Brand name Justification F35 Bushing Kit.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

354TH CONTRACTING SQUADRON (PACAF)

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK

12 June 2026

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

FROM: 354 CONS/PKB

4560 Central Ave., Bldg 2258 Eielson AFB, AK 99702

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for F-35 IPP Drop Link Bushing Installation Kit

1. Requirement and Value:

The 354th Maintenance Squadron (354 MXS) has a requirement to procure a cold work bushing installation kit to perform critical repairs on F-35 Integrated Power Package (IPP) aircraft mounts and drop link bushings. The Independent Government Estimate for this requirement is $40,408.50.

2. Regulatory Authority:

This acquisition is being conducted under the procedures of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). Because the estimated value is below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), this memorandum satisfies the requirement of RFO 12.102(a) to document the decision to restrict competition to a brand-name description without allowing for "equal" products.

3. Basis for Restricting Competition:

This requirement is restricted to the brand name products manufactured by Fatigue Technology Inc. (FTI). The decision to restrict competition is based on mandatory technical and flight safety directives governing the F-35 airframe:

a. Mandatory Directive: The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) issued Action Request (AR) Number A-S136-20260423-042903649, which explicitly mandates the use of ForceMate tooling (Application Numbers 1047 and 1048 series) to repair discrepant drop link bushings.

b. Proprietary Technical Data: Execution of this repair must strictly comply with Lockheed Martin / FTI ForceMate Tip Sheet #197635 (Revision B). This ITAR-controlled technical document specifies the exact FTI part numbers required (e.g., FMM-1047-25011A Mandrel, FSG-1047-35010A Hole Gage, CP12-2 Puller).

c. Safety of Flight: Section 2.0 of the mandatory Tip Sheet explicitly warns: "DO NOT mix this tooling with tooling from other manufacturers." The use of non-FTI "equal" components is strictly prohibited by the OEM and the JPO, as incompatible tooling could compromise the structural integrity of the titanium lugs, void airworthiness certifications, and jeopardize aircraft and pilot safety.

4. Conclusion:

Based on the proprietary nature of the required structural repair and mandatory safety directives from the F-35 JPO, FTI is the only manufacturer capable of satisfying the agency's need. No other brand or manufacturer is authorized for this aircraft repair.

JAISON SAAVEDRA, SrA, USAF Contracting Officer

12 June 2026