Eagle_Vest_J A_Redacted.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

I. CONTRACTING ACTIVITY

Department of Air Force, 1 st Special Operations Contracting Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL. This document serves as a “Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition”. The purchase request number is, F2FF045215A001.

II. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING PROCESSED

This action is a new contract for the brand name requirement to purchase Eagle Combat

Integrated Carrier System (CIAS)s. These vests are mandatory for deployed aircrew to support

NATC-A (NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan) missions. Eagle Industries' Combat

Integrated Armor Carrier System (CIACS) Vest features integrates with body armor for body protection and also serving storage for survival items/equipment for real-world missions at their deployed location. This action will be competed on FBO.gov, unrestricted as a firm fixed price contract.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE

AGENCY’S NEEDS

Four hundred and twenty (420 each) Eagle Combat Integrated Carrier Systems (CIAS) are being requested, and three hundred and thirty (330) soft armor panels. The Eagle CIACS is a body armor system that provides the requisite levels of ballistic protection applicable in any area of operation. The item is to be worn over the flight suit and under the parachute harness. Eagle CIACS consists of a base vest system that houses soft and hard armor inserts.

The Eagle CIACS offers modularity and component configuration with Modular

Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) capability.

Additionally, several pockets are available for mounting on the Eagle CIACS, providing essential survival equipment storage. The Eagle CIACS system has a capability to quickly jettison the hard armor plates without doffing the body armor system.

IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION.

Authority for this brand name requirement is conducted through 41 U.S.C. 1901, further implemented by the procedures at FAR 13.501(a); only one brand is capable of fulfilling the requirement at the level of quality required.

V. DEMONSTRATION THAT THE CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES THE

USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE (APPLICABILITY OF

AUTHORITY)

Per AFSOC guidance (Control Number: AFSOC/A3TL E-2013-028), the only approved brand for this request is from Eagle Industries. There are distributors who are listed and able to provide this product.

VI. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE

SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS DEEMED

PRACTICABLE

Eagle Industries is the only developer/producer of the EAGLE-CIACS Survival Vest. However, through market research five (5) distributors have expressed interest in this brand name requirement.

VII. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE

ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND

REASONABLE

In accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a) the anticipated cost will be considered fair and reasonable using the methods outlined in this section. Additionally, it is anticipated that competitive quotes will be received from at least two (2) vendors. Therefore, it is anticipated that the price will be determined fair and reasonable based on competitive quotes received.

VIII. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE

RESULTS, OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASONS MARKET RESEARCH

WAS NOT CONDUCTED

In accordance with FAR 10.001(a)(2)(ii), agencies must conduct market research appropriate to the circumstances before soliciting offers for acquisitions with an estimated value in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold.

The following methods of completing market research were conducted: query of same and similar previously purchased items using the Federal Business Opportunities website, GSA E-

Buy website, Easy Search website, EZQuery database search, Electronic Document Access search, Google search, and the Procurement Desktop Defense search.

IX. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND

OPEN COMPETITION

A Safe-To-Fly (StF) Recommendation for the Eagle Combat Integrated Armor Carrier

System (CIACS) was issued by A3. This is the only system pre-approved for use by AFSOC aircrew.

These products are currently used by AFSOC personnel and have a proven, reliable track record supporting combat and training venues. The products requested are necessary to support stateside and forward-based aircrew operations and flight safety.

X. LIST OF SOURCES, IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED INTEREST IN THE

ACQUISITION

Atlantic Dive Supply

621 Lynnhaven Parkway, Ste. 400

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

ATK Accessories-Eagle Industries

1000 Baltimore Dr.

Fenton, MO 63026

SKD Tactical

291 Main St.

Highland Falls, NY 10928

Tactical Advantage, Inc.

20A Northwest Blvd #225

Nashua, N H 03063-4066

TSSI Tactical

3900 Early Rd

Harrisonburg, VA 22801

XI. A STATEMENT OF THE ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO

REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE

MAKING SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITIONS FOR THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

REQUIRED

Five different companies, not including the manufacturer, offer this product. Until further research and approvals are made on other Air Force Products for the tactical vests, this will remain a brand name justification. Based on stated circumstances above, AFSOC has only approved Eagle Industries product for use in combat. The limited source requirement will continue to be re-evaluated for future developments or requirements.

XII. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION

The contracting officer’s signature on the Coordination and Approval Document evidences that he/she has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

XIII. TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL’S CERTIFICATION

As evidenced by their signatures on the Coordination and Approval Document, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein, which is their responsibility, is both accurate and complete.