Brand Name Justification - Redacted.pdf

Section A: General Contract Information

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

Contracting Activity: AFMC AFSC OL:H/PZIMA

Project/Program Name: Prototype 3D Printer in support of the Ogden Air Logistics (OO-ALC) Innovation Center

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F2DCAU9312A002 / Alexsys 7680

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The purchase of two (2) prototype 3D printers in support of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex (OO-ALC) Innovation Center that have the following specifications and meet the following capabilities:

• Minimum printer accuracy ±.002mm/mm

• Print ABS-M30, TPU, ASA, and PC-ABS and associated support materials

• Dual head extruders and heated build plate

• Heated chamber

• Print volume minimum 14 X 10 X 14 inches

• Have minimum of 2 bays for model material

• Operate with current build/slice software Insight

• Include 4 spools each of ABS-M30, TPU, ASA, PC-ABS and required support material

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

The software allowed onto the Department of Defense (DoD) network must be vetted and approved. Currently the only software that is approved to be on the DoD's network for fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing is Insight. It is estimated that for new software capable of FDM printing to be approved and added to the DoD network would take a year and a half. This amount of time would cause an unacceptable delay in fulfilling the OO-ALC Innovation Center's requirement.

As Insight is the only FDM printing software available for use on the DoD network, all files that the OO-ALC Innovation Center have created for prototype 3D printing are compatible only with the Insight software. There is no known method or known software capable of converting the file format of the existing files to a format that is compatible with other software types. It is estimated that it would cost to re-create all of the existing files in a format compatible with a different FDM printing software. This would be a substantial duplication of cost not expected to be recovered through competition.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Prototype 3D printers with the above referenced capabilities are available in the commercial marketplace. As market research has identified various companies capable of providing these printers, competition for this acquisition is expected.

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

Market research will periodically be performed to identify if new software becomes available or is developed that has the capability of converting file formats created from Insight software. Additionally, the FDM printing software approved for use on the DoD network will be periodically reviewed to determine if FDM software other than Insight software receives approval for use.

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 Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Bradley Tobler GS 1102-12

Signature of Contracting Officer