Attachment 3 - Brand Name Letter.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND

14 July 2025

MEMORANDUM FOR 82 CONS/PKA

FROM: 361 TRS/CC

SUBJECT: Brand Name Requirements Justification

1. Description of the Supplies/Services: This request is for the addition of composite tool kits and tools with lifetime warranties for the Aerospace Propulsion High Bypass and T56/AE2100D3 Systems Apprentice Course. Currently, all four Aerospace Propulsion courses utilize Snap-On tools, and a Snap- On tool representative conducts monthly inspections for replacements. The toolboxes must accommodate custom tooling, stored in small “suitcase” style toolboxes for maneuverability and usability on various airframes. Furthermore, these toolboxes require custom etching and shadowed inserts for each tool.

2. Efforts to Obtain Competition: Contact was made with Grainger, Matco, and Snap-On to explore custom toolbox options, with Snap-On and Matco initially presenting the most promising solutions. The Matco customer sales representative, Mr. Jonathan at 800-331-2427 on 9 July 2025, indicated their ability to build custom boxes; however, they lack smaller, portable toolboxes suitable for flightline operations.

The smallest available option, Part No. JSC773-TTD, is designed for shop use and may be too large for flightline maneuverability. Furthermore, the representative confirmed that Matco does not stock the hardshell "suitcase" style toolboxes required for flightline maintenance. Similarly, the Grainger Sales department, Mr. Craig contacted at 1-800-472-4643 on 9 July 2025, confirmed they do not offer custom toolbox building services and while they could potentially alter an existing box, they lack suitable options, making them a non-viable choice.

3. Market Research: Organizations at Dyess AFB, TX (T56/AE2100D3); Little Rock AFB, AR (T56/AE2100D3), Fairchild AFB, WA (High Bypass), MacDill AFB, FL (High Bypass), and JBLM, WA (High Bypass) were contacted, and they provided feedback that Snap-On tools were their tool of choice due to high reliability, durability, and customer support. To the best of our knowledge, Snap-On is the only known brand name that is available to meet the requirement standards. IAW CFR 8.405-6(a)(1)(B):

“Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized.”

4. Other Factors: The quality laser etching and shadowed foam will ensure compliance of Sheppard AFB Instruction 21-208.

5. A Statement Of The Actions, If Any, The Agency May Take To Remove Or Overcome Any Barriers To Competition Before Making Subsequent Acquisitions For The Supplies Or Services Required. Exhaustive online market research was conducted to include suppliers specializing in the tools required to meet the objective.

ALEXANDRA P. GEGEN, Maj, USAF Commander

1st Ind, 82 CONS/PKA

The above justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer

2d Ind, 82 CONS/PKA

Approved/Disapproved

Chief, Base/Specialized Acquisition Team