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JUSTIFICATION REVIEW DOCUMENT FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS FAR PART 13 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION Programs/Equipment: Two (2) Markforged Continu... JUSTIFICATION REVIEW DOCUMENT FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS FAR PART 13 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION Programs/Equipment: Two (2) Markforged Continuous Fiber Reinforced Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines to include supplies, spare parts, training, and support services. Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii). -- sole source (including brand name) under the authority of the simplified procedures for commercial items. Amount: Prepared by: Mechanical Engineer Date: 12/16/2021 Email: Contracting Officer: Joseph Dellinger DSN: 290-0769 Contracting Officer Date: 12/16/2021 Email: joseph.m.dellinger2.civ@army.mil Technical: Mechanical Engineer Date: 12/16/2021 Requirements: Chief, Vehicle Structures & Dynamics Date: 12/16/2021 Controlled by: ACC-APG CUI Category: General Procurement and Acquisition Distribution/Limited Dissemination Control: FEDCON POC: Joseph Dellinger 301-394-0769 Reviews: I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition. Program Manager: Legal Counsel: FAR PART 13 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION 1. Contracting Activity: United States (U.S.) Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), Adelphi Contracting Division (ACD), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD 20783. 2. Description of Action: The U.S. Army Research Laboratory – Weapons & Materials Research Directorate (ARL-WMRD) requests a new firm fixed price (FFP) contract with Phillips Corporation, 7390 Coca Cola Drive, Suite 200, Hanover, Maryland 21076-1768. The Government projects award for June 2022 and fiscal year 2021/2022 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funds will be used. _X_ An acquisition plan is not required because this procurement does not meet the threshold at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 207.103(d)(i). 3. Description of Supplies/Services: The Government requires two (2) Markforged FX20 Continuous Fiber Reinforced Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines using ULTEM™ filaments in order to make larger builds at high speeds. The FX20 is a large format AM machine that features an 8-Liter (L) heated build chamber and flat vacuum bed with print sheets. The motion control systems offer precise linear encoders and have a three (3) kilogram (kg) print head. The turbo mode builds parts at high-speed with low print times. The required AM machines shall meet the specifications listed below: Single nozzle build: 525 x 400 x 400 millimeters (mm) Multi-nozzle builds: 500 x 400 x 400mm Z-layer resolution: 50 micrometers (µm) – 250 µm Build volume: width-525mm, Depth-400mm, Height 400mm Print Media: Continuous Fiber Polymer Media/ULTEM 9085 filament/Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, Kevlar, High Strength High Temperature (HSHT) Fiberglass Maximum of 200 degrees (°) Celsius (C) operating temperature Eiger Software with Digital Library of Designs Digital Forge Platform Software Flat Touch Screen Keyboard Delivery Date: 31 July 2022 Total Value: The Government seeks to acquire shipping, training, installation, and support services for the two (2) Markforged FX20 Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM machines: Initial Installation and Training on FX20 and off-line Eiger Software Advanced Training after 6 months from initial startup and train on FX20 and off-line Eiger Software 5-year Service Plan for Markforged FX20 3D printer Rigging and electrical services for Markforged FX20 3D printer installation Package freight for delivery of equipment and consumables to ARL Installation and Training Period of Performance (PoP): 31 July 2022 – 28 November 2022 Service Plan (PoP): 31 July 2022 – 30 July 2027 Advanced Training (PoP): 30 Feb 2023 - 31 May 2023 Total Value: 4. Authority Cited: 41 U.S.C. 1901(e) (2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii) -- sole source (including brand name) under the authority of the simplified procedures for commercial items. 5. Reason for Authority Cited: a. ARL-WMRD Mechanical Sciences Competency at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) requires that the core competency of the branch focus on platform design and control. These platforms are designed and fabricated using Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM machines which build strong, high temperature tolerant parts. The required equipment and ancillary services is only available from one (1) vendor, Phillips Corporation, Markforged’s sole Government distributor of equipment and services. This includes the Markforged FX20 Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM machine along with its equipment, consumables, and associated factory certified services and installation. The Markforged FX20 Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM machine must be interfaced with existing Government owned Markforged AM wash stations and Markforged furnaces/ovens to post process AM parts. In order for Government-owned Markforged equipment to maximize its functionality, it is imperative that the required AM machines be compatible with the Markforged equipment ARL-WMRD already has in use to create platforms for testing. This equipment includes two (2) Markforged X7s, one (1) Onyx One, and one (1) Metal X. b. In addition to the compatibility requirement, ARL-WMRD requires that the Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM equipment meet certain specifications. It requires AM machines that have a large building envelope to build platforms in the range of 500-525mm in width, 400mm in depth, and 400mm in height clearance due to its specific mission requirement to build multifunctional composite platforms. ARL-WMRD builds platforms on the scale of 100-400mm in length, and this massive build envelope is essential for fabricating to scale parts. Additionally, it is imperative that the resolution of the z-layers consist of at least 50µm thickness to allow for complex features to be added to the design. The build chamber should exhibit a temperature control up to 200°C, as the temperature control is critical to support fusing of successive layers upon the build to provide a strong interface and a void free final part. Also, the AM machines require a motion controller system including closed loop control with precision linear encoders that is tuned to move the print head rapidly with an accuracy up to ±125µm or ±0.0015mm per layer to allow for fast build times. In addition to the specifications above, multilateral capability is required, as the print head should have multiple nozzles to accommodate one (1) continuous fiber and two (2) plastics at any given time. Finally, ARL-WMRD requires the fiber-reinforced parts to be built fast with automated calibration and leveling and he material bay to contain two (2) Extra Large (XL) spools of materials that can store with precise moisture control. c. To date, the Markforged FX20 Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM machine is the only machine that can fulfill the Government’s minimum requirements. Phillips Corporation is the only authorized reseller that provides the required full turnkey solution AM machines, parts, and customized training that ARL-WMRD requires. The manufacturer only uses authorized resellers to provide its products, as it does not directly sell to customers. Phillips Corporation is Markforged’s authorized reseller of the FX20 to the U.S. Government and is the only vendor capable of fulfilling the minimum requirements. Attempting to utilize another vendor/distributor would result in an unnecessary duplication of cost to the Government of approximately . This is based on the cost that ARL has incurred to date customizing the development and design software of two (2) Government owned Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM machines of smaller footprint, magnitude, and number of available material feedstocks as offered by Phillips/Markforged. This would take approximately two (2) years to fully build a customized machine, design software, and integrate multiple nozzles that will co-extrude fiber and polymer matrix materials to create a machine with continuous fiber reinforced AM capability. Currently, there is no other AM machine in the marketplace that can meet all of ARL’s unique technical specifications required due to the complexity of testing platforms that are also compatible with ARL owned AM equipment. During market research it was confirmed that the manufacturer, Markforged, does not sell the FX20 machine directly to customers. Additionally, it was confirmed that Phillips Corporation is its only authorized reseller capable of providing an FX20 Markforged machine, with parts, installation, advanced training, and electrical/rigging services that produces the full turnkey solution at the scale/footprint of equipment that ARL-WMRD specifically requires. 6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: In an effort to survey the market for additional sources, a Sources Sought Synopsis was posted to www.SAM.gov for five (5) business days which received one (1) response from Phillips Corporation. Additionally, a Notice of Intent Synopsis was posted to www.SAM.gov for fifteen (15) calendar days in an effort to strengthen market research prior to issuing a solicitation, and no responses were received. To date, no other vendors have written to express interest in this requirement. Effective competition is not anticipated for this procurement based on the market research (see section 8) performed. Effective competition is not possible at this time due to the unique nature of existing Markforged AM machines and their need to be interfaced with the existing Markforged software and post-processing equipment. Effective competition is also not possible due to Phillips Corporation being the sole authorized vendor of Markforged equipment and services that can fulfill this requirement through delivering the full turnkey solution that ARL-WMRD specifically requires. Subcontracting competition. No subcontracting efforts are expected to be utilized at this point, as Markforged is the only manufacturer involved with all aspects of building the machines. Phillips Corporation is the sole authorized distributor. 7. Actions to Increase Competition: In accordance with FAR 5.201(a), all future requirements will be published to make notice of the Government’s intent of proposed contract actions. As required, by FAR 13.501(a)(iii), the justification will be published within 14 days after contract award. Based upon the information provided in section five (5) above, competition for this action is not feasible, as no other source is capable of providing the required AM machines that meet all the Government’s technical specifications. AM machines produced by other manufacturers are not compatible with existing Government owned Markforged equipment. In order for competition to occur, Markforged would have to increase its pool of authorized resellers/distributors of the AM Machines and equipment and offer other vendors service rights to Markforged equipment through certifying personnel. Furthermore, there are currently no anticipated subcontracting opportunities, as Phillips Corporation is a distributor of Markforged that includes a 5-year service plan. Any future requests for these specific Markforged AM machines will include new market research surveying the marketplace to determine if additional distributors have entered the market that provide the required equipment. If Markforged increases its pool of authorized distributors/resellers of their equipment and service rights of that equipment through certified personnel, then competition will be more viable and effective moving forward. Currently, there are no anticipated requirements for additional AM machines. 8. Market Research: Market research was conducted from 26 July 2021 through 29 November 2021 by Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) and , Division Chief, of Vehicle Structures & Dynamics branch, both with over 13 years of experience in the field of Materials Science engineering. and are subject matter experts (SMEs) in knowledge, design, and prototypes for AM experience, including leading prior research and development, engineering acquisitions. Both and had numerous discussions with various SMEs internal and external to the organization. Currently there are no vendors that can meet this procurement’s full requirement for the Markforged FX20 3D printer in terms of its build volume, number of materials available for printing, and its footprint. Manufacturers of continuous fiber reinforced 3D printers examined are: Markforged FX20 has the most material options and largest build volume for its footprint Build volume of 525 x 400 x 400 mm (width x depth x height) Capable of printing with four (4) different fiber types and five (5) plastics ARL-WMRD has other smaller Markforged 3D printers in the laboratory which are compatible with the existing software. These printers use the same software platform (Eiger), which is required for processing part files and uploading them to the printer for actual printing. Anisoprint A foreign manufacturer that produces systems with a smaller build envelope Prints with two (2) fibers and one (1) plastic Footprint is too large for ARL-WMRD’s space constraints Prints with two (2) fibers and two (2) plastics Footprint is too large for ARL-WMRD’s purposes and space constraints Very small build envelope for its large footprint Continuous Composites Very large printing system with a robotic arm Too large for ARL-WMRD’s needs Luxembourg based company, Anisoprint offers continuous fiber additive manufacturing; however, they do not provide as large of a footprint. Contractor Anisoprint also has benchtop smaller machines than Phillips Corporation’s Markforged machine. Other vendors like Impossible Objects offer a unique continuous fiber 3D printer which has a very large footprint with a very small build envelope. Contractor Continuous Composites Inc. offers a completely different approach to continuous fiber additive manufacturing with a robotic arm concept and is a more expensive option. b. The primary methods of market research involved Internet searches and SME discussions about continuous fiber reinforced additive manufacturing and continuous fiber reinforced 3D printing. The first results were Phillips Corporation, Markforged, Anisoprint, and Continuous Composites Inc. After researching each of the manufacturers, ARL-WMRD found that only one meets ARL-WMRD’s full requirement. ARL-WMRD held discussions with six (6) SMEs within ARL’s divisions and directorates including Government personnel and Academia possessing knowledge with Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM. Discussions were held with SME , a materials science engineer who is the research lead for Additive Manufacturing (AM) Technology research laboratory within Weapons and Materials Research Directorate and runs the AM ManTech programs for WMRD. has six (6) years of experience working with AM Machines and related research. When and met with him, he confirmed Phillips Corporation as being the only authorized reseller of the FX20 machine who can specifically meet ARL-WMRD’s full requirement, as his office purchased similar 3D AM machines from Phillips Corporation in the past. As a result of SME discussions that were held regarding thorough compatibility needs, advanced customary training, and electrical/rigging services, it was determined that the Markforged FX20 machine is the only vendor that can meet this full requirement for ARL-WMRD. c. Additionally, the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) reviewed AM catalogs/literature, conducted inquiry phone calls within industry SMEs from outside firms and Industry Technical Engineers from outside manufacturers. There was one company identified, Anisoprint Inc., that manufactures Continuous Fiber Reinforced AM equipment similar to Markforged; however, it does not meet the technical specifications due to the build envelope being too small. With a smaller build volume, it will prevent ARL-WMRD from building larger scale parts which meet the design requirements for ARL-WMRD projects/programs. A printer with a larger build volume with a smaller overall machine footprint would be favorable as other machines ARL-WMRD reviewed with larger build volumes also had footprints that would not fit in the laboratory space allocated for the printer ARL-WMRD is seeking to acquire. d. Additionally, Anisoprint Inc’s equipment is not compatible with the Government owned Markforged AM equipment. 3D AM equipment from different manufacturers means they use different software for part design, import, and processing. Markforged software (Eiger) will work with Markforged printers but not Anisoprint and vice versa. ARL-WMRD currently has four (4) Markforged printers which all utilize the same Eiger software. As confirmed by the market research conducted for this requirement, there is no other vendor capable of meeting the Government’s technical and compatibility requirements other than Phillips Corporation. ARL-WMRD has compatibility requirements within the laboratory and a host of other Phillips Markforged equipment and software. Equipment from another manufacturer would not be compatible with the Eiger software, which is used to control ARL-WMRD’s four (4) existing Markforged 3D equipment within ARL’s laboratory. As a result of the market research which included internet searches and SME discussions for the technical requirements, ARL-WMRD concludes there is currently no other vendor capable of producing AM equipment with the same material options, similar footprint, and larger build volume that is provided by the Markforged FX20. 9. Interested Sources: See Paragraph 6 for the Synopsis information. To date, no other sources have expressed interest in this acquisition. 10. Other Facts: Procurement History: This requirement is for the first-time purchase of large format continuous fiber reinforced AM machines. As such, there is no procurement history. 11. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Typed Name: Title: Mechanical Engineer Date: 16 June 2022 12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Typed Name: Title: Branch Chief Date: 17 June 2022 13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. This determination will be made using the following: __ Cost analysis _X_ Price analysis __ Should-cost _X_ IGE __ Audit: __ Other: As a part of this basis, certified cost or pricing data: __ will be required. _X_ will not be required and the following exception applies (FAR 15.403): __ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on adequate price competition. __ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on prices set by law or regulation. _X_ A commercial item is being acquired. __ A waiver has been granted by the head of the contracting activity (HCA) in accordance with DFARS PGI 215.403-1. __ The contract action is a modification to a contract or subcontract for commercial item(s). __ The estimated cost of the contract action is less than the threshold for certified cost or pricing data. Typed Name: Joseph Dellinger Title: Contracting Officer Date: 21 June 2022 14. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Typed Name: Joseph Dellinger Title: Contracting Officer Date: 21 June 2022 Approval Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of two (2) Markforged Continuous Fiber Reinforced Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines to include supplies, spare parts, training, and support services, for an estimate of on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2) as implemented by FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii) subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition. Typed Name: Title: Command Advocate for Competition Date: