Attachment 0016-Tool Criteria and Approval.docx

Attachment 0008 (End-Item-specific Special Tool Kit – Tool criteria and approval)

1. Approval. Special Tools must meet the following criteria:

a. Have a single or particular application to a specific end item or system;

b. Provide required capabilities at the field level of maintenance beyond those found in the Army's common tool sets, kits, outfits, and tools (SKOTs).;

c. Designed to perform a specific task for use on a specific end-item or component of an end-item. These tools differ from common tools, which are used on multiple end-items and found in SKOTs as authorized by a supply catalog.

d. Must be submitted by the contractor or Material Developer (MATDEV) to the Capability Developer (CAPDEV) for approval.

2. Screening. As outlined in the FAR, and prior to provisioning a new Special tool, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and General Schedule Agency (GSA) will be queried to determine that an acceptable “like-item” has not been provisioned and available through the Federal Supply System.

3. Industrial quality tools. All components supplied with this set shall be industrial quality. For the purposes of this procurement, the term “industrial quality tools” versus household-use tools or general purpose tools are defined as tools commercially marketed and manufactured for constant, rigorous, industrial or professional environment use, and that have demonstrated market acceptance. Skilled professionals and technicians use industrial quality tools in such areas as machine shops, automotive maintenance and repair facilities, aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, industrial automotive assembly plants, fleet maintenance facilities, and airline service facilities. The tools will be used for specialized applications in an environment of virtual constant use, (i.e. around-the-clock 8 hour shifts), with applications requiring high torque, low slippage, and strict tolerances. Evidence of substantial sales to industrial customers demonstrates industrial quality. Advertising or marketing literature that indicates “professional grade” or “industrial quality”, or merely stating that an item is “professional grade” or “industrial quality” is insufficient to establish industrial/professional quality. A claim of manufacturing to an industry consensus standard is also insufficient to establish industrial or professional quality. Industrial/professional quality tools shall have verifiable marketplace acceptance.

4. Warranty. The warranty of class II components supplied shall be as specified in the contract.

5. Components. All measures will be taken to prevent “Sole Sourcing” a Special Tool. “Brand Name or Equal” shall be the basis for sourcing of the tool load as required in the contract. Offerors may offer the brand name item or equivalent item from other manufacturers. Equivalent items shall meet the salient characteristics of the brand name items to be acceptable for award. The tool load shall consist of brand name or equal components in the corresponding quantities.

6. US Manufactured Items. The components list in the contract provides the Federal Supply Group for the components to assist offerors in determining to which items the provisions of the Buy American Act and Berry Amendments apply. The Government has tried to ensure that the listed equivalent components reference only U.S. manufactured items where required by applicable laws. However, given the volatile nature of the market at this time and the unavailability of U.S. manufacturers of certain items, the Government cannot guarantee that all of the items on the list are U.S. made. If offerors find that a particular item is not available from a U.S. source, offerors shall inform the Government of this immediately, to allow the Government to address this issue.

7. Produced in the US. Per DFARS Procedures, Guidance and Information (PGI) 225.7002-1(b) , “Produced in the United States” means that the hand or measuring tool was assembled in the United States out of components, or otherwise made from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. A hand or measuring tool is foreign made if assembly occurred in another country other than the United States then disassembled and reassembled in the United States.