Attachment 2 - Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)_Redacted.pdf

CUI

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? D Yes

Contracting Activity: AFTC/PZIA

Project/Program Name: Miniature Threaded Pressure Transducers

Purchase Request/ Local ID Number:

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): -

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC)/716TS OL-B requires 150 miniature threaded pressure transducers for mission-critical operations at AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Maryland. These specialized sensors must meet precise technical specifications to ensure accurate data collection and operational safety during wind tunnel testing.

Required Technical Specifications:

The pressure measurement transducers must provide versatile measurement capabilities in the range of 0.7 BAR to 35 BAR {1 O PSI to 500 PSI), supporting multiple operational modes including Absolute, Gage, Sealed Gage, and Differential configurations.

Critical safety features include 2x rated pressure for over-pressure protection and 3x rated pressure for burst pressure tolerance.

The transducers must demonstrate compatibility with most conductive liquids and gases while maintaining precise operational parameters, including 1 O Volts Direct Current/Alternative Current (VDC/ AC) nominal excitation and specified impedance requirements.

Performance requirements include a nominal full-scale output of 100 millivolts (mV) with high accuracy of ±0.1 % Full Scale Output (FSO) best fit straight line (BFSL) typical combined non-linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability. The devices must maintain reliable operation across a wide temperature range of -55°C to+ 175°C {-65°F to+ 350°F) and incorporate advanced four-arm Wheatstone bridge technology with dielectrically isolated silicon-on-silicon construction. The design must meet stringent durability requirements, including resistance to mechanical shock and vibration, while maintaining a compact form factor.

These specifications represent the minimum requirements necessary for successful operation in the unique testing environment of Wind Tunnel 9. Delivery is required NL T 24 Weeks ARO.

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

The required miniature threaded pressure transducers must meet specific technical requirements essential for operations based on demonstrated performance and survivability in the harsh testing environment of Wind Tunnel 9. Critical operational parameters include:

- Pressure range of 100 PSI Absolute

- Pressure port thread of 6-32 UNC-2A

- Compensated temperature range of +B0°F to+ 1 B0°F

Comprehensive market research, including industry analysis and a Sources Sought Notice, has revealed limited manufacturers capable of producing pressure transducers meeting these precise specifications. The specialized nature of these instruments, particularly the combination of precise pressure measurement capabilities and durability requirements for wind tunnel operations, significantly restricts available sources.

Market research has also identified precision pressure transducers are typically manufactured and sold directly by the manufacturer to maintain quality control and ensure technical support. This direct manufacturing and sales model is standard industry practice for these specialized instruments due to the precise technical requirements and quality control considerations.

Based on thorough market research efforts detailed in Section D, only one manufacturer has demonstrated the capability to produce these specialized pressure transducers to the required specifications. Therefore, use of the authority at FAR 13.106-1 (b)

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(1 )(i), which states "Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available," is appropriate to meet this requirement. This determination is based on technical capabilities and manufacturing expertise, not brand name considerations.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Initial market research confirmed the requirement cannot be fulfilled by mandatory sources under FAR Part 8 or existing contract vehicles. Subject matter experts (SM Es) in the AEDC wind tunnel/ground test community conducted comprehensive research of manufacturers capable of producing specialized pressure transducers meeting the technical requirements. This initial research indicated precision instruments of this nature are typically manufactured and sold directly by manufacturers to maintain quality control standards.

Through industry engagement and technical analysis prior to March 2025, it was demonstrated that specialized pressure transducers meeting these precise specifications are typically manufactured and sold directly by the manufacturer due to quality control requirements. This direct sales model was confirmed as standard industry practice for precision instruments of this nature.

A Sources Sought Notice was issued on SAM.gov from 6-13 March 2025 to identify any manufacturers or suppliers capable of meeting the technical requirements. The notice closed on 13 March 2025 at 1 :00 CST. Two responses were received: one from a manufacturer demonstrating manufacturing capabilities for the required technical specifications, and one from a general supply company without specialized manufacturing capabilities or technical support services, proposing to supply another company's miniature threaded transducers at increased (pass-through) costs.

Market research indicates only one manufacturer has demonstrated the capability to produce pressure transducers meeting all technical requirements. Direct procurement from the manufacturer represents the most efficient and cost effective approach, as the specialized nature of these instruments requires direct manufacturer involvement for quality control and technical support. Documentation confirming the manufacturer's direct sales business model is included in the acquisition file.

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

Due to the highly specialized nature of these precision pressure transducers and the current state of technology in this market segment, it is unlikely industry practices will significantly change in the immediate future. The technical specifications required for Wind Tunnel 9 operations represent specific performance requirements which currently limit available manufacturers. These limitations stem from the complex engineering and manufacturing capabilities needed to produce instruments meeting the precise combination of pressure measurement capabilities, durability requirements, and quality control standards.

The Government will continue to monitor technological advances in pressure transducer manufacturing and conduct thorough market research to identify any new manufacturers capable of meeting technical requirements. The Government will review and validate technical specifications to ensure they represent the minimum requirements necessary for mission success, while documenting industry capabilities and manufacturing practices through continued market engagement. Additionally, the Government will maintain awareness of any changes in industry practices regarding direct manufacturing and sales models for precision instruments.

The Government remains committed to maximizing competition whenever possible. When additional transducers are needed, comprehensive market research will be conducted to determine the most appropriate acquisition strategy to ensure both technical acceptability and best value to the Government.

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Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

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

Date

07-Apr-2025

April 2021

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

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Signature of Contracting Officer

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