Brand Name J_A 25-4127_nls.pdf

Nov 2024

U.S. Special Operations Command Simplified Procedures for Sole Source Justification

For Commercial Acquisitions Covered under FAR Part 13

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V: 3.0

General Additional Info

SFC MODLIN, JEFFERYContract Specialist SFC MODLIN, JEFFERYContracting Officer OCONUS

905th CBnContracting Office $3,000,000Independent Government Estimate Classified

SOF Mountain Kits

Description of Supply or Service

J&A Control Number- 25-4127Add Info

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) Only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name, industrial mobilizationAuthority Cited

URL Submit to Folder

Reason for Sole Source Justification (FAR 13.501 (a))

Brand Name or Equal

Purpose: This justification outlines the rationale for procuring specific brand name climbing equipment, or an approved equal, for 1st Special Forces Command (1st SFC) mountain operations. This equipment is essential for maintaining operational readiness, ensuring Soldier safety, and enabling successful mission execution in challenging environments.

Background: 1st SFC currently utilizes specialized mountain kits tailored to SOF requirements. The acquisition of new components necessitates compatibility with existing systems to ensure seamless integration during training, deployments, and maintenance procedures. This justification supports procuring equipment meeting stringent safety standards and demonstrating a proven performance record.

Justification for Brand Name or Equal: The following points detail the necessity for procuring equipment from established manufacturers, or approved equals, within the climbing industry:

Interoperability: Maintaining compatibility with existing 1st SFC mountain kits is paramount. Brand name items (PETZL, CAMP, Black Diamond, MSR, Bluewater, Steripen, and Bosch) have established integration with current systems, minimizing logistical challenges and maximizing operational effectiveness.

Safety and Certification: IAW USASOC 350-12, all life-supporting mountain operations equipment must meet or exceed International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) or European Economic Community/European safety standards. These certifications represent rigorous testing and adherence to safety protocols vital for mitigating risk during high-altitude operations. Non-certified products are unacceptable due to the inherent dangers to personnel.

Proven Performance: The specified brand name items possess a documented history of reliable performance in harsh, demanding conditions mirroring those encountered by 1st SFC. Utilizing unproven brands introduces unacceptable risk of equipment failure, potentially resulting in Soldier injury, mission compromise, or loss of life.

Commercial Availability & Competition: The required items are commercially available from multiple retailers specializing in climbing gear. This demonstrates a viable market and supports the potential for competitive bidding.

Conclusion: Procuring climbing equipment from established brand names (PETZL, CAMP, Black Diamond, MSR, Bluewater, Steripen, and Bosch), or approved equals, is critical for ensuring interoperability, prioritizing Soldier safety, and maintaining operational effectiveness for 1st Special Forces Command. The market research conducted demonstrates the availability of competitive sources capable of providing these essential items.

Efforts to Expand Competition (FAR 13.501 (a)(ii))

This requirement is for Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) items. While specialized, the climbing equipment market includes multiple vendors capable of supplying the necessary goods.

Market Research Conducted (FAR 13.501 (a)(ii))

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Input: Military climbing experts identified and validated the list of required equipment based on operational needs and safety considerations. SAM.GOV Verification: A search of SAM.GOV confirmed the registration of several companies capable of fulfilling this requirement. FPDS-NG Review: A review of the Federal Procurement Data System – Next Generation (FPDS-NG) revealed similar purchases of climbing gear by other government departments, demonstrating a precedent for this type of acquisition.

Prepared By

SFC JEFFERY S. MODLINName Contracting OfficerTitle Signature

Approval Signatures (SOFARs 5601-1.2)(3)) (Jun2022)

SFC JEFFERY S. MODLINName Contracting OfficerTitle Signature

Office Chief Review

Legal Review

KX Review

Competition Advocate

U.S. Special Operations Command Simplified Procedures for Sole Source Justification For Commercial Acquisitions Covered under FAR Part 13 Additional Instructions:

Simplified Acquisitions that are covered by this form generally require limited documentation associated with the determination of price reasonableness. This form is designed to provide an interactive interface for users to consistently develop compliant price reasonableness determinations.This form may also be used in overseas contingency environments and contains an "OCONUS" checkbox at the top of the form. DO NOT check this box unless you are outside the continental United States in an overseas/contingency environment.It is important to note that this form cannot possibly capture the context of every acquisition. While the form applies a degree of logic to entries and helpful advice along the way, it is still incumbent upon the signing contracting officer to verify the accuracy and soundness of all data provided.Format: This form is an automated adaptation of other simplified acquisition documentation records currently in use. It is designed to automatically conform to the unique circumstances of each acquisition while reducing time compared to other available templates. Some sections may pre-populate, disappear, or automatically insert applicable content based upon choices made while working through the form. Some sections have "Section Tips" in the title bar that may help answer frequently asked questions. Additional guidance has also been incorporated into key sections of the form that can be made visible by clicking on the boxes marked, "show/hide instructions" or by referring to applicable FAR references cited throughout the form. If an area requires additional documentation, text boxes will appear that automatically expand depending upon the length of the entry. Users are encouraged to provide as much text as needed to accurately tell the story. Saving, Printing, and Clearing the Form: The form contains digital signature capability. It is possible to still make changes where needed after the Contract Specialist signs; however, once the Contracting Officer signs, the form becomes locked and no further changes can be made. "Save" buttons are located on the top and bottom of the form to save interim changes made before signing. The form may also be printed using the "Print" button at the bottom of the form. Finally, a "Clear Form" button is available at the top of the form. While this button w ll remove all content previously entered, it will not reset all boxes to the initial state of the form. Boxes that may have appeared or disappeared will remain in their altered state but with entries cleared. For this reason, it is NOT advised to re-use forms that may have been previously populated with details of a prior acquisition. ALWAYS download a new form from SharePoint to ensure you have the latest version with full capability.

V: 3.0 General Reason for Sole Source Justification (FAR 13.501 (a)) Efforts to Expand Competition (FAR 13.501 (a)(ii)) Market Research Conducted (FAR 13.501 (a)(ii)) Prepared By Approval Signatures (SOFARs 5601-1.2)(3)) (Jun2022) 6.1.0.20150517.1.919161.918415

Purpose: This justification outlines the rationale for procuring specific brand name climbing equipment, or an approved equal, for 1st Special Forces Command (1st SFC) mountain operations. This equipment is essential for maintaining operational readiness, ensuring Soldier safety, and enabling successful mission execution in challenging environments.

Background: 1st SFC currently utilizes specialized mountain kits tailored to SOF requirements. The acquisition of new components necessitates compatibility with existing systems to ensure seamless integration during training, deployments, and maintenance procedures. This justification supports procuring equipment meeting stringent safety standards and demonstrating a proven performance record.

Justification for Brand Name or Equal: The following points detail the necessity for procuring equipment from established manufacturers, or approved equals, within the climbing industry:

Interoperability: Maintaining compatibility with existing 1st SFC mountain kits is paramount. Brand name items (PETZL, CAMP, Black Diamond, MSR, Bluewater, Steripen, and Bosch) have established integration with current systems, minimizing logistical challenges and maximizing operational effectiveness.

Safety and Certification: IAW USASOC 350-12, all life-supporting mountain operations equipment must meet or exceed International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) or European Economic Community/European safety standards. These certifications represent rigorous testing and adherence to safety protocols vital for mitigating risk during high-altitude operations. Non-certified products are unacceptable due to the inherent dangers to personnel.

Proven Performance: The specified brand name items possess a documented history of reliable performance in harsh, demanding conditions mirroring those encountered by 1st SFC. Utilizing unproven brands introduces unacceptable risk of equipment failure, potentially resulting in Soldier injury, mission compromise, or loss of life.

Commercial Availability & Competition: The required items are commercially available from multiple retailers specializing in climbing gear. This demonstrates a viable market and supports the potential for competitive bidding.

Conclusion: Procuring climbing equipment from established brand names (PETZL, CAMP, Black Diamond, MSR, Bluewater, Steripen, and Bosch), or approved equals, is critical for ensuring interoperability, prioritizing Soldier safety, and maintaining operational effectiveness for 1st Special Forces Command. The market research conducted demonstrates the availability of competitive sources capable of providing these essential items.