Explosive Effect Simulators

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION IN REPLY REFER TO MCSC CT028 J&A No: 161423 Upon the basis of the following justification, I hereby approve the use of other than full and open competition for the proposed contractual action, pursuant to the authority of FAR 8.405- 6(a)(l )(i)(B). JUSTIFICATION 1. Contracting Activity Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) Program Manager Training Systems (PMTRASYS) 12211 Science Drive Orlando, FL 32826 2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved The Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS) intends to procure Range Training Systems (RTS) through W. S. Darley & Co. (DUNS: 005094842) using other than full and open competition, conducted under the authority of the GSA Multiple Award Schedules program. This requirement is estimated at $414,224.25. 3. Descriotjon of Supplies{Seryices The requirement is to replace training systems that simulates realistic blast effects of IEDs, road side bombs or artillery. Due to a "Deadline Safety of Use Memorandum" released in November of 2015, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton lost the use of half of their Explotrain X-05 Enclosed Blast Simulators, and X-Large Explosive Effects Simulators or X-OMGs. The use of these systems were suspended due to a malfunction that was identified in IED simulators manufactured prior to November 2011. A simulator fired and the oxygen and propane valves stayed open, resulting in a fire that burned a hole in the cannon. A similar malfunction was discovered on a second system. Some of the requirements for these systems as identified in the RTS-Il P-Spec include, must be waterproof, semi-submersible, have the ability to be concealed, be interoperable and backwards compatible with current systems and their controllers/transmitters, and uniquely controls 10 separate Blast Simulators concurrently. The full requirement is for the following: Qty (3) X-05 IED BLAST SIMULATOR RANGE KITs, part number X-05RP-GSA. GSA price when procured as a single unit with (I) controller/transmitter is $9 ,384.00 EA, when procured as a range kit of (5), the unit price is $8,855.00. Qty (16) X-05 STANDARD JED BLAST SIMULATORs, part number X-05-GSA. GSA unit price is $9,384.00 EA. Qty (2) X-OMG IED BLAST SIMULATOR RANGE KIT, part number X-OMGRP-GSA. GSA price when procured as a range kit of (5), the unit price is $11,845.00. Qty (5) X-LRT LONG RANGE TRANSMITTERs, part number X-LRT-GSA. GSA unit price is $684.25 EA. The X-05 uses an electronically controlled oxygen and propane mixture in an enclosed cylinder. It is powered by a rechargeable and removable NiMH 12V DC battery. The Explotrain X-05 Enclosed Blast Simulator is designed for simulating realistic blast effects of IEDs, road side bombs or artillery. Waterproof and semi-submersible, the deployable legs allow for multiple configurations. The Range Package includes five X- 05 Enclosed Blast Simulators and the system is compatible and interoperable with all current Marine Corps Systems. The X-Large Explosive Effect Simulator or the Explotrain X-OMG Extra Large Blast Simulator Range Package is designed for simulating realistic blast effects of larger IEDs, road side bombs, VBIEDs, artillery or close air support. Designed for training mounted troops or where extreme blast effects are desired. The X-OMG uses an electronically controlled oxygen and propane mixture in an open ended cylinder. The Range Package includes five X-OMG Extra Large IED Blast Simulators and the system is compatible and interoperable with all current Marine Corps Systems. The Explotrain X-LRT Long Range Transmitter is a waterproof remote control for Explotrain X-0 series propane and oxygen explosive blast simulators with an operating range out to over 600 meters. Simple push button operation and color coded LEDs provide continuous feedback of each simulators actions and status. Controls up to ten simulators simultaneously and runs on AA batteries. The following are the specifications required: Safety Requirements for Explosive Effect Simulators (EES). All EES shall meet the following requirements: The EES shall include all features necessary for the operator to safe the system prior to approach, from outside of the safe standoff distance. Once in safe mode, the EES shall not fire. The EES propane tanks shall be outside of the safe standoff distance from the cannon. The EES propane tanks shall be at least 15 feet away from the cannon. The EES propane tank shall have valves allowing propane flow to be cut to the cannon from outside of the safe standoff zone. The EES propane valves shall automatically close when the system loses power. The EES oxygen tanks shall be outside of the safe standoff distance from the cannon. The EES oxygen tanks shall be at least 15 feet away from the cannon. The EES oxygen tank shall have valves allowing oxygen flow to be cut to the cannon from outside of the safe standoff zone. The EES oxygen valves shall automatically close when the system loses power. The EES circuit board shall not be co-located with the cannon. The EES control box shall be located outside of the safe standoff distance of the cannon. The EES control box shall be at least 15 feet away from the cannon. The EES control box shall have a mechanism to allow the operator to manually switch the system into safe mode from outside the safe standoff distance. When the EES control box is switched into safe mode, the system shall not respond to firing commands from the remote. When the EES control box is switched into safe mode, the system shall not respond to firing commands from connected trigger devices (such as tripwires and pressure pads). When the EES control box is switched into safe mode, the propane valves shall automatically close and stay shut. When the EES Simulator control box is switched into safe mode, the oxygen valves shall automatically close and stay shut. The EES control box shall provide controls for the operator to switch the system into armed" mode from outside the safe standoff distance. The EES control box shall use an integrated circuit board, or through-hole mounted circuit board, such that all electronic pieces are soldered to the board and cannot detach when mechanically shocked. General EES Requirements Functional Requirements The EES shall replicate the sound effects of an IED blast. The EES shall create the sound effect by igniting mixed oxygen and propane in a sound chamber. The EES system shall have a 100 to 130dB blast, measured IA W MIL-STD-1474 with the exception of the X-Large EES. The X-Large EES shall have a blast equal to or greater than 130dB. Included Items: The EES shall include the EES unit. The EES system shall include batteries. The EES system shall include a charger, if it uses rechargeable batteries. The EES shall include a remote control for the EES Simulator. The EES remote control shall include batteries. The EES remote control shall include a charger, if it uses rechargeable batteries. The EES system shall include all required Propane and Oxygen tanks. The EES system shall include regulators, valves and all other accessories necessary for operation. The EES system shall include (or be built into) a weatherproof case that contains and protects the EES, propane tank, oxygen tank, valves, regulators, hoses, wires, and all other accessories necessary for operation Control of EES The EES system shall be triggered by the I 0 System Long Range Controllers in the current Marine Corps inventory. The control range shall be IA W with the IO System Long Range Controller section. The EES system shall be triggered by the included remote control. The included remote control shall have a 300m range. The EES system shall report armed/disarmed status to the controller. The EES system shall report error status to the controller. The EES system shall be triggered by the pressure mats. The EES system shall be triggered by the pressure strips. Portable Explosive Effects Simulator with Disposable Cylinder. In addition to the EES Safety Requirements and General EES requirements, the Portable Explosive Effects Simulator with Disposal Cylinder shall meet the following requirements: The Portable Explosive Effects system shall be transportable by two-person carry, evaluated IAW MIL-STD-1472G. The Portable Explosive Effects system propane canister shall be disposable. The Portable Explosive Effects system propane canister shall be large enough for 50 shots before refilling is required. The Portable Explosive Effects system oxygen cylinder shall be large enough for 150 shots before refilling is required. The Portable Explosive Effects system shall include enough peripherals for 300 shots Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber. In addition to the EES Safety Requirements and General EES requirements, the Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber shall meet the following requirements: The Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber system shall include a detachable sound chamber. The Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber system sound chamber shall be concealable through partial burial. The Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber system shall be transportable by two-man carry, evaluated IAW MIL-STD-1472G. The Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber system propane canister shall be large enough for 50 shots before refilling is required. The Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber system oxygen cylinder shall be large enough for 150 shots before refilling is required. The Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber system shall include enough peripherals for 300 shots Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects Simulator. In addition to the EES Safety Requirements and General EES requirements, the Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects Simulator shall meet the following requirements: The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects system shall have a detachable sound chamber. The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects system sound chamber shall be concealable through partial burial. The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects system sound chamber shall be user configurable to stand up right. The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects system sound chamber shall be user configurable to aim sideways with an upward slant. The upward slant shall be great enough to prevent the Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects from lighting surrounding grass and plants on fire. The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects system shall be transportable by two-man carry, evaluated IA W MIL-STD-1472G. The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects system Propane canisters shall be large enough for 50 shots before refilling is required. The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects system oxygen cylinder shall be large enough for 150 shots before refilling is required. The Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects Simulator shall provide enough peripherals for I 00 shots. X-Large Explosive Effects Simulator. In addition to the EES Safety Requirements and General EES requirements, the X-Large EES shall meet the following requirements: The X-Large EES system shall have an extra-large sound chamber. The X-Large EES system sound chamber shall be user-adjustable to fit behind standard USACE target enclosures. The X-Large EES system propane canister shall be large enough for 125 shots before refilling is required. The X-Large EES system oxygen cylinder shall be large enough for 120 shots before refilling is required. The X-Large EES shall include enough peripherals for 300 shots. System Long Range Controller, Wireless Components The Long Range Controller shall include a 10 System Long Range Controller. The Long Range Controller shall include batteries. If the Long Range Controller uses rechargeable batteries, it shall include a spare set of batteries and a charger. Controlled Systems The Long Range Controller shall control the Large Explosive Effects Simulator. The Long Range Controller shall control the Portable Explosive Effects Simulator with Disposable Cylinder. The Long Range Controller shall control the Explosive Effects Simulator with Detachable Explosion Chamber. The Long Range Controller shall control the Reconfigurable Non Pyrotechnic Explosive Effects Simulator. The Long Range Controller shall control the Indoor Non Pyrotechnic Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Simulator. The Long Range Controller shall control the X-Large Explosive Effects Simulator. Controller Requirements The Long Range Controller shall have a controller range of at least 600m. The Long Range Controller shall control up to ten of the explosive effects simulators at a time. The Long Range Controller shall have at least ten separate buttons, one for each controlled explosive effects simulator. The Long Range Controller shall have physical push-buttons and not be touchscreen-based. Each Long Range Controller button shall provide operator controls to arm the corresponding EES device. Each Long Range Controller button shall provide operator controls to disarm the corresponding EES device. Each Long Range Controller button shall provide operator controls to trigger the corresponding EES device. The Long Range Controller shall monitor the status of all controlled units. The Long Range Controller shall report armed status of controlled-EES devices to the operator. The Long Range Controller shall report disarmed status of controlled-EES devices to the operator. The Long Range Controller shall report errors (such as disconnections) of controlled-EES devices to the operator. The Long Range Controller shall have an on/off button or switch. The Long Range Controller shall support three channels of communication. The Long Range Controller shall be compatible with 10 devices operating per channel. The Long Range Controller shall allow the operator to select the channel of operation, without special tools. The Long Range Controller shall be supported in a single hand. 4. Authority and Supoortjng Rationale The Authority for this Limited Sources procurement if, FAR 8.405-6(a)(l)(i)(B) Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized. The Marine Corps currently has an inventory of dozens of Explotrain X-LRT Long Range Transmitters used for controlling its inventory of Blast Simulators. Explotrain is the only source capable of providing a system which uniquely controls 10 separate Blast Simulators concurrently, is interoperable, is backward compatible with simulators in the current Marine Corps inventory still in use. 5. Determjnation of Fair and Reasonable Cost In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 8.404(d), supplies offered on the schedule are listed at fixed prices. Services offered on the schedule are priced either at hourly rates, or at a fixed price for performance of a specific task (e.g., installation, maintenance, and repair). GSA has already determined the prices of supplies and fixed-price services, and rates for services offered at hourly rates, under schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable. By placing an order against a DoD schedule contract using the procedures in 8.405, the ordering activity will use the GSA pricing as a base for price negotiations and price reasonableness determination to be obtained IAW FAR 15.404-1. 6. Description of Market Research and Results The following techniques were used in conducting market research, historical acquisition information, trade show attendance, personal knowledge in procuring supplies/services of this type, contact with the requester and other knowledgeable people in Government and industry regarding the commercial nature of this requirement and standard industry practices in this area of supply/service, review of Government databases for relevant information, and internet research. Market Research was also conducted during the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) via web searches on www.explotrain.com, General Services Administration website (GSA) www.gsaadvantage.gov, and Military Systems at www.militarysystems-tech.com. Research of historical contracts showed that these systems were procured under the IDIQ Range Training Systems (RTS) contract #M67854-10-D-8045 with SAAB and the IDIQ RTS-11 contract #M67854-l 3-D-7803 with GDIT. Trade Show Review was done at the annual InterService/ Industry Training, Simulation and Education (I/ITSEC) Conference in Orlando, FL and the Shot Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Trade show research, personal knowledge, and other knowledgeable people in Government and industry identified 2 manufacturers, and several retailers of those same systems, that could possibly meet the Blast Simulator requirements: Explotrain - Marine Corps has been using for over 8 years to Improvised Electronics Additionally, a Sources Sought Notice was released under# M67854-l 6-R-7814. After 14 days, the sole respondent being Explotrain, it has been determined that only that no other company or agency has a product that meets the requirements for the Blast Simulators identified in this procurement. A search of www.GSAAdvantage.gov has identified that W. S. Darley & Co. is the sole contract GSA contract holder (GS-07F-0387Y) available to provide the required products. 7. Other Factors Supoort Use of other than Full and Ooen Competition This procurement is a follow-on acquisition for a like replacement that is interoperable and backwards compatible with on hand Marine Corps systems still in use. Original systems were procured pre 2011 under a firm fixed price full and open competition integration contract. Since then, the systems in use were determined to be a safety hazard and were deadlined pending a Safety of use Memorandum (SOUM). Procurement under the GSA Multiple Award Schedules Program is being used to fulfill this need as the current contract is unavailable for award of future Delivery Orders and further procurement on this contract has been halted pending a reasonable resolution. 8. Actjons Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition As this order will return all current systems quantities to fully operational stastuses. PMTRASYS has relaxed future requirements for Blast Simulator systems by not requiring future systems to be backwards compatible with current inventori es. This will allow for competition with other manufacturers of Blast Simulator systems.