FA9101-25-R-B009 - justification_and_approval_document(JA)-Huber Signed-1_Redacted-Final.pdf

This document is a Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition for a Switchgear Replacement Effort by the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) at Arnold Air Force Base. The acquisition is a sole-source procurement from Siemens Industry, Inc. for an iso-phase gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) system, with a five-year ordering period. The government requires a highly specialized switchgear with unique technical capabilities, including single phase-to-ground fault protection, resistance grounding limited to 400A, operation in aggressive ambient conditions, vacuum circuit breaker with 10,000 maintenance-free operating cycles, and real-time visible disconnect features.

Market research conclusively determined that only Siemens can meet all the government's stringent technical requirements, including eliminating phase-to-phase faults, arc flash risks, and providing a comprehensive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) warranty. The procurement involves a Siemens Factory Certified Assembly Supervisor who must be present during installation. Sources sought notices were posted on SAM.gov under two NAICS codes (238210 and 335311), with responses received from multiple vendors, but none could fully satisfy the government's technical specifications. The contracting activity is AFMC/AFTC/PZIA at Arnold, with the purchase request number FA9101-25-R-B009, and the program type is categorized as Enterprise.