B1 JA.pdf

This is a Sole Source Justification using the Simplified Acquisition Form (SAF), dated October 1, 2025, for Procurement Group ECF: B-01.

The requirement is for procurement of one fully configured Hydrogen Embrittlement Load Frame system from Assured Testing. This purpose-built system is designed specifically for conducting critical materials testing in strict accordance with ASTM F519 standard, ensuring material integrity and safety for mission-related applications. The system must be capable of high-throughput testing of a minimum of twenty samples concurrently across four load strings, operated by fully integrated proprietary software control systems for accuracy and repeatability. The Government has determined that procurement of this specific system is essential to ensure operational and data standardization with identical equipment currently in use by the NAWCAD materials laboratory, which is a critical requirement for collaborative analysis and data validation between two government entities. The justification cites a combination of Restrictive Data Rights, Exclusive Licensing Agreement, and Other unique design factors. The sole source is justified because Assured Testing owns proprietary control software fully integrated with the hardware, is the Original Equipment Manufacturer operating under an exclusive licensing agreement, and is the only authorized source to design and license this integrated system. The unique requirement, combined with the system's high-throughput design capabilities, makes it infeasible for any other source to satisfy the Government's minimum technical and mission needs. The Contracting Officer approved this requirement for sole source procurement in accordance with FAR Subpart 13.1.