2. Brand Name Only (BNO)-355 AMS AGE AutoCrib_PCO Signed.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 1 of 3

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: 355 CONS/PKP

Project/Program Name: Automated Inventory Management System (AutoCrib)

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F3G2EB6062A001

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $77,445.96

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron requires an automated inventory management system to provide controlled access, accountability, and real-time tracking of mission-essential parts and consumables used in aircraft maintenance operations. The system shall support maintenance personnel by reducing delays associated with manual inventory processes, improving part availability, and increasing overall efficiency in maintenance operations. The requirement directly supports improved equipment uptime, reduced maintenance delays, and increased aircraft readiness for the HH-60W mission. This requirement is being solicited on a Brand Name only basis using the AutoCrib VX1000 as the benchmark for performance and functionality.

The automated inventory system must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. The system must include an automated carousel-based dispensing unit capable of storing and dispensing small parts in segmented bins/cups and supporting configurable bin layouts (multi-compartment inserts such as 3, 4, or 6 divisions or equivalent).

2. The unit must support a minimum storage capacity of approximately 1,000 bins or equivalent.

3. The system must utilize a motorized carousel or automated retrieval mechanism that delivers selected items to an operator access point, minimizing manual retrieval time.

4. The system must include integrated safety features, such as stall detection or motor override, to prevent mechanical failure and ensure safe operation.

5. The system must support modular bin/cup configurations, including removable and reconfigurable inserts and multiple compartment sizes within a single bin.

6. The system must support bin inserts or dividers to allow separation and organization of parts within a single storage location.

7. Bin and storage components must be constructed of durable material suitable for repeated industrial use.

8. The system must include or support modular locker units with electronically controlled access and configurable door sizes.

9. Locker units must support storage of larger or controlled items and integrate with the central inventory system.

10. Locker systems must support expandable rack configurations, allowing additional storage modules to be added without replacing the base system.

11. The system must include a central control interface consisting of a touchscreen or equivalent user interface and a system controller capable of managing multiple storage units.

12. The system must include a management capability for system administration, data backup, and report generation.

13. The system must support network connectivity for centralized system management, including system updates and data synchronization.

14. The system must support controlled user access, including badge reader integration or equivalent authentication method and user-level tracking of issued items.

15. The system must support role-based access control, allowing different permission levels for users such as maintainers, supervisors, and inventory managers.

16. The system must maintain transaction records to track inventory usage and user access.

17. The system must provide real-time inventory tracking, including visibility of quantities on hand and storage locations.

18. The system must provide automated low-stock alerts based on user-defined inventory thresholds.

19. The system must support automated or assisted reordering capability when inventory levels fall below established thresholds.

20. The system must support automated inventory monitoring, including weight-based tracking (scale integration) or equivalent technology to reduce manual counting of small parts.

21. The system must support kitting and assembly management, allowing grouping of parts for specific maintenance tasks.

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 2 of 3

22. The system must support integration between dispensing units, locker systems, and control components within a single platform.

23. The system must include all required controllers, connection components, and interface hardware necessary for full system integration.

24. The system must utilize a design minimizing mechanical failure points to ensure long-term reliability.

25. The system must provide visual indicators or system feedback to indicate system status and operation.

26. The system must include on-site installation and user training.

27. The manufacturer must provide on-site warranty and repair support or equivalent service capability, with a minimum 12-month warranty.

28. The system must operate on standard electrical power (120VAC, 50/60Hz) compatible with typical facility infrastructure.

These characteristics are required to ensure compatibility; any deviation from these characteristics will be considered unacceptable.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

The requirement for a brand name only solution is based on the need to align with existing inventory management systems being implemented across the Air Force, as well as the time required to implement a comparable system. Automated inventory systems like this are already being adopted at multiple installations, and past contract data shows consistent use of the AutoCrib VX1000 or similar configurations through brand name justifications. Using the same system supports consistency in how inventory is tracked, issued, and managed across units. Introducing a different system would require the unit to operate outside of that structure, which could lead to differences in processes, reporting, and accountability. It would also require additional training and adjustment to a system that does not align with what other units are already using. In addition, systems of this type require site-specific setup. This includes evaluating the workspace, determining storage needs, configuring the system, and integrating it into daily operations. Alternate vendors would need to perform these steps before the system could be quoted, purchased, and used, which would extend the implementation timeline.

The requirement includes the need to implement a solution without unnecessary delay. The identified system is already widely used, aligns with existing Air Force practices, and can be implemented without the same level of customization or disruption.

For these reasons, a brand name only approach is necessary to meet the Government’s minimum needs for consistency, compatibility, and timely deployment.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Market research identified other automated inventory systems available commercially; however, these systems differ in how they are configured and how they would be implemented within an Air Force maintenance environment. While other vendors offer similar capabilities, most solutions would require additional steps prior to implementation, including site surveys, system design, and configuration to meet the unit’s needs. This would increase the time required to make the system operational and may require changes to existing processes. Additionally, past procurement data indicates that similar requirements across the Air Force have consistently resulted in brand name awards for this type of system. This reflects the complexity of these systems and the importance of maintaining consistency in how they are deployed and used. The Government considered alternative approaches but determined that systems requiring additional customization, extended setup, or deviation from existing practices would not meet the requirement.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

The Government will continue to monitor the market for automated inventory systems that can meet operational requirements while aligning with Air Force practices and implementation timelines. As more vendors develop systems that can be deployed with minimal customization and integrate more easily with existing processes, future requirements will be evaluated to determine whether broader competition is possible. The Government will also continue to review past contract data and operational experience to improve requirements and identify opportunities to move toward performance-based specifications

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 3 that support increased competition.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

29-Apr-2026

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Zachary Goit, Flight Chief

Signature of Contracting Officer

April 2021 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

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