Attachment 2 - Brand Name Justification.pdf

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE AND FACILITIES DIVISION |

PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A) FOR OTHER THAN FULL

AND OPEN COMPETITION

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JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH 41 U.S.C.

3304 (A) (1)

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for brand name only Police Uniforms.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source, limited competition, establishment of a new source, etc.

The purpose of this justification is to outline the need for specific, high-quality police uniforms for the FBI Police, ensuring that all officers present a professional and consistent appearance in line with the FBI’s mission and operational standards.

This procurement consists of both brand name, and brand name or equal products. This brand name only justification applies only to the products listed in the Shirts, Pants, Headwear, Pins, and Outerwear categories, as well as those designated as Class A Uniform items, as specified in Column I of Attachment 3 – Pricing Matrix. The required brands are Bates, Blauer, First Tactical, Elbeco, Flying Cross, Keystone Uniform Cap, 5.11, Rothco, Port Authority, VH Blackinton, Hero Pride, HWC, and United Uniforms.

This IDIQ will have a Period of Performance of one (1) Base Year with four (4) Option Years.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.

The FBI’s mission is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international partners.

These responsibilities must be carried out in a manner that is responsive to public needs and faithful to the Constitution.

FBI Police Officers are integral to fulfilling this mission by providing security, maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting personnel and property, and controlling access to secure spaces. In the performance of these duties, FBI Police Officers serve as the visible and uniformed representation of the FBI. Their appearance directly influences public perception, fosters trust, and reinforces the professionalism and credibility of the Bureau.

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All professional law enforcement agencies—federal, state, and local—utilize uniforms that are both functional and visually consistent. A highly professional appearance, with matching colors and coordinated design elements, is essential to:

1. Establish Authority and Trust – A consistent, high-quality uniform communicates discipline and readiness. It distinguishes officers as trained professionals authorized to act on behalf of the United States Government.

2. Enhance Officer Safety – Uniforms designed with law enforcement-specific materials and features improve officer mobility, durability, and comfort, allowing them to respond effectively in any environment.

3. Promote Interagency Cohesion – When operating alongside other federal, state, and municipal agencies, a professional and matching uniform ensures FBI Police Officers are visually identifiable and perceived at the same professional standard as their counterparts.

4. Support Operational Requirements – The nature of FBI Police duties—ranging from fixed-site security to emergency response and interagency operations—requires uniforms that are durable, weather-resistant, and adaptable to varying mission conditions.

5. Remain Quickly Identifiable – In times of crisis, it is important for the public to be able to quickly and easily identify an FBI Police Officer. Newly hired officers, as well as officers who replace damaged uniform items, must match the existing police force.

By fulfilling this brand name only procurement, officers will maintain a cohesive appearance, with their uniforms matching and integrating with the current police force, resulting in law enforcement who can be quickly and confidently identified by the public, providing faster responses and an enhanced ability to serve the public.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 USC 253(c)(1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 entitled “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.”

5. Demonstrate the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

Uniforms from Bates, Blauer, First Tactical, Elbeco, Flying Cross, Keystone Uniform Cap, 5.11, Rothco, Port Authority, VH Blackinton, Hero Pride, HWC, and United Uniforms are currently in use and have consistently met the FBI Police’s operational needs. These brands are in current use based on their proven performance in law enforcement applications and their ability to provide:

1. Color Consistency and Matching: Uniform pieces from these brands maintain precise color integrity across batches, ensuring a coordinated appearance for all officers.

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2. Durability and Quality: Materials and construction are designed to withstand the rigors of daily law enforcement work without significant wear or fading.

3. Professional Design: Cuts and tailoring promote a sharp, dignified appearance while allowing full range of motion.

4. Comfort and Functionality: Fabrics are breathable, moisture-wicking, and suitable for extended wear, supporting officer endurance in both routine and high-stress situations.

5. Compatibility with Gear: Uniform designs are compatible with duty belts, ballistic vests, and other standard-issue equipment without impeding movement or access.

To meet mission requirements and maintain the FBI’s cohesive police force, the FBI Police must be equipped with uniforms that meet existing standards in color coordination, durability, comfort, and professional appearance. The continued use of Bates, Blauer, First Tactical, Elbeco, Flying Cross, Keystone Uniform Cap, 5.11, Rothco, Port Authority, VH Blackinton, Hero Pride, HWC, and United Uniforms ensures that FBI Police Officers maintain the professional image projected by law enforcement agencies, while matching the uniforms currently utilized by the FBI Police.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

This procurement will be publicly posted to SAM.gov.

7. A description of the market research conducted and the results.

Market research for the required products was conducted utilizing database queries, reviewing current contracts, and internet searches.

The current contract, 15F06720A0000732, was reviewed to include the current pricing matrix and Market Research, as well as small business capabilities. GSA Advantage and internet searches revealed that these products are widely commercially available and have small business resellers.

Internet searches for price catalogs of the subject products were also reviewed. It was determined that the products are competitively priced by various vendors.

8. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

A highly professional, matching, and well-maintained uniform is a critical tool in reinforcing a unified and professional police force and enhancing operational effectiveness by creating an easily identifiable law enforcement.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107980 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107990

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9. A listing of any sources that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

No interest has been expressed in this acquisition thus far. This will be posted publicly to SAM.gov to allow for a competitive procurement.

10. A statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition, if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

The FBI will conduct a thorough review of the marketplace to identify and remove any barriers to competition, so that competition can be achieved to the maximum extent practicable. In addition, they work closely with other Federal Government agencies such as U.S. Capital Police and U.S.

Secret Service Police and local city law enforcement department such as Washington, DC's Metropolitan Police Department to identify items they use for their uniforms needs.