Single Source Muramatsu Flute.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

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Section A: General Contract Information

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

Contracting Activity: 633 CONS

Project/Program Name: ACC Heritage of America Band

Purchase Request / Local ID Number:

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $0.00

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

Professional Model Muramatsu Handmade Custom Flute in 14K Gold with 14K Gold, Sterling Silver Mechanisms, drawn tone holes, Muramatsu scale, pointed key arms, gold springs, Muramatsu pads, 0.012”/0.30mm tubing, French (open hole) model, Offset G, C# trill (standard), D# roller (standard), B Foot Joint. A=442.

In addition, Professional model 14K gold hand-cut Tsubasa Head Joint - Handmade in Japan.

Professional model 14K Gold hand-cut Tsubasa Head Joint - Japan is on the approved Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and World Trade Organization (WTO) GPA

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

In the Air Force Band, selecting the right instrument involves a rigorous play test, where the musician evaluates the instrument's quality and performance by playing it. This process ensures the instrument meets the required standards for tone, pitch, responsiveness, and overall playability.

When an instrument is described as "custom made," it means it is specifically crafted to meet the unique preferences, needs, and specifications of the musician. Customization can involve adjustments to the size, shape, materials, and other features to optimize the instrument's playability and sound quality according to the player's preferences and playing style.

Custom fitting is essential to ensure the instrument is ergonomically suited to the musician's physique and playing technique. Custom-fitted instruments offer a better fit and feel, enhancing comfort and minimizing physical strain during extended playing periods. This tailored approach helps musicians achieve optimal performance and expressiveness while reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.

In this specific case, a flutist in the Air Force Band located here at Langley, AFB tested over ten different flutes and found that a Muramatsu flute best met their physical and musical needs. The flutist has been playing Muramatsu flutes for over 15 years, so is familiar with the brand's feel and playability. However, the flutist previously personally-owned Muramatsu model did not meet the USAF Band's requirements because it lacked the necessary projection to be heard within a large ensemble of over 40 members, which is critical for the band's mission.

After play-testing the Muramatsu 14K Gold flute over a two-week period, the instrument met all musical demands across various ensemble sizes, including the largest ensembles. This demonstrated that the instrument not only suited the flutist's personal playing style and physical characteristics but also fulfilled the specific requirements of the USAF Band.

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Thus, custom fitting instruments to musicians in the Air Force Band is vital for ensuring they can perform at their best within the ensemble, meeting both personal and organizational needs.

The Muramatsu Handmade Custom Flute in 14K Gold is the only known product that meets the Government's requirements for the flutist. It adheres to the industry standards for top professional-level players worldwide, featuring high-quality handmade construction, resonant tone, and precise tuning.

Due to individual differences, the shape of the embouchure hole in the headjoint needs to match the player's lips. This particular headjoint aligns perfectly with the shape the flutist has been accustomed to for many years, requiring minimal adjustment.

The placement of the keys is crucial for tension-free and optimal finger technique. This flute’s key arrangement and construction are ideally suited for the flutist, providing a clear advantage over other models.

Tubing Specifications: The 0.012”/0.30mm tubing of this flute is specifically suited for the mission's demands, offering superior projection and resonance. This is vital as the flutist must seamlessly switch between soloist and section-playing roles within the ensembles.

The Muramatsu key mechanism and construction are familiar to the flutist, preventing hand and forearm discomfort that other brands might cause. The 14K Rose Gold flute offers greater flexibility in playing due to its "resistance," allowing for more color and dynamic contrast. This resistance enables the flutist to adapt to various musical situations required by the Air Force Band, making it a versatile tool for all musical tasks.

The Muramatsu Handmade Custom 14K Gold Flute is uniquely suited to meet the flutist's needs and the mission requirements, providing unmatched quality, comfort, and versatility.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Market research was conducted, and quotes were obtained from at least three vendors across the US. These quotes closely align in pricing with the quote from the vendor capable of fitting the subject matter expert (SME). The Flute Center of New York provided the best value for the reasons outlined in Section C.

The end user is a professional flute player with advanced degrees in their field, having played flutes from this manufacturer throughout career. The flutisy has playtested instruments from every major flute manufacturer, including Haynes, Brannen Brothers, Altus, Pearl, Powell, Yamaha, Trevor James, Miyazawa, Burkhart-Phelan, Williams, Nagahara, and Mancke.

Due to the handmade nature of professional flutes, small physical differences can result in significant performance variations. Therefore, it is essential to fit the musician with an instrument that maximizes the government’s investment.

RFQ 1698253 was submitted to all musical instrument vendors on GSA Ebuy, resulting in one quote being received.

The quote from the RFQ had the highest cost among all quotes received and provided a delivery estimate of 12-18 months. Such a delivery timeline does not meet the necessary mission requirements.

Furthermore, although GSA Advantage lists other models of Muramatsu flutes, they are lower-tier models that do not meet the technical requirements necessary for the USAF Regional Band mission. Contact was made with GSA vendors (WWBW, Music and Arts, and Guitar Center), but none could supply the required instrument.

Extensive physical and personal market research was conducted over a period of more than two weeks. The end user, a

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 3 professional flute player, played the selected flute alongside several others for many hours, testing each one directly against the others in various ensemble settings. Through this rigorous process, it was determined that this instrument is unequivocally the best choice for the specific needs of the Air Force Band.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

The ACC Band prioritizes the GSA schedule as the initial resource to assess vendor capabilities in meeting the requirements outlined by our unit commander. Musical instruments, tailored to each Air Force Band member's unique anatomy and playing styles, necessitate thorough market research. Securing the highest quality product ensures optimal value and long-term savings for the Air Force.

Obtaining a lower-grade instrument could impede flutists from performing at the required standards, necessitating multiple replacements over a 20-year period. Vendors must provide at least 10 variants of the requested model and headjoint to enable the SME to select the instrument that exceeds unit requirements and offers the highest value to the Air Force. Fittings are to occur at Bldg 368, Room 1 of the USAF Heritage of America Band facility at Langley AFB, during normal workdays (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Vendor visits to LAFB for fittings or flutist travel for fittings incur additional costs. Despite being a commercial item, the profession's demands and high performance standards dictate that flutists cannot simply select a flute off the shelf.

Each instrument must be personally tested to match the individual's physical characteristics.

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

11-Jun-2024

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Margaret A Young

Signature of Contracting Officer

April 2021 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards 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.

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