Brand_Name_J&A_Redacted.pdf

Brand Name Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information Contracting Activity: 1 SOCONS/PKC Purchase Request/ Identification Number:

Project/Program Name: Black Out Roller Shades Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? NO

Authority:

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The Hurlburt Field dormitories are looking to acquire Hunter Douglas RB-500 metal Architectural clutch and roller shade system for 218 rooms. The clutch shall be aluminum or steel with a stainless stell bead chain. These shades are made with the durable material that will withstand the continuous up and down motion that the dorm residents will put these shades through. The shades shall be furnished with Thick 4-ply vinyl Blackout material. Also included are side u-channels, bottom u-channels and a top fascia.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting for a Particular Brand Name Item The Hunter Douglas RB500 metal Architectural clutch are the only shades with a metal clutch on the market. This metal clutch ensures the shades will not break after continuous daily usage by dorm residents. Although this clutch is slightly more expensive than the plastic ones, it will reduce the cost of replacing the plastic clutch and parts on a more frequent basis. This will save funds over the life of these shades versus continuous replacement of plastic clutches.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

1st Civil Engineering Squadron Furnishing Management Section conducted online market research during the initial search of roller shades.

The results of this research showed that Hunter Douglas was the only manufacturer who supplied a metal clutch with their shades.

Multiple Hunter Douglas resellers were identified as capable of providing the required items. There were numerous shades on the market, but none had a full metal clutch like the Hunter Douglas RB500. This clutch showed to be strong and durable enough to withstand daily use in student dormitories, due to the all steel construction. There are no suitable alternatives; however, competition will be obtained from the Hunter Douglas resellers.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Specific Brand Name Requirements Through every available means, the 1st Civil Engineering Squadron Furnishing Management Section will continue to monitor market information and technical publications to determine whether any other source can meet their needs. In addition, minimum requirements are described herein to encourage other manufacturers to begin producing black out roller shades made with a metal clutch.

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 brand name product is reasonably available.