Brandname Justification.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- FA480926Q0029
About this file
This is a Single Source Justification document for a simplified acquisition of flight headsets by the Air Force 4 CONS contracting activity. The 916th Operations Group requires Bose ProFlight Series 2 aviation headsets for use on KC-46 aircraft, with an estimated contract cost of $31,800.90 under purchase request F3TTWG5031A001. The headsets must meet eight specific technical requirements including noise cancellation performance of no less than 105 decibels, compatibility with both high and low impedance microphone systems, in-ear design capable of one or two-ear operation, weight of 4.5 ounces or less, 6-pin U-174 connector capability, disableable Bluetooth functionality, 45-hour alkaline battery operation, and FAA TSO and E/TSPC139A certification.
The Air Force conducted over 20 separate flight headset tests evaluating models from Bose, David Clark, and Telex manufacturers. The Bose ProFlight Series 2 with 6-pin adapter was the only headset meeting all stated requirements, particularly due to superior noise reduction for KC-46 aircraft that enabled clear communications without the side-tone issues that affected competing products. The document notes that alternative headset styles inhibited the use of 3D glasses during air refueling operations. Contracting Officer MSgt Veronica N. Guerrero determined on September 5, 2025, that only a single source is reasonably available in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). 4 CONS committed to ongoing marketplace monitoring and evaluation of emerging competitive products to preclude future single-source awards.
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| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitation Amendment FA480926Q00290001.pdf | ||
| Solicitation - FA480926Q0029.pdf |
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Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION
April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 1 of 2April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 1 of 2
Section A: General Contract Information
Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No
Contracting Activity: 4 CONS
Project/Program Name: 916th Bose Proflight Series 2 headsets
Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F3TTWG5031A001
Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $31,800.90
Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required
The 916th Operations Group requires flight headsets made by the Bose Corporation for use on the KC-46; specifically the Bose ProFlight Series 2 aviation headset must include the following salient characteristics:
1. Cancel noise typical to KC-46 aircraft, with a performance canceling no less than 105 db of sound pressure level.
2. Have a microphone compatible with both high and low impedance systems, such that no interference is created when the microphone is keyed.
3. Feature in-ear headphones, giving the ability to be operated using the one or two ears, to facilitate cross-cockpit checklist reading.
4. Have a lightweight fit of 4.5 oz or less
5. Feature necessary 6-pin allowing connection to U-174 Connector
6. Bluetooth must be able to be turned off
7. Use alkaline batteries to ensure operation for at least 45 hours
8. Be FAA TSO and E/TSPC139A certified
Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name
The Air Force refueling squadrons have conducted over 20 separate flight headset tests to determine the best headset that can satisfy flight operations for the KC-46. After extensively testing the Bose A30 low impedance, U174, 5 Ohm, Bose ProFlight Series 2 with 6-pin adapter, David Clark Pro-M, David Clark-H-10, David Clark C-17 H-10, Telex 7, Telex 8, and Telex 8+, the only in ear headset to meet all the requirements was the Bose ProFlight Series 2 with 6-pin adapter. The Bose ProFlight Series 2 was the only headset that reduced noise typical to KC-46 to allow for clear communication with the crew, air traffic control and receivers. All other brands produced a side-tone that caused unitelligible communications and Air Traffic Control confusion. Furthermore, over-ear and on-ear headset styles inhibited the use of 3D glasses during air refueling without causing severe discomfort. While some of the features were available in other headset models, the Bose ProFlight Series 2 configuration is the only model that contains all of the required features to support the 916th Operation Group's mission needs.
Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)
CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION
April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 2 of 2
Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition
Each iteration of this type of purchase we are required to validate the market place and ensure that there are no other products or contractors emerging in the market. After extensively testing the Bose A30, Bose ProFlight Series 2 with 6-pin adapter, David Clark Pro-M, David Clark Pro-S, David Clark H-10, David Clark C-17 H-10, Telex 750, Telex 7, Telex 8, and Telex 8+, the only headset to meet all the requirements was the Bose ProFlight Series 2 with 6-pin adapter.
Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards
4 CONS will continue to monitor if the Air Force allows other approved flushing equipment as well as survey the marketplace for other commercial providers for this equipment should a similar requirement arise in the future.
Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination
I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.
Date
05-Sep-2025
Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer
MSgt Veronica, N. Guerrero
Signature of Contracting Officer
GUERRERO.VERONICA.NICH
OLE.1390448720
Digitally signed by
GUERRERO.VERONICA.NICHOLE.1390448720
Date: 2025.09.05 17:46:50 -04'00'
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