1.04a Brand Name Burkart_redacted.docx

JUSTIFICATION FOR BRAND NAME SOURCE (Simplified Acquisitions - MPT to <$250K)

The supplies or services described herein are being solicited on a sole source brand name basis and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available for the supplies or services.

☒ Supply:

Restricted to the following source. If a sole source manufacturer distributes via dealers, ALSO provide dealer information.)

Shirley, MA 01464

Description of the supplies or services required, the estimated price/cost, and required delivery date.

The U.S. Navy’s Fleet Bands are highly versatile organizations that play crucial roles in public relations, diplomacy, and warfighter support. They are in high demand around the globe and must be equipped to perform in all genres with professional-quality instruments designed for all environments. Therefore, we require new Burkart flutes. In conclusion, the requested supplies represent the minimum requirements of the government.

Each flute must include the following features unique to this make and model:

Lillian Burkart "Elite Model" Flute in Sterling Silver Offset G – New:

· Elite Model.

· Offset G Key Option.

· Burkart 925 M2 Sterling silver hand-cut headjoint with silver lip plate and riser. 0.016"/0.40mm tubing wall. M2 cut.

· Sterling silver body with sterling silver mechanism.

· Burkart micro-Link™ pinless mechanism.

· Soldered silver tone holes, silver rings, ribs, and posts.

· French (open hole) model.

· Pointed key arms.

· White gold springs.

· 0.018" /0.45mm tubing.

· A=442.

· B footjoint with gizmo (Standard) Option.

· 0.018" Heavy Wall Tubing.

· C# Trill Key Option.

· Pisoni S2 and Lucien Deluxe pads.

· Add C# Trill Key.

· Handmade in USA.

Required delivery date is on or around 1 July 2026 preferred.

Specific characteristics of the material that limit the availability to a brand name mandatory requirement (unique features, function of the item, etc.) Describe in detail why only this brand(s) can fulfill this requirement.

The US Navy Fleet Band, renowned for its precision and excellence, requires musical instruments that match its high standards and diverse performance needs. Given the wide range of venues where the band performs—from outdoor ceremonies to large concert halls and intimate settings—high-quality sound is paramount. This means their instruments must deliver clear, powerful sound consistently, regardless of the location.

Burkarts flutes are built to withstand the rigors of frequent transport and varied environmental conditions. The durable construction and high-quality components ensure longevity and consistent performance. Rigorous quality control processes at Burkart ensure that each flute delivers consistent, reliable performance, essential for the high standards of the US Navy Band. This requirement reflects the design specifically for the nine (9) U.S. Navy Fleet Bands to achieve a particular sound quality and serviceability needed to support these unique units across various performance venues worldwide.

Market research revealed that Burkarts flutes are the only source capable of providing the instruments that meet the government's specifications and needs, as they offer custom musical solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the U.S. Navy Fleet Bands.

Top of Form Bottom of Form The requested material or service represents the minimum requirements of the government.

Check all applicable blanks below.

☒ The supplies or services must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit and function) with existing systems presently installed/performing. Describe the equipment/function you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system. Y

Navy’s Fleet Bands use Burkart flutes from the training pipeline to live performance in real-world scenarios. Our Sailors are trained and equipped from this manufacturer. Each flutes manufacturer features a distinct, and complex key configuration which does not translate from one make to another making transitioning to another brand a critical impediment to Navy Music. The flutes will align with the training programs already in place. This includes compatibility with existing instructional materials and methodologies to ensure that Sailors can quickly adapt to the new instruments.

☐ A patent, copyright or proprietary data limits competition.

☒ These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

The flutes currently used by the Navy’s Fleet Bands are all well beyond their expected useful life. This purchase will directly replace and replenish this essential flute voice for Navy Music.

☒ Other information to support a brand name mandatory buy.

Any proposed equipment acquisition on behalf of Fleet Band Activities requires extensive product testing by each expert performing member. Navy Music requires top-of-the-line instruments designed to perform under the rigorous conditions of a deployed, travelling military band. A great deal of research has resulted in the determination that only this brand can meet all stated requirements.

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104