Attach_3 Brand Name Justification_Redacted.pdf

This is a Determination and Findings document justifying a single-source contract award by the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), 28th Contracting Squadron.

The contract is for the procurement of Cherry Aerospace brand-name tooling and components required for B-1B weapon system aircraft structural maintenance, repair, and refurbishment. The specific items include two each of the following: G689 CherryLock Riveters, H9055-3, H9055-4, H9055-5, and H9055-6 Cherry Pulling Heads, and 680B46 Straight adapters for the H9055 Pulling Heads. The justification cites Air Force Technical Order 1-1A-8, which explicitly mandates the use of Cherry Aerospace tooling for aircraft structural repairs. The Riveter Mandate directly identifies the tool as the "Riveter G-689," while the Pulling Head Mandate specifies the Cherrylock hydroshift tooling system for fastener installation. The 680B46 adapter is the required connector between the Cherry Pulling Heads and the Riveter. The document notes that utilizing substitute or open-market brands would violate technical order requirements and risk improper fastener installation, potentially causing catastrophic structural fatigue or failure during flight operations. Market research confirmed that authorized distributors can fulfill the requirement, and the acquisition strategy supports a Small Business Set-Aside. The single-source justification is authorized under RFO 8.401 and GSAR 538.7104-3(a) for FSS orders, and RFO 11.204(a)(2)(ii) for brand-name essentiality. The contract was approved and signed by Contracting Officer Kathleen Winters-Tipton, TSgt, USAF on August 13, 2026.