ASR-9 radar rotary joint Constant Velocity (CV) links

Description of Supplies/Services

The FAA has multiple Air Traffic Control airport terminal radar types in its inventory. Two of these types are the ASR-9 radar as well as the ASR-11 radar. An essential critical component to each of these radars is the rotary joint which allows the microwave energy formed within the radar shelter on the ground level to be transmitted to the radar antenna which is rotating. The rotary joint for the older style ASR-9 radar can be also used in the later model ASR-11 radar. This requirment will provide the Constant Velocity links to allow for accurate azimuth in the mechanical installation of the ASR-9 radar rotary joint into the ASR-11 radar without permanently modifying the existing ASR-11 radar facility.

Authority

Authority for single source procurement is provided by AMS policy section 3.2.2.4.

Rationale Supporting Use of a Single Source

Research has been performed to locate alternate vendors. Because this is a custom manufactured mechanical linkage, no other vendor was located that has previously manufactured this item and passed the 1st article testing that would be required for any new vendor that manufactured this mechanical linkage. D&D Design is the proposed single source contractor. D&D Design is the vendor utilized for previous manufacturing of these components for the FAA and was instrumental with the initial development of the mechanical linkage needs and has proven excellent quality for the components that they provided to the FAA. Inaccurate machining and assembly of these mechanical components from other vendors could cause aircraft under Air Traffic Control to be located incorrectly since the rotary joint contains internal azimuth encoders that are extremely accurate. These azimuth encoders can be mechanically biased if the Constant Velocity linkages do not comply and aircraft incorrectly located on the ATC displays. These units are a custom designed by the manufacturer of these units making them the proprietary designer and manufacturer of the unit. In addition, the FAA does not control the spec/drawings for open competition as it is proprietary data.

Market Analysis

Research has been performed to locate alternate vendors via previous betaSAM Sources Sought postings. Three mechanical machine shop vendors were found in the past, however, because this is a custom mechanical linkage, no other vendor was located that has previously manufactured this item and passed the 1st article testing that would be required for any new shop that manufactured this supply.