Sole Source to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for VXS Static Crossbar Switch per attachments

The U.S. Navy is seeking to acquire a VXS Static Crossbar Switch from Northrop Grumman Corporation. The switch is a military-grade component that is no longer being produced, and the Navy needs to make a limited lifetime buy to ensure the operational availability of the AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System. The acquisition will be conducted using simplified acquisition procedures, and the Government's minimum needs have been verified by the certifying technical and requirements personnel. • The VXS Static Crossbar Switch is manufactured exclusively by Curtiss-Wright. • Northrop Grumman Corporation is the sole distributor of the VXS Crossbar Switch. • The items requested are military-grade components that are not sold through distribution channels or resellers. • The cost of qualifying a new source and the material purchases required to build up their assembly line could exceed the cost of purchasing from Northrop Grumman Corporation.