Attachment 3 - Brand Name or Equal Determination Auto Hobby Lifts.pdf

DETERMINATION AND FINDING

FORWARD LIFT & BOSCH AUTO HOBBY LIFT

BRAND NAME OR EQUAL ACQUISITION

20 May 2026

1. AUTHORITY:

This Determination and Finding (D&F) is prepared in accordance with the authority of RFO 12.102(a), which permits the use of a brand name specification when it is essential to the Government's requirements, thereby restricting competition. In accordance with R-DFARS 206.103-170(1)(c), this determination is also required in order to use brand name or equal descriptions.

2. FINDINGS:

1. Description: The 5th Force Support Squadron (5 FSS) requires a contractor to execute a comprehensive equipment replacement and maintenance requirement for the Auto Hobby Shop at Minot Air Force Base (AFB), North Dakota (ND). The scope of work includes the demolition and off-base disposal of existing inoperable equipment, followed by the supply, delivery, and installation of two (2) 10,000-pound, 2-post lifts (Forward DP10A or equal), one (1) 14,000-pound, 4-post lift (Forward CR14 or equal), and (2) two digital wheel balancers (Bosch 32.5-inch and 47.25-inch or equal). Following installation, the requirement encompasses a five-year lifecycle maintenance plan (base year + 4 option years) consisting of annual Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) certified inspections, equipment calibration, and an established protocol for unscheduled, out-of-cycle repairs.

2. Requirement for Brand Name: Known Functionality: Although inoperable now due to age and long-term use, the Auto Hobby shop currently uses the Forward Lift’s DP10A and CR14 lift models. These models are familiar to shop personnel and have satisfactorily met the operational needs of the Auto Hobby shop. Although the shop is not currently using Bosch Tire Balancers, the desired make/model was identified on GSA Advantage to use as a benchmark model.

3. Efforts to Obtain Competition: In order to maximize competition, this requirement will be solicited as “brand name or equal” as the requirement owner has confirmed that equivalent models that meet the brand name performance requirements will be sufficient. The Request for Quotation will be posted on the Governmentwide Point of Entry (SAM.gov) to encourage the greatest participation.

3. DETERMINATION:

Based on the findings above, I hereby determine that the use of a “Brand Name or Equal” procurement strategy is essential to this requirement and is in the best interest of the United States Government. The requested brand names meet the performance standards required by the Auto Hobby shop and competition will be maximized by allowing vendors to supply equivalent models.

KERI D. MEIS, Civ, DAF Contracting Officer