JA_NaAc_Redacted.pdf

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

I. Contracting Activity.

Department of the Air Force, 673d Contracting Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), AK 99506.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

A firm-fixed price contract award is anticipated for Cryotech brand NaAc sodium acetate deicer. Purchase Request F1W3FA5065A001 is certified using FY15 Air Force Operations and Maintenance funding (3400).

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

Description of Requirement: 773 CES requires 133 tons of Cryotech brand sodium acetate (NaAc) solid deicer for the runways and taxiways at JBER, AK. 773 CES is charged with keeping the runways and taxiways clear of snow and ice throughout the winter. They are required to use deicing products that are approved for use on Air Force aircraft. Per AFI 32-1002, sodium acetate is approved for use for deicing of runways and taxiways. It conforms to the requirements mandated for safe use during winter conditions. Sodium Acetate specifications are below:

• Able to melt ice at temperatures as low as -12.2ºC (10ºF)

• Must be approved for use by the F-22 Primary Aircraft Authorization (see para 5)

• Must be certified to meet the requirements set by SAE AMS 1431

• pH range: 8-10.5 in a 15% solution

• Size: Super Sacks 1,000kg

IV. Statutory authority permitting Other than Full and Open Competition.

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 and FAR 13.501(a)(1) Note: Part 6 references in this document are used as guidance IAW FAR 6.001(a).

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

Airframe Approval.

AFI 32-1002 para 2.4.5. states, “Before using any airfield anti-icing/deicing products, the installation will obtain approval for their primary aircraft authorization (PAA) from the appropriate PM(s), coordinated through AFCEC/ COO.” Therefore, any deicers must be approved for use on aircraft by the PAA. Dan Steffens, the PAA for the F-22 aircraft, and Mr. Matt Behm, Materials Engineer Staff of Lockheed Martin F-22 Materials and Processes Engineering (M&PE) department, compiled a list of approved F-22 deicing fluids. The only AMS 1431 sodium acetate deicer approved for use on the F-22 is Cryotech NaAc sodium acetate.

JBER uses and maintains the F-22 aircraft. Since the PAA has only approved Cryotech NaAc sodium acetate for use on the F-22, Cryotech NaAc is the only sodiumium acetate deicer that will fulfill JBER's need.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

FAR 6.302-2(c)(2) requires that agencies shall request offers from as many potential sources as is practicable under the circumstances. Although this acquisition will be completed using FAR Subpart 13.5 as a brand name only acquisition, FAR Part 6 will be used as guidance.

. FBO.gov will be used in order to maximize potential competition. Any Cryotech NaAc distributor who accesses FBO.gov will be able to quote on the solicitation. Since Cryotech has multiple distributors, it may be possible to receive multiple quotes on FBO.gov. Although all previous acquisitions have failed to produce multiple quotes, Univar has stated that they are interested in providing a quote. Cryotech NaAc is the only AMS 1431 sodium acetate runway deicer tested and approved for use on the F-22 airframe. The use of any other sodium acetate product requires testing and approval. This indicates this requirement should remain a brand name only requirement.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The government will use various price analysis techniques and procedures (FAR 15.404-1(b)) including comparison to GSA pricing, DLA pricing, comparison to similar products (other manufacturer's deicers), and previous purchase prices. This product has been purchased consistently over the last 20 years. Historical data along with supply schedules will allow for adequate price fair and reasonable determination. Negotiation may be employed as required to further ensure the price is fair and reasonable..

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

The commercial market was surveyed for commercial standards, practices and procedures. Market research was performed by Contract Specialist 1st Lt Luke Gillis of 673 CONS/LGCC by examining the mandatory sources of supply and prior contracts that were awarded.

Furthermore, extensive market research was conducted on a similar acquisition for potassium acetate (liquid deicer) which led to the discovery that the only AMS 1435 approved liquid deicer is Cryotech E-36 and the only approved AMS 1431 solid deicer is Cryotech NaAc. All market research conducted indicates that this acquisition is a brand name only requirement.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

None.

X. List of sources, if any, that expressed interest in the acquisition.

The following sources expressed interest in this acquisition:

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.

Any vendor interested in having their products tested for F-22 airframe deicing approval can contact the PAA, Dan Steffens at daniel.steffens.1.ctr@us.af.mil.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my (our) signature(s) above, I (we) certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my (our) responsibility, is both accurate and complete.