MHCE PA, ACOMMS experiment-Sole Source

SYNOPSIS The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), Panama City, FL intends to award a firm fixed price sole source purchase order using simplified acquisition procedures to Delresearch LLC, 128 Route 6A Rear, Sandwich, MA 02563 (CAGE Code 4NE49) to provide support for a Mine Hunting in Challenging Environments Participation Agreement (MHCE PA) Acoustic Communications (ACOMMS) experiment. The Contractor will participate in the experiments to collect acoustic probe data (Channel Impulse Responses (CIRs)), and to collect statistics regarding new communication waveforms. This purchase is not suitable for full and open competition and it is in the best interest of the Government to acquire this support using a non-competitive purchase for the following reasons. Developing improved communications waveforms for environments such as the Singapore Straits requires in-depth understanding of effects of reverberation, multipath, broadband noise, and time-varying attenuation cause by bubbles due to sea traffic. DelResearch has developed the current Popoto acoustic modem, and has extensive, unique experience in ACOMMS applications and in collecting and assessing Channel Impulse Responses (CIRs) to characterize acoustic channels. Under a prior DTIC contract DelResearch developed new probe signals and several communications waveforms for the MHCE PA. DelResearch has developed three new robust waveforms for testing under the PA experiment, based on their extensive experience developing waveforms that have been implemented in many commercially available acoustic modems. Additionally, DelResearch has the capability to efficiently implement algorithms in their Popoto modems, record receive data, and conduct offline processing and analysis. The period of performance will be from award of the order through 30 December 2022. NAICS 541330. Small Business Size Standard $16.5M. PSC R425. 19 January 2022 MEMORANDUM Subj: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR SUPPORT FROM DELRESEARCH, INC. FOR ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATIONS (ACOMMS) EXPERIMENTATION UNDER THE MHCE U.S.-SINGAPORE PA Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a - Limited Source Justification. This is a sole source justification. Contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), 110 Vernon Avenue, Panama City, FL 32407-7001 (Contracts Department Code 02). Nature and/or description of the action being approved. This action will award a firm fixed price purchase order to Delresearch, LLC 128 Route 6A Rear, Sandwich, MA 02563 (CAGE Code 4NE49) for acoustic communications experimentation support under the MHCE PA as described below. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs (including the estimated value). The purchase is to acquire the following: DelResearch will travel to and attend the Mine Hunting in Challenging Environments Participation Agreement (MHCE PA) Acoustic Communications (ACOMMS) experiment, now scheduled to occur in Singapore in the June-July 2022 time frame to participate in the experiments to collect acoustic probe data (Channel Impulse Responses (CIRs)), and to collect statistics regarding new communication waveforms. DelResearch will participate in virtual work up meetings for the experiment, and configure hardware (Popoto modems) to record and process data. DelResearch will perform analysis on the recorded data and provide a final report of results. Two senior scientists will travel to and participate in a final workshop in Panama City, to be scheduled in the summer of 2022. The Government's minimum needs have been verified by the certifying technical and requirements personnel. This memo does not authorize acquisition for other requirements. This acquisition will be conducted using simplified acquisition procedures with a total dollar value above micro-purchase levels, but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000.00. All efforts will be completed by 30 December 2022. The purchase will be funded with FY 2022 Naval International Programs Office (NIPO) funds. Identification of the justification rationale and, if applicable, a demonstration of the proposed contractor's unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service. 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1) - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, FAR 6.302-1. The Mine Hunting in Challenging Environments Participation Agreement (MHCE PA) between the U.S and Singapore will conduct joint experimentation to advance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) - based mine hunting in complex undersea environments such as the straits of Singapore. As part of this, the acoustic communications (ACOMMS) portion of the PA will support improving the ability to transfer data acoustically during AUV missions. This improves the speed at which the AUVs can provide actionable information to operators and redirect the AUVs during the mission. The ACOMMS experiments will be in the Singapore Straits, which present a very difficult acoustic environment for communications. Developing improved communications waveforms for environments such as the Singapore Straits requires understanding of effects of reverberation, multipath, broadband noise, and time- varying attenuation cause by bubbles due to sea traffic. DelResearch has developed the current Popoto acoustic modem, and has extensive, unique experience in ACOMMS applications and in collecting and assessing Channel Impulse Responses (CIRs) to characterize acoustic channels. Under a prior DTIC contract DelResearch developed new probe signals and several communications waveforms for the MHCE PA. Originally, the experimentation was to occur in September 2021, but due to COVID19 was postponed and will likely occur in June 2022. DelResearch used the additional resources to further develop and validate their waveforms and probes. DelResearch has developed three new robust waveforms for testing under the PA experiment, based on their extensive experience developing waveforms that have been implemented in many commercially available acoustic modems. Additionally, DelResearch has the capability to efficiently implement algorithms in their Popoto modems, record receive data, and conduct offline processing and analysis. It is the combination of these capabilities that brings best value to the Navy with regard to support for the MHCE PA ACOMMS experiment. A determination by the ordering activity contracting officer that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR 13.106-1(b). The Contracting Officer has determined that the order represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government's needs. A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted. This requirement will be synopsized on the Commercial Opportunities website at SAM.gov per FAR 5.2. No additional market research was conducted because it is not practicable, for the reasons discussed in paragraph 4 above to substitute any other product. Any other facts supporting the justification. None A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made. As stated in paragraph 4 above, DelResearch has, under a prior contract completed the development and local testing of the waveforms and channel probes for the MHCE PA experiment. This contract effort will extend DelResearch's support for the MHCE PA, including their participation in the ACOMMS experiment in Singapore, analysis and reporting of results, and participation in a final workshop and exchange with the Singaporean team in the U.S. SIGNATURES FOLLOW THIS PAGE SOW and CDLRs availible on request to quailified vendors F.O.B. 52.247-29 FOB Destination Section G 252.232-7003 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports (Dec 2018) 252.232-7006 Wide Area Workflow Payment Instructions (Dec 2016) Section I - Contract Clauses 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (Oct 2010) 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.(Aug 2020) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (Dec 2014) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Oct 2015) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items (Dec 2021) 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items (Jan 2022) Preselected: 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statement (Jan 2017) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Aug 1996) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) Required: 52.222-50 Combatting Trafficking in Persons (Mar 2015) 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Aug 2011) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--System for Award Management JUL 2013 52.222-53 Exemption From Application Of The Service Contract Labor Standards To Contracts For Certain Services--Requirements (May 2014) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013) 52.243-1 Changes Fixed-Price 52.246-4 Inspection of Services 252.203-7000 Requirements Relating to Compensation of Former DoD Officials (SEP 2011) 252.203-7002 Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights (Sep 2013) 252.204-7003 Control of Government Work Product (Apr 1992) 252.204-7009 Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Third-Party Contractor Reported Cyber Incident Information 252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting (Oct 2016) 252.204-7015 Notice of Authorized Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support (May 2016) 252.204-7019 Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements (Nov 2020) 252.204-7020 NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements (Nov 2020) 252.225-7048 Export Controlled Items (Jun 2013) 252.232-7010 Levies on Contract Payments (Dec 2006) 252.232-7017 Accelerating Payments To Small Business Subcontractors'Prohibition On Fees And Consideration (APR 2020) 252.247-7023 Transportation of Supplies by Sea (Apr 2014) 252.246-7007 Contractor Counterfeit Electronic Part Detection and Avoidance System 252.246-7008 Sources of Electronic Parts 252.215-7013 Supplies and Services Provided by Nontraditional Defense Contractors. (Jan 2018 52.252-1-Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 52.252-2-Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) Section K - Representations 2.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements--Representation (Jan 2017) 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (Dec 2014) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Oct 2020). 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services--Representation (OCT 2020) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction (Feb 2016) 52.212-3 Alt 1 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Mar 2020) 252.204-7008 Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls (Oct 2016) Section L - Instructions Conditions and Notices to Bidders 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors'Commercial Items (Mar 2020) 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Jul 2013 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance JUL 2013 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal (Jan 2017) 52.211-14 Notice of Priority Rating 252.213-7000 Notice to Prospective Suppliers on Use of Supplier Performance Risk System in Past Performance Evaluations (Mar 2018) Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award 52.212-2 Evaluation Commercial Items FAR Part 13 Best value, SPRS ratings, price and delivery terms G-232-H005 SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING INVOICING (NAVSEA) (JAN 2019) (a) For other than firm fixed priced contract line item numbers (CLINs), the Contractor agrees to segregate costs incurred under this contract/task order (TO), as applicable, at the lowest level of performance, either at the sub line item number (SLIN) or CLIN level, rather than at the total contract/TO level, and to submit invoices reflecting costs incurred at that level. Supporting documentation in Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) for invoices shall include summaries of work charged during the period covered as well as overall cumulative summaries by individual labor categories, rates, and hours (both straight time and overtime) invoiced; as well as, a cost breakdown of other direct costs (ODCs), materials, and travel, by technical instruction (TI), SLIN, or CLIN level. For other than firm fixed price subcontracts, subcontractors are also required to provide labor categories, rates, and hours (both straight time and overtime) invoiced; as well as, a cost breakdown of ODCs, materials, and travel invoiced. Supporting documentation may be encrypted before submission to the prime contractor for WAWF invoice submittal. Subcontractors may email encryption code information directly to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Should the subcontractor lack encryption capability, the subcontractor may also email detailed supporting cost information directly to the Contracting Officer and COR; or other method as agreed to by the Contracting Officer. (b) Contractors submitting payment requests and receiving reports to WAWF using either Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) shall separately send an email notification to the COR and Contracting Officer on the same date they submit the invoice in WAWF. No payments shall be due if the contractor does not provide the COR and Contracting Officer email notification as required herein. (End of Text) G-242-H001 GOVERNMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION POINTS-OF-CONTACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NAVSEA) (OCT 2018) (a) The Government reserves the right to administratively substitute any of the points of contact listed below at any time. (b) The contracting officer is the only person authorized to change this contract or orders issued thereunder. The Contractor shall not comply with any order, direction or request of Government personnel - that would constitute a change - unless it is issued in writing and signed by the Contracting Officer or is pursuant to specific authority otherwise included as part of this contract. If, in the opinion of the contractor, an effort outside the existing scope of this contract is requested, the contractor shall promptly comply with the Notification of Changes clause of this contract. (c) The points of contact are as follows: (i) The Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) is: See page 1, Block 24 (ii) The Contract Specialist is: Name: Vincent Tomasi E-mail: contact@example.gov Phone: +1 (555) 000-0000 The Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) is: Not Applicable (d) The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is the contracting officer's appointed representative for technical matters. The COR is not a contracting officer and does not have the authority to direct the accomplishment of effort which is beyond the scope of the contract or to otherwise change any contract requirements. An informational copy of the COR appointment letter, which provides a delineation of COR authority and responsibilities, will be provided upon award of this contract. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is: Not Applicable (e) The Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative (ACOR) is responsible for COR responsibilities and functions in the event that the COR is unavailable due to leave, illness, or other official business. The ACOR is appointed by the contracting officer; a copy of the ACOR appointment will be provided upon award of this contract. The Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative (ACOR) is: Not Applicable (f) The Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) is the contracting officer's representative for technical matters when a COR is not appointed. The TPOC is responsible for technical issues of contract administration, such as providing all items of Government Furnished Information (GFI), Government Furnished Material (GFM) and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) if specified in the contract as well as the inspection and acceptance of all contract deliverables. The Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) is: Name: Email: (g) The Alternate Technical Point of Contact (ATPOC) is responsible for TPOC responsibilities and functions in the event that the TPOC is unavailable due to leave, illness, or other official business. The Alternate Technical Point of Contact (ATPOC) is: Not Applicable (h) The Ombudsman will review complaints from the contractors and ensure that all contractors are afforded a fair opportunity to be considered, consistent with the procedures in the contract. The Ombudsman is: Not Applicable (i) The Authorized Ordering Person(s) for Per-Call Maintenance is responsible for issuing and maintaining records for any per-call orders for remedial maintenance placed under this contract. No per-call order shall be placed outside the scope of this contract and the cumulative total of all orders shall not be in excess of any not-to-exceed amount specified in the contract. Per-call orders shall not, in any way, modify any terms and conditions of the contract. (j) The Authorized Ordering Person(s) for Per-Call Maintenance is: Person(s) listed in (f) with approval from persons listed in ( c ) (i) and (ii). (k) The Contractor's point of contact for performance under this contract is: Name: E-mail: Address: See Block 9 Phone (End of Text) G-242-H002 HOURS OF OPERATION AND HOLIDAY SCHEDULE (NAVSEA) (JUL 2021) (a) The policy of this activity is to schedule periods of reduced operations or shutdown during holiday periods. Deliveries will not be accepted on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays except as specifically requested by the [insert activity name]. All goods or services attempted to be delivered on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday without specific instructions from the Contracting Officer or his duly appointed representative will be returned to the contractor at the contractor's expense with no cost or liability to the U.S. Government. (b) The federal Government observes public Holidays that have been established under 5 U.S.C. 6103. The actual date of observance for each of the holidays, for a specific calendar year, may be obtained from the OPM website at OPM.GOV or by using the following direct link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/. (c) Delayed Opening, Early Dismissal and Closure of Government Facilities. When a Government facility has a delayed opening, is closed or Federal employees are dismissed early (due to severe weather, security threat, security exercise, or a facility related problem) that prevents personnel from working, onsite contractor personnel regularly assigned to work at that facility shall follow the same reporting and/or departure directions given to Government personnel. The contractor shall not direct charge to the contract for such time off, but shall follow parent company policies regarding taking leave (administrative or other). Non-essential contractor personnel, who are not required to remain at or report to the facility, shall follow their parent company policy regarding whether they should go/stay home or report to another company facility. Subsequent to an early dismissal, delayed opening, or during periods of inclement weather, onsite contractors should monitor the OPM website as well as radio and television announcements before departing for work to determine if the facility is closed or operating on a delayed arrival basis. (d) When Federal employees are excused from work due to a holiday or a special event (that is unrelated to severe weather, a security threat, or a facility related problem), on site contractors shall continue working established work hours or take leave in accordance with parent company policy. Those contractor employees who take leave shall not direct charge the non-working hours to the contract. Contractors are responsible for predetermining and disclosing their charging practices for early dismissal, delayed openings, or closings in accordance with the FAR, applicable cost accounting standards, and the company's established policy and procedures. Contractors shall follow their disclosed charging practices during the contract period of performance, and shall not follow any verbal directions to the contrary. The Contracting Officer will make the determination of cost allowability for time lost due to facility closure in accordance with FAR, applicable Cost Accounting Standards, and the Contractor's established accounting policy and procedures. (e) If you intend to visit the Contracts Office, it is advised that you call for an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. (f) The hours of operation are as follows: AREA FROM TO NSWC-PCD and/or NEDU 0700 1600* (g) All deliveries to the Receiving Officer, (See Delivery Schedule, Section F), shall be made Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1600 local time, unless otherwise specified. Deliveries will not be accepted after 1600. No deliveries will be accepted on federal government holidays. ***Note*** Trucks must gain access to the base prior to 1430. (End of text) G-242-W001 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION FUNCTIONS (NAVSEA) (OCT 2018) (a) In accordance with FAR 42.302(a) all functions listed are delegated to the ACO except the following items to be retained by the PCO: ALL functions listed will be retained by the PCO. (b) In accordance with FAR 42.302(b), the following additional functions are delegated to the ACO: None (End of Text) L-204-H003 NOTIFICATION OF USE OF NAVY SUPPORT CONTRACTORS FOR OFFICIAL CONTRACT FILES (NAVSEA) (APR 2019) (a) NAVSEA may use a contractor to manage official contract files hereinafter referred to as "the support contractor", including the official file supporting this procurement. These official files may contain information that is considered a trade secret, proprietary, business sensitive or otherwise protected pursuant to law or regulation, hereinafter referred to as - protected information. File management services consist of any of the following: secretarial or clerical support; data entry; document reproduction, scanning, imaging, or destruction; operation, management, or maintenance of paper-based or electronic mail rooms, file rooms, or libraries; and supervision in connection with functions listed herein. (b) The cognizant Contracting Officer will ensure that any NAVSEA contract under which these file management services are acquired will contain a requirement that (1) The support contractor not disclose any information; (2) Individual employees are to be instructed by the support contractor regarding the sensitivity of the official contract files; (3) The support contractor performing these services be barred from providing any other supplies and/or services, or competing to do so, to NAVSEA for the period of performance of its contract and for an additional three years thereafter unless otherwise provided by law or regulation; and, (4) In addition to any other rights the offeror may have, it is a third party beneficiary who has the right of direct action against the support contractor, or any person to whom the support contractor has released or disclosed Protected Information, for the unauthorized duplication, release, or disclosure of such Protected Information. (c) Submission of a proposal will be considered as consent to NAVSEA's permitting access to any information, irrespective of restrictive markings or the nature of the information submitted, by its file management support contractor for the limited purpose of executing its file support contract responsibilities. (d) NAVSEA may, without further notice, enter into contracts with other contractors for these services. Offerors are free to enter into separate non-disclosure agreements with the file support contractor. Contact the Procuring Contracting Officer for contractor specifics. However, any such agreement will not be considered a prerequisite before information submitted is stored in the files or otherwise encumber the government. (End of Provision)