Notice of Justification for Sole Source Award to Burnham Polymeric Inc. for ROV Fiber Optic Tethers
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific has awarded a sole-source contract to Burnham Polymeric Inc. (BPI) for the procurement of custom-wound Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) packs. These FOCs are essential for providing command, control, and data links for subsea Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). This notice serves as a Justification and Approval for the sole-source action, posted in accordance with FAR 6.301. This is for informational purposes only.
Scope of Work
The contract covers the procurement of specialized custom-wound Fiber Optic Cable packs. These cables are critical components for subsea ROVs, enabling their command, control, and data communication links in challenging underwater environments.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole-Source Award (Justification)
- Awardee: Burnham Polymeric Inc. (BPI)
- Product Service Code: 5995 (Cable, Cord, And Wire Assemblies: Communication Equipment)
- Published: April 1, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
The sole-source award to BPI was justified based on extensive multi-year market research and testing conducted by the Government. This research concluded that BPI is the only source capable of manufacturing a fiber optic cable that consistently meets the Government's essential technical and performance requirements, particularly regarding signal integrity under extreme subsea pressure.
Additional Notes
This notice is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals. Interested parties can contact Stephen O'Neill at stephen.oneill@navy.mil for further information.