Total Small Business Set Aside for Brand Name: (5) Popoto Dash Acoustic Modem and (1) Marine Acoustic Rapid Innovation Architecture License

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a brand name justification for the acquisition of Popoto brand acoustic modems. The government intends to award a purchase order on a brand-specific basis for these modems, which are described as compact, high-powered, and highly customizable underwater communication devices. The purpose is to replace obsolete acoustic modems and avoid negatively impacting project schedules. Procurement will be limited to authorized distributors and resellers of Popoto brand equipment.

• The modems must be commercially available, currently in production, and supported by the manufacturer.

• They must be capable of being integrated into a housing or enclosure operating at the required frequency to enable reuse of existing acoustic transducers.

• The modems function as underwater computers with a high-performance ARM processor running Debian Linux, allowing for custom drivers, network stacks, and translation software.

• The acquisition is being conducted using simplified acquisition procedures with a dollar value under three micro-purchase levels.

• The Contracting Officer has determined the order represents the best value and lowest overall cost alternative.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, as it focuses on the justification for a brand-name acquisition.

• This acquisition is limited to authorized distributors and resellers of Popoto brand equipment.

• The justification cites FAR 13.106-1(b) for the brand name justification.

• Market research was not conducted as the Popoto brand is the only option meeting the Government's frequency requirements.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains various contract clauses, provisions, and instructions relevant to potential bidders. It outlines terms and conditions related to performance, payment, contract clauses, representations, certifications, instructions to bidders, and evaluation factors.

• Section F - Deliveries or performance: Specifies F.O.B. terms and electronic submission of payment requests.
• Section G - Contract Clauses: Lists numerous FAR and DFARS clauses covering areas such as System for Award Management, contractor information, safeguarding covered defense information, prohibitions on certain entities and applications, commercial items, labor laws, small business set-asides, options, taxes, and payment methods.
• Section K - Representations, certifications, and other statements of offerors or respondents: Includes provisions related to prohibition on contracting with entities requiring confidentiality, telecommunications and video surveillance services, delinquent tax liability, and offeror representations for commercial items.
• Section L - Instructions Conditions and Notices to Bidders: Outlines instructions for commercial items, System for Award Management, alternative line item proposals, and notices regarding the Supplier Performance Risk System.
• Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award: Details evaluation criteria, including best value considering price, delivery, quality, and past performance.
• Specific Provisions: Includes clauses on the use of Navy support contractors for official contract files, government approval, supplemental instructions for invoicing, government contract administration points of contact, and hours of operation/holiday schedules.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the contractual obligations, compliance requirements, submission instructions, and evaluation criteria associated with the opportunity. It details the legal and administrative framework governing the contract, including specific clauses that may impact proposal preparation, performance, and payment. Bidders should pay close attention to all listed clauses, especially those related to small business, representations and certifications, and evaluation factors, to ensure their proposals meet all requirements.