The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) is requesting quotes for a follow-on contract to enhance the Corrosion Cracking Maintenance Prediction Software (CCMPS), initially developed under an Office of Naval Research program. The primary objective is to refine the software framework and integrate additional material and structural input models to enhance its predictive capabilities for corrosion and cracking in naval structures, specifically targeting various aluminum alloys and ship classes. The solicitation is set aside for small businesses, stipulating a firm-fixed price contract with a deadline for quotes by September 10, 2024. Prospective contractors must demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and should include pricing, a Cage Code, and other necessary documentation in their submissions. To ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations, various clauses and provisions from the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement are included in the solicitation, which emphasizes the importance of contractor familiarity with the CCMPS tool. The project aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of naval maintenance operations through advanced software solutions.

This memorandum outlines the justification for a sole source acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for augmenting the Corrosion Cracking Maintenance Prediction Software (CCMPS) developed by VEXTEC Inc. The acquisition is necessitated by the proprietary nature of the CCMPS architecture, specifically its Monte Carlo simulations, which are essential for predicting corrosion cracking in aluminum ship structures. The project's goal is to enhance the tool to incorporate new data related to 5083 H116 aluminum alloy and its application to LCS ship classes, leveraging a prior investment of approximately $1 million from the Office of Naval Research. The memorandum follows Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines, emphasizing that competition has been limited due to the proprietary rights held by VEXTEC. The certification and approval from the contracting officer confirms the justification for proceeding without full and open competition, underlining the unique requirements and the necessity of the brand name product for the government's needs. Overall, this action aims to optimize the existing software tool efficiently while adhering to regulations governing government procurement.