Attachment 2 - Brand Name Letter.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE SUSTAINMENT CENTER (AFMC)

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE OKLAHOMA

24 January 2025

TO: AFSC/PZIM

FROM: OC-ALC/OBCA for 76 PMXG

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for P25-036 Magnetic Particle Bench Replacement

1. This equipment is a direct replacement for existing equipment that has reached the end of its useful life.

2. The Gould-Bass Magne-Tech, Model 3509-01 stationary wet, AC/FWDC, magnetic particle inspection unit is designed for rapid detection of defects in ferrous metals, which otherwise could not be seen by the inspector. This unit provides general purpose inspection by the wet method process, where an iron oxide suspension is flowed over the work piece while the part is in a magnetized condition. The magnetic particles are attracted to, and concentrate at the defects in the work piece, making the defects clearly visible to the inspector. The equipment is designed to induce circular and longitudinal magnetic fields for inspection of propulsion and aircraft parts using a 5-turn coil and headstocks. The 3509-01 provides 5,000 ampere AC and 6,000 ampere FWDC as well as AC demagnetizing feature. The Gould-Bass Magne-Tech, Model 3606 stationary wet, AC/DC, magnetic particle inspection system is designed for magnetization of components both in circular and longitudinal directions up to a maximum diameter of 36-inches and a minimum bore diameter of 6-inches, maximum height is 12-inches. This unit is complete with an induction coil with induction core for the detection of transverse defects and a “knife switch coil” for detection of longitudinal defects. The system is designed such that magnetic particle suspension can be applied directly to the component during the “wet continuous” magnetization procedure. This equipment is currently identified as approved equipment in various OEM weapons system technical manuals to perform inspections of their assets. 76 PMXG already has support equipment, and procedures for local processes established for operating and maintaining the equipment. Such support equipment includes the Gould-Bass, Model DLM 25A Digital Shunt Meter and the Gould-Bass, Model SD-201 Digital Shot Duration Timer. Local process order (76 PMXG PO 88-009) is written to incorporate maintenance and specific mixtures for chemicals. Since the equipment is a direct replacement, this should be a simple removal and replacement with minimal to no upgrade in the existing facilities. For these reasons it will be cost efficient to go back in with the same equipment from the same manufacturer currently being used in 76 PMXG/MXDEN.

3.The Gould-Bass equipment would be the best equipment to utilize due to the pre-existing support equipment and established process documents being utilized within 76 PMXG. As stated previously, 76 PMXG PO would need to be re-written to account for changes in the process if another manufacturers brand is purchased. Additionally, a change in equipment would require 76 PMXG to purchase new support equipment from another manufacturer, establish new PMEL/TMDE for this support equipment and wait until this new support equipment has been calibrated to allow us to utilize the new equipment, forcing 76 PMXG into a prolonged work stoppage while waiting for purchase and PMEL calibration. It would then require update to the existing process order before the mission could resume. Therefore, it is requested that the Gould-Bass equipment identified is procured to meet all the requirements of the program office and subsequently the warfighters.

4. While Magnaflux D-Series supplies an AC/DC current similar to the Gould-Bass 3509-01, but it is not capable of accepting the longer propulsion parts magnetized within 76 PMXG. Additionally, technicians who have used the shorter version in other areas state it is far more complicated to operate the controls and correlate the required amperages called out within technical data. The Magwerks equipment, a newer, lesser-known brand, has been discovered to require Magwerks support equipment to replace other brand support equipment in order to get true calibration results.

5. Market research was performed reviewing System for Award Management (SAM) databases using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code (334516) looking for companies that could provide P25-036 Magnetic Particle Bench Replacement. A review of small businesses to include 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business, and Women Owned Small Business was conducted in search of a company that could provide a P25-036 Magnetic Particle Bench Replacement.

• GSA2GIT BPA RFQ1738702 went out to (94) vendors and resulted in (0) zero.

• I reached out to my last resort which is the Resources Reseller zero (1) of the vendor sent me capabilities statement.

• I research on google to see who other vendors out there supported this acquisition not very many

I found Magnaflux is one of the vendors can provide an equivalent unit for 3509A-01 (meets or exceeds all stated specifications). But for the 3606 Disk Inspection Magnaflux does not have anything equivalent to offer. I checked SAM.gov this company not registered on SAM.

6. For further information or clarification please contact Mr. Michael T. Makowicz, 76 PMXG/MXDEN, (405)736-4401, michael.makowicz@us.af.mil or Mr. James Ammons, 76 PMXG/MXDEN, (405)582- 4508, james.ammons@us.af.mil

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

Margaret J. King Myracle Poston Contracting Officer Program Manager

AFSC/PZIM OC-ALC/OBCA