FAR 13.1 Brand Name Justification.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

86TH AIRLIFT WING (USAFE)

30 May 2023

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

FROM: 700 CONS

SUBJECT: Use of Brand Name below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), ATCALS

Findings

1. FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) states for purchases not exceeding the SAT, Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization). As required by FAR 13.106-3(b)(3)(i), this memorandum documents the absence of competition.

2. Ramstein Air Base, Germany has a requirement for fiber optic transport equipment. Due to the repeated interruptions to Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, a standardized solution that can support all equipment in the Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems (ATCALS) program portfolio has been implemented by the Air Force Flight Standards Agency, Headquarters (see Attachment 1). Upon fielding these units at several bases, the TC8000 (specifically the TC8800, TC8801, TC8802, and TC8805 cards) series fiber optic transport and TC3800 series Jumbo Switch equipment manufactured by TC Communications have proven to provide the required solution. They meet all requirements for interconnectivity over fiber optics and posture our systems for migration to the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN). In order to further standardize ATC operations and preclude interruptions, TC Communication equipment will be requested under a brand-name restriction.

Determination

In view of the foregoing, the undersigned determines that this acquisition contains only one brand reasonably available IAW FAR 13.106(b)(1)(i).

CHRISTIAN E. LEYVA MERAZ

Contracting Officer

Attachments:

1. AFFSA Memorandum

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE FLIGHT STANDARDS AGENCY

02 March 2023

MEMORANDUM FOR 86TH OSS/OSAM

FROM: HQ AFFSA/AFETS

5316 Douglas Blvd Bldg 8400 Rm 232 Oklahoma City OK 73150

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification – Purchase of TC8000 series fiber optic transport and TC3800 series JumboSwitch equipment manufactured by TC Communications

1. Currently Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems (ATCALS) is utilizing degraded copper connectivity and/or using legacy fiber optic transport equipment, commonly known as “channel banks” within our community. This transport equipment consistently fails, is well beyond its life cycle and is no longer logistically supported. Due to the repeated interruptions to Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, a standardized solution that can support all equipment in the ATCALS program portfolio is required.

2. Upon fielding these units at several bases already, the TC8000 (specifically the TC8800, TC8801, TC8802, and TC8805 cards) series fiber optic transport and TC3800 series JumboSwitch equipment manufactured by TC Communications have proven to provide the required solution. It meets all requirements for interconnectivity over fiber optics and postures our systems for migration to the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN).

3. TC Communications is the sole manufacturer of this equipment, however they are not the sole distributor. Any reseller or distributor can only buy the equipment through TC Communications.

Approved Distributors:

a. TC Communications: George Spencer georges@tccomm.com 949-593-0447

b. ACG Systems: Jake Dick jaked@acgsys.com 410-507-9181

c. Noble Supply: Victor Harris vharris@noble.com 256-343-3747 or Brian Kuhar bkuhar@noble.com 843-607-7706

d. R&H Electric: Vince Burt vinceburt.rh@gmail.com 334-655-1060

e. Sterling Computers: Don Strifler don.strifler@sterlingcomputers.com 757-788-1784

f. Logistics 365 Inc.: Jason Strand Jason@logistics365.com 402-347-1020

4. Please direct any questions to Mr. David Jones at david.jones.270@us.af.mil DSN 884-8953 or Comm

(405) 734-8953.

DAVID L. JONES, GS-12, DAF

Lead, AF Engineering & Tech Services Air Force Flight Standards Agency mailto:georges@tccomm.com mailto:jaked@acgsys.com mailto:vharris@noble.com mailto:bkuhar@noble.com mailto:vinceburt.rh@gmail.com mailto:don.strifler@sterlingcomputers.com mailto:Jason@logistics365.com mailto:david.jones.270@us.af.mil

02 March 2023

2023-03-02T09:59:08-0600

JONES.DAVID.LEE.1283147327