Brand Name Justification Redacted.pdf

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for Snap-on Consolidated Tool Kits (CTKs)

1. Requirement Description: This acquisition is for specialized CTKs configured to support daily maintenance, electrical, and avionics structural repairs for the 109th’s fleet of C-130 aircraft.

Estimated Value: (Combined Total).

(1) Aircraft Maintenance Toolboxes (Qty 8): (Currently Unfunded).

(2) Structural Maintenance Toolbox (Qty 1): (Currently Funded).

2. Authority

IAW Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) 12.102(a):

"Document decisions to restrict competition, including the use of brand-name descriptions without allowing for “equal” products, as follows: (a) For acquisitions valued at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), document the decision that only one source is available and the basis for the decision."

As the total estimated value of is below the SAT, this memorandum serves as the required documentation establishing the basis that only the specified brand name can satisfy the Government's unique technical, safety, and regulatory requirements.

3. Unique Characteristics:

The 109th MXG requires complete, unified CTKs engineered to satisfy strict Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention and tool control mandates. Standard commercial "or equal" hand tools cannot fulfill this requirement due to the following engineering and integration requirements:

a. Single-Source System Integration & FOD Prevention: To meet FOD and Tool Control regulatory requirements, every individual tool, socket, adapter, and accessory must be factory-routed into custom-molded, dual-color drawer foam and individually laser-etched with a unique 12-character identification number.

Procuring generic or alternate-brand loose tools would force the Government to act as a system integrator—requiring separate procurement of boxes, tools, and third-party scanning/routing services. This fragmented approach introduces unacceptable dimensional tolerances, possibility of tool control mismatches, and a lack of singular quality assurance, directly compromising flight safety on the C-130 fleet.

b. Avionics-Grade Metallurgical & Finish Requirements: C-130 avionics and structural repairs require hand tools constructed with specialized, non-plated industrial finishes. Standard commercial tools utilize chrome-plated finishes, which are highly susceptible to chipping, flaking, and peeling under heavy flight-line use. Metal flakes entering high-sensitivity avionics panels, wiring harnesses, or C-130 engine bays pose an unacceptable level of risk. Snap-on's proprietary non-plated steel metallurgy eliminates this hazard.

c. Aviation-Specific Tool Configurations: The toolkits contain proprietary, specialized designs for which there are no known substitutes:

(1) Flank Drive® Plus Wrenching System: Applies turning force to the flat surfaces of fasteners rather than the corners, delivering up to 20% more torque to protect high-value flight-critical titanium fasteners from rounding or shearing.

(2) Specialized Hardware Accessories: Critical items such as the True RMS Digital Multimeter, Cannon Plug Pliers with protective grips, and Camloc Pliers are technically unique to Snap-on's integrated layout.

4. Market Research

Market research was conducted by reviewing GSA, the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search and previous acquisition history. Based on this research, the contracting officer has determined there are multiple distributors of Snap-On Tools.

5. Conclusion

Based on the preceding information I hereby determine that the circumstances of this contract action deem only the specified brand name reasonably available. This requirement will therefore be solicited as a brand name only Request for Quote (RFQ) open to both large and small businesses in order to maximize practicable competition.

NICHOLAS B. BASTIANI

Contracting Officer

BASTIANI.NICHO

LAS.BRUNO.1275

071931

Digitally signed by

BASTIANI.NICHOLAS.BRUNO.1275

071931 Date: 2026.08.17 13:29:59 -04'00'