Attachment 2 - Brand Name Justification.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

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Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: The 48th Contracting Squadron (48 CONS)

Project/Program Name: Combat Drop Equipment

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: FA558721Q1007

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The 67th Special Operations Squadron (67 SOS) based at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom have a requirement for Combat Drop Equipment, including four (4) Combat Drop Systems and two (2) Combat Offload Pallets.

The Combat Drop System must have stackable, durable reusable, and sustainable platforms of variable weights (4x 2500 lbs and 2x 10,000 lbs) to organically conduct qualification training as well as maintenance of aircrew proficiency and currency. The Combat Offload Pallet must be customizable to meet the specific size of the standard Type 5 Platform or standard transport platform and include D-Rings for strapping and chaining load bearing weights. The Combat Drop Equipment must not absorb water, oils, mus, fuels, or other aircraft maintenance fluids nor erode due to normal wear and tear. Furthermore, a lifetime warranty must be accompanied on all products acquired.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

Rumber Materials was specifically called out in AFI 24-605 as an approved source for ballast weights such as these combat drop systems. Therefore we are looking for brand name or equal - See Salient Characteristics document to reference description of the requirement for minimum specifications.

AFI 24-605 Volume 3 dated 2 July, 2020 for Air Transpiration Functions and Unilateral Aircrew Training states in paragraph 4.5.4.1 that "Pet rocks are the corporate name for the most common form of ballast weight. Pet rocks consist of concrete blocks built and secured on Type V platforms or 463L pallets." However, theses products made from concrete are less durable during combat off load, or are not rated as acceptable for combat off load at all, which would increase sustainment and repair costs.

Continued in paragraph 4.5.4.2, it states that "Ballast loads can also consist of Rumber™, plywood, and railroad ties." Rumber is produced through a patented process in which recycled plastics and ground whole tire waste are mixed and extruded through a profile die. The extruded board is subsequently cooled by gas jets, resulting in a product which is rigid and can be cut and drilled like wood, but is also more flexible, durable and impervious to fluids and UV rays. The Rumber Combat Drop System (P/ N: CDS-AD4) and Rumber Combat Offload Pallet (P/N: COP-PRR10K-352) were found to add versatility and lower sustainment costs in comparison.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Extensive market research has been conducted through online searches on both GSA Advantage and Search Engines. However, The Government's research did not identify other vendors that can provide the specialized product required from the regulatory approved branded vendors. The Government would still like to provide the option for vendors to submit any "or equal" options.

Rumber Materials were contacted on 3 December, 2020 in an effort to establish if they prohibited the resale of their products. They responded on 4 December, 2020 advising that they do not. Therefore, this does enable additional vendors the capability to provide the trademarked Rumber Combat Drop System (P/N: CDS-AD4) and Rumber Combat Offload Pallet (P/N: COP-PRR10K-352).

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Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

67 SOS will continue to strive to conduct fair and equal market research for products that will give the same level of capability for matching costs. They will ensure that members fully understanding unit requirements to fulfill orders is a key part in carrying out the commander's intent with large purchases which includes educating unit members of priorities and ensuring ]their office is executing those priorities wholeheartedly. 48 CONS will also survey the market to ensure that market conditions remain unchanged before making any subsequent acquisitions for a similar requirement.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Courtney Cronin, GS-12

Signature of Contracting Officer

November 2018 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

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