Attachment 4 - FA521525Q0034 - JA Brand name or Equal (Redacted).pdf

This is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification document for a firm-fixed-price procurement of extreme cold weather (ECW) apparel and accessories for Joint Task Force-Support Force Antarctica (JTF-SFA) personnel. The specific items being acquired include 450 pairs of Baffin Snow Monster Boots, 450 Carhartt Yukon Extremes Insulated Active Jackets (Style #104458), and 450 Carhartt Yukon Extremes Loose Fit Insulated Biberalls (Style #104461). This is a re-solicitation of a previous requirement that did not result in a successful procurement due to a lack of technically acceptable offers and concerns about the risk associated with untested products in the extreme Antarctic environment.

The justification document details the critical need for high-performance ECW gear that can withstand temperatures as low as -22°F to -49°F, with wind speeds up to +30mph. Market research was conducted using sources like UNICOR/PFI, AbilityOne/AIB, and GSA Global Supply, but many vendors' products were found to be unsuitable. The contracting office will use simplified acquisition procedures with a brand name or equal justification, citing 10 U.S.C. 3572 as the statutory authority. The procurement is for the Antarctic Armor program, with a funding level between >$SAT and ≤$750K, managed by Contracting Activity 766 ESS/PKI.