F18 GCU SCR Tester Software Upgrade

This contract action has been awarded as a sole source to PC Krause and Associates: The service requested is a software and firmware upgrade to an existing test asset already in use by the fleet and manufactured by PCKA previously under contract N68335-12-G-0006-0002. Specifically, this contract request is for production of software and firmware upgrade of the Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) Module Dynamic Counter Tester (DCT) for the testing of F/A-18 Aircraft Generator Converter Unit (GCU) SCR Modules. Market research was conducted by discussion with a government subject matter expert, Charles Singer, the NAVAIR Electrical Lead in Propulsion and Power for the F/A-18. Charles was involved in the development of the current SCR-DCT tester. He is not aware of any COTS products that are available that can perform the type of testing required. Also a search of the internet was conducted for potential products that could meet the need. Several websites were returned and were reviewed. SCR testers found on the internet focus on testing of individual SCR’s, rather than testing of a module with multiple SCRs. The products offered involve testing statically with voltages applies to determine conductive state of the SCR. The SCR-DCT tester currently in use applies a succession of voltage pulses to emulate the unique pattern of pulses applied in a Generator Convert Unit (GCU). The review of websites indicate that there are no off the shelf products that will meet the need to emulate the firing of SCR modules that occurs in a GCU. As the sole designer, developer, and manufacturer of the existing SCR testers in use by the USN, only PCKA possesses the technical background and subject matter expertise that are critical to producing the software and firmware upgrades within a relatively short period following contract approval. Specifically, PCKA has previously fabricated and delivered the SCR tester assets to the USN and therefore has detailed knowledge of the design, and experience in testing the assets, and have resources already available to conduct qualification testing efforts. The use of other vendors to upgrade the SCR tester would add about two years to the procurement effort and add costs for obtaining the technical knowledge in order to develop the upgrade. A different vendor would need to develop the technical knowledge of the hardware, software, and firmware of the existing SCR tester, and would need to develop and generate test procedures and assets that are already developed by PCKA. The two year delay, given the limited remaining life of the Hornet and needs for reliability improvements for the Hornet and Super Hornet GCUs, is not consistent with USN efforts to improve GCU reliability in a timely manner. Therefore, due to cost and schedule reasons, sole source is justified.