A3-DetOnlyOneSource(Including BN)(V2)_MCMWTC Signed 27 Aug 2026.pdf

This is a Contracting Officer's Justification (CUI) memorandum for a sole-source acquisition under FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

The Government intends to procure 13 Acapulka 135 one-man pulks (OMП)/fireteam sleds (NSN 3920-25-162-9342) in support of the M24M7B1 Winter Mountain Leaders Course and ICEX operations. The justification establishes that only one source—Acapulka brand—is reasonably available for this requirement. The basis for sole-source procurement is brand name, as the 135 OMP sled is a commercial product manufactured by Acapulka and available through multiple resellers. The Government's rationale centers on operational advantages and interoperability requirements: the 135 OMP provides improved flotation in deep snow, enhanced stability during towing, flexible fiberglass tow bars, and emergency casualty evacuation capability. The sled has been evaluated and used by the Royal Marines and U.S. Marine Corps since 2021, demonstrating superior reliability and maneuverability compared to the current Marine Corps Cold Weather Infantry Kit (MCCWIK) sled. The justification emphasizes that procurement of alternative brand-name sleds would introduce incompatibility risks with existing equipment, harnesses, poles, and tow systems used during joint training exercises with Norwegian forces, potentially compromising course execution, interoperability, maneuverability, and casualty evacuation procedures. The Contracting Officer certification is dated August 28, 2026, and the document is controlled by DON, USMC, and I&L HCA with limited dissemination (DoW Community Only).