Attachment 2 - Redacted Sole Source Justification.pdf
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This document is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) for the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to procure a high-temperature metric unit axial torsion extensometer. The specialized scientific equipment is needed for experimental investigation of advanced aerospace materials at temperatures exceeding 1000°C, specifically for measuring specimen deformation during mechanical testing with both axial and torsional loading. AFIT determined that only one manufacturer can produce an extensometer meeting their precise requirements, and that manufacturer does not work with authorized resellers.
The justification details extensive market research, including FPDS searches and consultation with subject matter experts, which confirmed no fully acceptable alternative exists. The proposed sole-source procurement is with MTS Systems Corporation, whose extensometer is uniquely compatible with AFIT's existing MTS brand controllers, loadframes, and infrastructure. The government acknowledges the small market for this equipment and plans to continue market research to potentially develop more competition in the future. The acquisition will be conducted under NAICS Code 334519 with a business size standard of 600 employees, and the final decision to sole-source remains within the government's discretion.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment 1 - Statement of Work.pdf | ||
| Extensometer Intent to Sole Source_Updated 01 Aug.pdf |
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CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION
Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION April 2021 Page 1 of 2
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
Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No
Contracting Activity: AFLCMC/PZIBB
Project/Program Name: Material Testing Axial/ Torsional Extensometer
Purchase Request / Local ID Number:
Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):
The Air Force Institute of Technology needs a high-temperature metric unit axial torsion extensometer. AFIT is engaged in experimental investigation of the mechanical behavior of advanced aerospace materials at temperatures exceeding 1000°C.
Such experiments require a high-temperature an axial/torsion extensometer to measure the deformation of a specimen during mechanical testing when applying load both in axial (tension or compression) and torsional (angular) modes. An axial extensometer can measure specimen deformation when only axial load (tension or compression) is applied but cannot measure specimen deformation when torsional load is applied. Hence it is necessary to have a high temperature axial torsion extensometer available for tests that involve torsion loading. A mounting bracket and factory calibration are also required.
AFIT's material testing labs are equipped with MTS brand controllers, loadframes, software, on hand extensometers, and mounting brackets that are compatible with the current AFIT's infastructure. Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) searches, under relevant NAICS, PSC codes and the term "Extensometer" show that this is a small market item. A thorough review of the market was completed via systems searching, sources sought posting, and consultation by the end-user with subject matter experts. No fully acceptable alternate was found for this equipment. is the only manufacturer capable of producing a Testing Axial/ Torsion Extensometer that meets the Government needs. And since the company confirmed that they do not work with authorized resellers, it is in the best interest of the Government to pursue a sole-source award with for the Testing Axial/ Torsion Extensometer as described in the Statement of Work (SOW).
Research was conducted and two recently awarded contracts were found. The first, by the ., and the second, awarded by the
Neither one of these meet the requirement. Further market researches reveal that the company does have an axial torsion extensometer but it is limited to an angular travel of only +/- 2 degrees and the is +/- 5 degrees in addition. A custom bracket would also have to be designed and manufactured to fit the brand load frame.
High temperature metric unit axial torsion extensometer measure the deformation of a specimen during mechanical testing when applying load both in axial (tension or compression) and torsional (angular) modes. A regular axial extensometer cannot properly record the sample deformation when torsional load is also being applied, so it is necessary to have an axial torsion extensometer available for those tests. Justification for a sole-source procurement to lies in the company's unique position; they offer an item with very little demand that is compatible with AFIT's existing equipments.
Material Science would have to be in more demand in the science community, which will in turn motivate more vendors to enter the market and compete. The Government will continue doing market research to determine potential vendors and/or manufacturer in the future.
Section A: General Contract Information
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION
Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION April 2021 Page 2 of 2
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 Signature of Contracting Officer
Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .