Final H6WP25 TAYLOR HOBSON ROTOR STACK ATHT 1520 Comp Ad signed SSJ 011426.(1)pdf_Redacted.pdf

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

I. Contracting Activity.

Air Force Material Command

AFSC/PZIMC

3001 Staff Drive 2S75 Tinker AFB, OK 73145

PR# TBD

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

This Sole Source Justification authorizes the use of other-than-full-and-open competition procedures to award a new commercial Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) supply contract. The proposed contract is for the procurement of an Ametek/Taylor Hobson Talyrond 1520 machine, which will support operations related to the F100-220 engine that is used in the F-15 fighter aircraft. The Talyrond 1520 is an automated precision measurement system specifically designed for rotor stacking, measurement, and alignment during the module build-up process. The associated Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is 64790 for Ametek/Taylor Hobson (large business).

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

The 76 Propulsion Maintenance Ground (76 PMXG) requires the purchase of an Ametek/Taylor Hobson Talyrond 1520 GEP PRO (Talyrond 1520) for rotor stacking and measurement analysis during the F100-220 high-pressure compressor build-up used on F-15 fighter aircraft. This Talyrond 1520 must include all appropriate mounting and measuring accessories, along with the latest compatible software. Prior to delivery 76 Propulsion Maintenance Group (76 PMXG) Process Engineering to perform pre-delivery (pre-shipping) inspection at OEM's facility. Inspection of the following is to be conducted : machine base condition and functionality, support equipment functionality and adaptability, test/prooving item with 5 tests with repeatable results (setting up machine, calibration, measurement and results), general explanation of software.

Following installation, on-site training for up to three personnel will be provided. The estimated shipping and delivery timeframe is 16-20 weeks, and the training will consist of three days of 8-hour sessions.

This effort will be solicited as a Sole Source, Firm Fixed Price requirement and will result in a single purchase of the Talyrond 1520 PRO GEP Rotor Stack Measurement and Analysis Machine. This will be funded by Working Capital (4930) funds.

The Government estimates the total cost to procure the Talyrond 1520 with installation and training is the following:

CLIN Description

Talyrond 1520 PRO GEP Rotor Stack Measurement and Analysis Machine- $1,112,380

PowerVar 1100 with Power Condition System-$2,800

TOTAL AMOUNT: $1,115,180

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Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

The current rotor stacker measurement machine being used for the F100 engine is the Precitech AeroSpect SPS 1000 (AeroSpect 1000). The current inspection procedure for the F100 High Pressure Compressor involves skilled mechanics leveraging the AeroSpect 1000 to precise level and center components. This process is being reviewed for potential efficiency improvements since the time to complete one module can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours per disk, depending on the mechanic's expertise. In contrast, the Talyrond 1520 utilizes a pneumatically controlled base for automatic alignment, centering, and measurement, completing the process in approximately 10 minutes per disk. This significant time reduction, coupled with improved accuracy in stack analysis and prediction using TALYstack 4.0, allows mechanics to focus on other tasks within the high-pressure compressor module assembly. The automated features, including the 770lb capacity table, automatic centering and leveling spindle, and motorized arms/column positioning axis, eliminate manual adjustments and reduce the potential for human error. Furthermore, the inclusion of a calibration sphere enables team to perform calibration procedures, minimizing reliance on the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for on-site service. The Talyrond 1520's ability to measure rotor component geometries, determine optimal assembly orientation, and facilitate automated component stacking directly on the machine addresses a current process gap and enhances efficiency. By predicting the rotor stack and orientations during the assembly process, the Talyrond 1520 reduces the need for extensive balancing procedures, saving time and resources.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

DAFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

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

The 76 PMXG requires a specialized automated rotor stack measurement machine to modernize and enhance the Air Logistics Complex's turbine engine assembly capabilities, . The current machine being utilized for the rotor stack process is the AeroSpect SPS 1000, which is based on the original technology dating back to the 1980s development of the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engine. This legacy machine facilitates assembly with rotor-stator tolerance ranges between 0.002 and 0.005 inches. However, the obsolescence of the AeroSpect SPS1000, . To support engine overhaul and repair workload from international military partners at Tinker Air Force Base, modernization of the HPC assembly process . This necessitates the procurement of the Ametek Taylor Hobson Talyrond 1520 PRO GEP (NAICS Code: 334513). In addition, implementing contemporary automated rotor stack assembly would enable reduced processing time and cost, improved quality control, , and ultimately, significant cost savings. Furthermore, after conducting Market Research, Ametek Taylor Hobson is the only known responsible source capable of meeting the Government's stringent technical and operational requirements.

The Talyrond 1520 employs a proprietary, automated measuring system that delivers repeatable and reliable results, for the rotor and blade stacking process of the F100-220 engine. Its unique, robust, and stable design supports the weight of F100 rotors while maintaining measurement accuracy and automation. The system integrates advanced algorithms that provide predictive stacking guidance, assisting mechanics with precise rotor alignment. This ensures consistent orientation, flatness, and run-out -essential parameters for automated rotor assembly, where build stands must adhere to strict tolerances of

0.002 to 0.005 inches.

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Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

The Talyrond 1520 measures rotor component geometries in real time and provides assembly personnel with immediate feedback on orientation and seating. This reduces build time, improves accuracy, minimizes potential errors during balancing, and functions as a high-precision build stand, ensuring that all subsequent measurements reflect the “as-built” condition of the rotor stack.

Previous implementation of two Talyrond 1520 systems on the F135 Partnership Production Line at Tinker AFB, in collaboration with the F135 Joint Program Office and Pratt & Whitney, demonstrated a 33% reduction in rotor stacking time, resulting in an estimated cost savings of $100,236 per module. (Economic Analysis document in file element 143). The use of the Talyrond will enable a completion time of 32 man-hours per High Pressure Compressor (HPC), a 33% reduction compared to current methods.

Market research conducted by 76 PMXG could not identify a system that offers equivalent functionality or precision for this specific automated rotor stacking process. Awarding this requirement to another vendor would likely incur excessive costs to develop comparable capabilities

. While Precitech previously offered related technology (Aerospect SPS1000), it was acquired by Ametek Taylor Hobson, solidifying their position as the sole provider of this capability. Ametek/Taylor Hobson's TALYstack 4.0 and Windows 11 (or upgradeable from Windows 10 to Windows 11) software is also required for the use and proper operation of the Precitech Aerospect SPS1000 machine. Moreover, the Precitech Aerospect SPS1000 machine is not an all-in-one package compared to the Talyrond 1520, where all its components and software are handled by Ametek/Taylor Hobson.

Existing Talyrond 1520 units within the F135 area are designated as OC-numbered assets, enabling local personnel to perform all calibration and maintenance procedures. This eliminates the need for costly external service contracts for routine maintenance and calibration.

Currently, no other machines in the measurement device market offer this level of automation. This degree of automation is where the Taylor Hobson 1520 is the only machinery available that is able to fulfill the requirements stated.

Given the technical complexity, performance requirements, and the need for seamless integration with existing systems, a sole source procurement to Ametek Taylor Hobson is justified and in the best interest of the Government as it is the only machine in the market that currently meets all of the Government's requirements.

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

This procurement is planned as a sole source acquisition from a small business due to the unique capabilities of the Taylor Hobson Talyrond 1520. Market research indicates that no other currently available technology meets the specific requirements outlined below. The Taylor Hobson Talyrond 1520 is the only known system capable of performing these inspections at a fully autonomous level.

Taylor Hobson is the sole manufacturer of Talyrond 1520. Ametek is Taylor Hobson's parent company.

Direct equivalency to the Talyrond 1520 does not exist. This information was confirmed via email correspondence with Ametek/Taylor Hobson.

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Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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

The Contracting Officer will ensure the effort described herein is negotiated at a fair and reasonable price. A detailed price analysis will be performed IAW FAR 13.106-3(a)(2).

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

Market Research Review - The F135 area currently houses an Ametek/Taylor Hobson machine, acquired from an external source. A positive working relationship exists between OC-ALC and Ametek/Taylor Hobson, which can be leveraged to strengthen collaboration and facilitate future procurements.

Internet Searches - Market research, utilizing internet search engines to identify comparable machinery, revealed that the level of automation provided by Taylor Hobson is unmatched. While the Precitech Aerospect SPS1000 represents the closest in-house alternative, offering measurement capabilities and utilizing TALYstack 3.0, it lacks the automation features specified in Section III and Section V of this document. The Talyrond 1520 is the only identified system that fully meets the automation requirements.

Vendor Outreach - To validate the availability of suitable vendors, Request for Information (RFI) FRI1778974 was posted on GSA eBuy on 26 August 2025 by Contract Specialist Ysabel Mireles. As of 29 August 2025, no vendor offers have the ability to meet or exceed the stated requirements, further suggesting that Ametek/Taylor Hobson is the sole source capable of fulfilling this need. Furthermore, legal counsel advised the contracting office to consult with Axiam Inc., a corporation specializing in software design for tooling and assembly related to industrial turbine engines. PMXG Process Engineering spoke with Axiam's owner Rob Parsons (Dec 4, 2025), who confirmed Axiam does not offer a fully automated system.

While Tinker Air Force Base utilizes several Axiam machines for rotor dimensional inspections, Axiam does not provide an automated solution for rotor stacking and dimensional inspection checks. Ametek/Taylor Hobson Talyrond 1520 offers a comprehensive package encompassing rotor dimensional inspections, rotor stacking capabilities, and weight support. Additionally, the Talyrond 1520 provides fully automated dimensional inspection features, including rotor prediction and clocking location assistance, which facilitates the optimization of F100-220 compressors to reduce vibrations prior to the horizontal balancing procedure.

Other - Confirmation was obtained from Ametek (Bill Gretchell) by PMXG/MXDEAA (Christian Santizo) that Ametek is the sole manufacturer of the Talyrond 1520 machine. The confirmation stated that there are no direct equivalent machines to the 1520 offered by Taylor Hobson / AMETEK. This verification is detailed in file element 143 titled Rotor Stack Measurement and Analysis Machine.

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

None

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