26M-343A-TE Single Source DF_Redacted.pdf

DETERMINATION & FINDINGS FOR SINGLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT

This is a Determination & Findings (D&F) document authorizing a sole source acquisition by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) through the Rome Materiel Management (ROMK) contracting activity. The procurement is for a direct replacement of an Isotech P/N: ITL-M-18233 Triple Point of Water Maintenance Bath, a specialized calibration instrument currently in service at the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory (AFPSL). The bath serves as a fundamental fixed point on the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) and enables high-accuracy SPRT (Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer) calibrations. The equipment is specifically designed to maintain the triple point of water for multiple weeks, allowing technicians to focus on performing calibrations rather than establishing new triple points daily.

The justification for sole source procurement is established under RFO 12.102(a) (Commercial Products and Services), citing that only one source is available. The findings note that AFPSL requires an identical direct replacement to ensure seamless integration and operational continuity with existing validated Jarrett A11 triple point cells and hardware. Any alternative model would necessitate complete replacement of the entire cell suite, creating substantial additional costs and testing delays. A Sources Sought Synopsis posted to Sam.gov generated only one response from a non-manufacturer/distributor entity, which did not claim to be an existing contractor and did not reply to follow-up inquiries. The Contracting Officer approval authority is established under DAF Approval Authorities Matrix PM 26-C-11 and FAR/GSAR regulations, with the document signed on June 10, 2026.