The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) is seeking quotes for the procurement of the latest Njord Wave Generation software and G8 Control Card Firmware to update the MASK Wavemaker. This procurement includes installation, commissioning support, and wavemaker tuning services. The RFQ, not set aside for small businesses, demands responses by 4:00 PM on September 26, 2024. The requirement aims to address 2nd Order effects associated with Paddle Wavemakers, enhancing performance based on previous baseline measurements. Contractors must have prior experience with the Njord software and G8 firmware upgrades for eligibility. Deliverables include successful software installation, configuration, and validation of wavemaker performance post-upgrade. The anticipated delivery timeframe spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, at the MASK Basin, with a fixed-price contract structure. This initiative embodies the government's continuous effort to modernize naval technology while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and standards.
This government document outlines the justification for a procurement using other than full and open competition for software and firmware support services related to the MASK Wavemaker at NSWCCD. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Edinburgh Designs, Ltd., is the only provider with the necessary proprietary software and firmware for the equipment's functionality. The rationale includes the high costs and extensive time required (approximately $30 million and a two-year timeline) for replacing the existing wavemaker if the upgrades are not pursued. Instead, updating the existing system will cost significantly less and result in a shorter downtimes of six weeks. To ensure fair pricing, the Government plans to conduct market research and obtain formal price proposals. The document demonstrates compliance with procurement regulations as it seeks to maximize efficiency while acknowledging limited competition due to the proprietary nature of the required products. It asserts ongoing efforts to enhance competition and solicit offers as technology evolves.