1.5.1 Brand Name JA Redacted.pdf

Brand Name Justification (BNJ)

11.07.2025 v.2.0

PR Number:

Brand Name Justification

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Office of Procurement, proposes to award an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), five-year (base plus four years) contract, on behalf of pursuant to FAR 8.4, GSAM/R 538.7104-4 (FAR Class Deviation 25-20), Items peculiar to one manufacturer.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

USSS intends to limit the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contractors solicited to a particular brand name product, or a feature of a product, peculiar to one manufacturer. A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiar to one manufacturer.

The USSS intends to award a Firm fixed priced Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) brand name contract/order using simplified procedures for high payload capacity tires without seeking competition. The total estimated contract value is

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

The USSS fields a relatively large fleet of armored SUVs for protection of persons as directed through statue 18 USC 3056. Due to the highly customized nature of these vehicles, they are not representative of other commercial style fleet vehicles utilized extensively within the U.S.

Government and therefore require specialized equipment and maintenance.

The SUV platform being utilized was validated by the automotive manufacturer at the maximum operating weight as the armoring process requires that the vehicle always operate at its maximum weight rating. The automotive manufacturer selected the Firestone TransForce branded tire and validated the vehicle performance utilizing this specific tire. This tire was the original equipment provided on the vehicle and has been deployed on the platform since they were initially fielded.

The tires have performed as required and have provided adequate life, ride and handling performance. Due to tire age and wear, the USSS is beginning a phased replacement of all tires on this SUV fleet over the next several years. Due to the initial manufacturer selection and validation, as well as successful performance since fielded, the USSS requires the purchase of replacement tires of the same Firestone model.

The estimated period of performance is August 20, 2026 – August 19, 2031.

4. Basis for restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer.

Brand Name Justification (BNJ)

11.07.2025 v.2.0

The proposed order or BPA will be placed or established under the authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program, 41 U.S.C. 152(3), Competitive Procedures, and 40 U.S.C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies. Pursuant to FAR 8.4, GSAM/R 538.7104-4 (FAR Class Deviation 25-20), this brand name specification must be used because of the compatibility to existing systems or equipment.

The USSS currently fields a large fleet of SUVs equipped with this same Firestone (Bridgestone) tire model. There are many tire manufacturers offering tires of the same size and load range however, tire manufacturer construction methodology, chemical compounds, tread design, and wear characteristics are proprietary to the manufacturer. In order to properly validate another tire model to provide similar or greater wear, ride, durability, and safety the Government would be required to undertake a costly and time-consuming validation schedule which still would not equate to the years of operational data currently available from our existing fleet.

Due to specific USSS armoring techniques and operational usage, this long- term data is the most relative determination available. It is in the best interest of the Government to continue utilizing a product that was selected by the original manufacturer and validated through automotive testing specific to the SUV platform being used.

Urgency – The existing Firestone branded tire model is the only model that has been fielded on this armored vehicle platform and has provided satisfactory performance. Although there are tires available in this same size with similar features, critical design aspects such as chemical compounds, tire construction, and tread design are proprietary to the manufacturer. Selection of another tire, untested on this unique vehicle platform, has the potential to take down the entire asset should failures occur. To recreate the validation process, in which this tire model was a major component, would require extensive time and cost which would be detrimental to the availability and readiness of these critical assets. If the USSS is not able to procure the necessary tires in a reasonable timeframe, vehicle safety, reliability, and availability would rapidly decrease as vehicles would begin experiencing a higher rate of tire failure.

5. Contracting Officer Certification

Pursuant to HSAM 3008.401-71(b)(1), I certify that the Brand Name Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer Date