CUI//SP-PROCURE//FEDCON

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

U.S. ARMY MISSION AND INSTALLATION CONTRACTING COMMAND

FIELD DIRECTORATE OFFICE - FORT SAM HOUSTON

MICC - FORT KNOX

199 6TH AVENUE, SUITE 250

FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY 40121-5720

CCMI-CSH-KX 13 April 2026

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for an Acquisition Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) Garden State Fireworks Pyro Gerbs

1. BACKGROUND: This memorandum is prepared in accordance with Revolutionary FAR

Overhaul (RFO) FAR 12.102 Restricting Competition, in support of a sole-source acquisition as permitted under RFO FAR 12.102(a), as the Contracting Officer has determined that only one source is reasonably available to satisfy the agency’s requirements.

This document explains the absence of competition for this acquisition, as only one source, Garden State Fireworks, Inc., will be solicited for this requirement, which is not expected to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

2. DESCRIPTONS OF SUPPLY: 3,500 "Silver Droppy" Gerbs (Pyrotechnics) for nighttime demonstrations. The effect is a 6" x 0.9" rolled paper tube that emits hundreds of silver sparks for a duration of 28-32 seconds with an estimate value of . The requested delivery date is 25 April 2026.

The Gerbs are used during nighttime aerial jumps by the USAPT "Golden Knights" to provide clear visual cues for parachutists. This enables them to maintain formation and situational awareness, which is critical for preventing mid-air collisions and ensuring safe landings.

3. RATIONALE FOR SOLE-SOURCE PROCUREMENT:

a. Unique Capabilities, Safety, and Performance: The pyrotechnics manufactured by

Garden State Fireworks have demonstrated full compatibility with the parachutist supplemental uniform, a critical safety and cost-efficiency feature. Competing products evaluated previously have been shown to cause burn-through, which would necessitate the frequent replacement of expensive safety equipment and introduce unacceptable risk to personnel.

Controlled by: Army Controlled by: MICC – Ft Knox CUI Category: General Procurement and Acquisition Distribution/Dissemination Control: FED ONLY POC: Meagan S. Clavel, meagan.s.clavel.civ@army.mil

CCMI-CSH-KX

SUBJECT: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for an Acquisition Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) Garden State Fireworks Pyro Gerbs

b. Enhanced Visibility: The burn rate of the GERBs produced by the vendor provides a level of visibility during aerial nighttime jumps that is unmatched by any other product.

This allows for the formation of clearly identifiable configurations in the air, which directly contributes to the safety of parachutists by providing clear visual references.

c. Proven Reliability: The Government has exclusively used this vendor's pyrotechnics for the past eight years. This is a testament to the product's proven performance and reliability in a high-risk operational environment. No alternative vendor is acceptable, as competing products have failed to meet these critical performance requirements.

4. MARKET RESEARCH: Market research was conducted on 09 April 2026 to identify all qualified sources. The research included querying Government databases (FPDS- NG, GSA, UNICOR, AbilityOne, SBA), performing web-based searches (Google), and reviewing the System for Award Management (SAM).

The results of the market research confirm that only Garden State Fireworks, Inc. can meet the Government's unique and critical requirements. A search of the SBA database under the relevant NAICS code (325998) identified over 2,400 small businesses; however, a subsequent targeted search for vendors capable of providing "gerbs" yielded zero results. Required sources under FAR Part 8 (AbilityOne, FPI, GSA) were also screened and found to be unable to provide the required items.

Based on this research and a history of rigorous testing, Garden State Fireworks, Inc.

is the only source reasonably available to meet the Government's unique requirement.

5. DETERMINATION OF FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE: The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government of will be fair and reasonable. This determination will be based on a comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases and historical contract awards for the same item.

6. ACTIONS TO OVERCOME BARRIERS TO COMPETITION: The U.S. Army

Parachute Team and the U.S. Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade (MEB) will continue to monitor the market for new firms that may be capable of meeting the Government's requirements for future acquisitions.

Meagan S. Clavel Contracting Officer