Single Source Determination_B-52 Engine Pod Covers.pdf

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Determination and Findings for a Single-Source Acquisition (RFO Part 13)

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

SUBJECT: Determination and Findings

Single-Source Acquisition for 24 B-52H Engine Covers

1. Identification of Agency and Contracting Activity:

Agency: Department of the Air Force - US Air Force

Contracting Activity: 5th Contracting Squadron

Purchase Request Number:

2. Nature and Description of the Action Being Approved:

The 5th Maintenance Group has submitted a request for the procurement of 24 B-52H engine pod covers.

This Determination and Findings authorizes the solicitation from a single source, Transhield, Inc., for the procurement of custom-engineered, specialized B-52H Stratofortress engine pod covers. The requested supplies consist of fabric covers that fully enclose and protect the B-52H's turbofan engine pods from foreign object damage, severe ice, heavy snow intrusion, and extreme sub-zero temperatures. The total estimated value of this acquisition is $230,400 which is below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. This action will be executed as a firm-fixed-price contract conducted using the procedures set forth in RFO Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

3. Citation of Applicable Statutory and/or Regulatory Authority:

The authority for this action is RFO 13.101(b), which permits soliciting from a single source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

4. Findings:

These findings detail the specific circumstances and facts that support the determination.

1. Specialized Weapon System Protection: The B-52H engine pod covers are highly engineered, specialized protective enclosures designed to mitigate foreign object damage, severe ice, heavy snow intrusion, and extreme sub-zero temperatures. To preserve critical weapon system readiness during Arctic winter operations, the covers must satisfy the following precise technical specifications:

-Dual-Engine Pod Geometry: Must fit the unique, complex external contours of the B-52H dual-engine pod, achieving a 360-degree, hermetic-style seal to prevent thermal dissipation.

-Material Composition: Fabricated from heavy-duty, military-grade vinyl/polymer materials, reinforced with industrial-grade tensioning straps and weather-resistant zippers.

-Integrated Maintenance Ports: Engineered with custom-aligned, zippered inspection access ports to facilitate visual checks by maintenance personnel without requiring full cover removal.

-Environmental Control Interface: Configured with integrated heater connection tubes on the inlet side to interface directly with external ground heating units to maintain critical engine temperatures.

2. Rigorous Operational Testing & Evaluation: In collaboration with STRIKEWERX and the Minot Atomic Spark Cell, the Minot AFB evaluated multiple prototype engine covers to meet critical cold-weather operational requirements.

-Kennon Products (Non-Compliant): Submitted a prototype design that failed to achieve a full-pod seal. This gap resulted in inadequate thermal retention, critical thermal leakage, and permitted moisture, ice, and snow accumulation inside the engine inlets.

-Transhield, Inc. (Fully Compliant): Engineered a precise, custom-fit cover that successfully achieved a 360-degree seal around the complex dual-engine pod geometry, demonstrating complete thermal retention, moisture mitigation, and robust environmental protection under active winter flight-line conditions.

3. Fleet Standardization & Cost Duplication: 96 custom Transhield covers were previously procured and deployed in FY24. These covers are currently integrated into active 5 MXG maintenance workflows. Procuring any other brand of cover would result in a non-standardized fleet, duplicate training burdens, introduce logistical inefficiencies, and represent a substantial duplication of cost that is not expected to be recovered through competition.

Market research was conducted on October 8, 2026 through October 28, 2026

The Contracting office engaged directly with the original equipment manufacturer, Transhield, Inc., to verify technical specifications. Based on the FY24 procurement and operational evaluation of 96 fielded units, Transhield remains the sole designer and manufacturer of the only custom-fit B-52H engine covers that meet the 5th Bomb Wing's specialized thermal and nuclear-surety thresholds.

5. Determination:

Based on the findings detailed above, I hereby determine that the circumstances of this contract action make only one source reasonably available to satisfy the Government's needs. Therefore, a single-source acquisition under the authority of RFO 13.101(b) is justified and in the best interest of the Government.

6. Expiration Date:

This is a D&F for an individual contract action; therefore, an expiration date is not applicable.

Contracting Officer

5th Contracting Squadron

Determination and Findings for a Single-Source Acquisition (RFO Part 13)

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

SUBJECT: Determination and Findings

1. Identification of Agency and Contracting Activity:

2. Nature and Description of the Action Being Approved:

3. Citation of Applicable Statutory and/or Regulatory Authority:

The authority for this action is RFO 13.101(b), which permits soliciting from a single source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

2024.07.10.1.

4. Findings:

These findings detail the specific circumstances and facts that support the determination.

Market research was conducted on through

5. Determination:

Based on the findings detailed above, I hereby determine that the circumstances of this contract action make only one source reasonably available to satisfy the Government's needs. Therefore, a single-source acquisition under the authority of RFO 13.101(b) is justified and in the best interest of the Government.

6. Expiration Date:

This is a D&F for an individual contract action; therefore, an expiration date is not applicable.

Contracting Officer The 5th Maintenance Group has submitted a request for the procurement of 24 B-52H engine pod covers.

This Determination and Findings authorizes the solicitation from a single source, Transhield, Inc., for the procurement of custom-engineered, specialized B-52H Stratofortress engine pod covers. The requested supplies consist of fabric covers that fully enclose and protect the B-52H's turbofan engine pods from foreign object damage, severe ice, heavy snow intrusion, and extreme sub-zero temperatures. The total estimated value of this acquisition is $230,400 which is below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. This action will be executed as a firm-fixed-price contract conducted using the procedures set forth in RFO Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.