contracting by other than full and open competition for Firm Fixed Price Purchase of handheld Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) devices for FS Aerial Supervisors, from Collins Aerospace for a one-time purchase of ten (10) SWIR units with requisite accessories. Program has a need for these units to be purchased prior to the start of the 2022 fire season. 3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs. The USFS has a need for Non-aircraft mounted, man portable (i.e. handheld), self-contained (singe unit: view, power, sensor) Infrared device the can see through aircraft glass and penetrate smoke allowing aerial supervisor to see active wildfire and personnel that would otherwise be obstructed. Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR), is the only part of the infrared spectrum that can penetrate aircraft glass and smoke. The Sensors Unlimited Short-Wave Infrared Pocket Scope with is a Miniature handheld SWIR spotting scope capable of providing users with this capability in the 0.7-1.7 um wavelength. This capability is an immediate need and highly important in regard to expeditiously locate wildfire personnel in an active wildfire environments. 4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 41 U.S.C - 1901 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures up to $7.5 million, as authorized by FAR 13.500(a) and implemented by FAR 13.501(a). 5. Statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority. The Aerial supervision programs requires a Commercial off-the-shelf infrared device to enhance the aerial ability to see wildland fire active in limited visibility and smokey conditions without modifying the aircraft. The device must not be mounted or otherwise installed in that aircraft. The device must be capable of seeing through aircraft glass. The device should be compact and unobtrusive in the aircraft and be easily stowable. Given this specialized requirement market research was conducted and concluded only one source/manufacture is available for an off-the-shelf product meeting these requirements. Sensors Unlimited Inc. is the only vendor that offers a commercially available handheld SWIR that fits the requirement and is currently commercially available without the need for modifications. 6. Description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. Program technical personal determined known potential vendors who were sent program requirements as a part of market research so the Government could understand what product(s) are available in the marketplace. Additionally, google and GSA were searched using general terms to identify any potential products/vendors whom could meet the requirements. An RFI SN-2022-05 was posted and closed on 3/11/2022. This RFI resulted in three vendors: Sensors Unlimited, and two others who expressed the ability to fulfill the requirement in the future, either through a current R&D effort or by building a model utilizing COTS components to build a unit to specs, which were not truly commercial off the shelf items. As a result of this market research, it was determined that only Sensors Unlimited Inc. produces and sells a COTS, handheld SWIR camera that will fit the unique requirements of a wildfire enviornment. 7. Description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted. Known potential IR manufactures and vendors were sent program requirements as a part of market research so the Government could understand what product(s) are available in the marketplace. Additionally, google and GSA were searched using general terms to verify that alternative products that meet the requirements were commercially available. An RFI SN-2022-05 was posted and closed on 3/11/2022. This RFI resulted in two vendors who both proposed solutions which were not commercial off the shelf items. As a result of this market research, it was found that SWIR camera systems are in general, are very limited to specialized scientific, manufacturing, and security/DOD uses versus off the shelf consumer products. Additionally, this type of system is International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) controlled, which further restricts availability. As a result of market research only one COTS product was found. 8. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Atollo Engineering and Infrared Imaging both proposed developmental solutions, while Sensors Unlimited meets the requirements, is commercial off the shelf and currently available. 9. Listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition. Raptor Photonic expressed interest in building a costume solution. They do not have a commercial product meeting the program requirements and would require the development. They estimated it was cost between 25,000-70,000 to develop a product but it would not self-contained and would need to be mounted in the aircraft. RFI SN-2022-05 resulted in two proposals. The first company, Infrared Imaging, proposed an item that is currently in development with a product availability anticipation date of September 2022. The second company, Attollo Engineering, proposed to develop a product based on requirements. Neither company had a commercial item available. 10. Statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated. This market is largely driven by DoD need and the agency has limited need for this specific solution, at max 60 units. So, it is unlikely that the agency itself can remove barriers from subsequent acquisitions. However, should any future RFI produce a vendor(s) that can provide a COTS item that is capable of fulfilling the requirements, future requirements could then be solicited for competition. 11. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. Based on historical pricing on previous DOD contracts, and catalog prices for the commercial items, as well as discussions with program, the Contracting Officer has determined the price to be fair and reasonable.