Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This document is a federal Justification for Sole Source (Simplified Acquisition Threshold) for the procurement of a Barbee Test HSC-3072-RD10 / HSC-30000psi Hose Proof Tester for the U.S. Navy. The procurement is justified based on compatibility with existing systems, critical training advantages, and established logistics. Navy technicians are already trained on Barbee Test equipment controls and safety protocols, eliminating the need for new training curricula and reducing operator error when handling lethal pressures of up to 30,000 PSI. Additionally, the Navy possesses existing technical data, maintenance procedures, and safety checklists optimized for this specific equipment. The procurement is also classified as urgent due to an immediate backlog of high-pressure hoses requiring certification and the catastrophic safety risks associated with these systems. There are no safe, authorized workarounds for testing hoses to 30,000 PSI, and outsourcing to commercial facilities introduces unacceptable logistical delays, chain-of-custody risks, and security vulnerabilities for classified components. This in-house capability is vital to maintaining operational readiness and preventing bottlenecks that impact naval assets and scheduled fleet operations.

This document is a Justification for Sole Source acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for the procurement of a Barbee Relief Valve Test Bench (Model No: TP-3000-RV) and associated components for the USS Frank Cable. The justification outlines that Navy technicians and 31E/D operators are already specifically trained and qualified on Barbee Hydrostatic equipment to inspect, repair, and test critical submarine and surface ship valve systems up to 3,000 psi. Procuring this standardized model eliminates the need to develop new training curricula, reducing the risk of operator error and potential injury when handling high pressures. Additionally, utilizing the Barbee system avoids the requirement for a Temporary Alteration (T-ALT), preventing a 16-month lead time and saving $10,000 in engineering fees. The specific items to be procured include the Barbee test bench, test plates, a water reclamation system, and multiple McDaniel stainless steel pressure gauges. The document concludes with the required technical certification and contracting officer approval for the sole-source solicitation.