Instruments Redacted BNJ.pdf
PDF 396 KB Posted
- Attached to
- S. E Shires French Horns
- Solicitation number
- N0018926QW340
About this file
Summary
This is a Justification for Brand Name Source document (PR 1301383832) for a simplified acquisition under the micropurchase threshold ($250K) submitted by NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk. The U.S. Navy is procuring four S.E. Shires Q20 F/Bb Double French Horns with a required delivery date of September 30, 2026. The sole source manufacturer is S.E. Shires Company, located at 260 Hopping Brook Road, Holliston, MA 01746, with the authorized dealer being Houghton Horns LLC in Keller, TX. The specified instruments must feature yellow brass bodies with Geyer-style wraps, clear lacquered finish, 12mm bore size, medium throat yellow brass bells with detachable screw-bell configuration, proprietary S.E. Shires high-tolerance mechanical rotary valves, and one lever-type water key on the leadpipe, along with a professional mouthpiece and custom-fit protective flight case.
The justification establishes that no substitutes are available and that competition is precluded based on multiple factors: unique structural integrity achieved through specialized hand-joined, heavy-duty solder-jointed leadpipe-to-bell construction; proprietary high-tolerance rotary valves engineered for precise mechanical action in austere deployable environments; specific acoustic projection requirements achieved through the Geyer-style wrap and medium-throat spun yellow brass bell configuration; compatibility with existing Navy Fleet Band standardized mechanical and ergonomic specifications; direct replacement of obsolete legacy instruments; and prior technical market research and hands-on testing by expert military musicians confirming the S.E. Shires Q20 as the only model meeting both acoustic performance standards and rugged mechanical requirements for forward-deployed naval operations. The contracting officer has determined that only one source is reasonably available in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitation - N0018926QW340.pdf | ||
| Instruments Combined Synopsis Solicitation.pdf |
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Text version
Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104
Valve System: S.E. Shires proprietary, high-tolerance mechanical rotary valves
Water Key: One Lever-type on leadpipe
Accessories: Included professional mouthpiece and custom-fit protective flight case
Required Delivery Date: September 30, 2026.
The requested brand-name supplies represent the minimum technical requirements of the government.
Specific characteristics of the material that limit the availability to a brand name mandatory requirement (unique features, function of the item, etc.) Describe in detail why only this brand(s) can fulfill this requirement.
Navy Fleet Bands perform in highly diverse and unpredictable geographic environments, ranging from high-humidity maritime decks to arid, high-temperature outdoor ceremonies, as well as acoustic concert halls. These extreme conditions demand physical durability and mechanical tolerances that standard commercial-grade instruments cannot provide. Technical market research and physical testing have identified key physical characteristics of the S.E. Shires Q20 that are required for these missions:
Reinforced Structural Integrity: Unlike standard commercial models that utilize press-fit or soft-soldered brackets, the Q20 features a specialized hand-joined, heavy-duty solder-jointed leadpipe-to-bell construction.
This specific mechanical assembly provides the structural resilience required to withstand the physical shocks of frequent military transport and sudden thermal expansion/contraction during outdoor ceremonies without joint failure.
Proprietary High-Tolerance Rotary Valves: The Q20 is uniquely engineered with S.E. Shires' custom-machined mechanical rotary valves. These rotors are balanced and fitted to tighter tolerances than standard mass-produced instruments. This precision provides the fast, precise mechanical action necessary for professional military performances and, crucially, minimizes mechanical binding/sticking caused by dust, humidity, or rapid temperature shifts common in austere deployable environments.
Acoustic Projection & Wrap Geometry: The combination of a Geyer-style wrap and a medium-throat, spun yellow brass bell is required to achieve the necessary acoustic projection in open-air, un-amplified military formations while maintaining tonal core. Testing of alternative wraps demonstrated a failure to project adequately over military percussion and brass sections in outdoor environments.
Check all applicable blanks below.
The supplies or services must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit and function) with existing systems presently installed/performing. Describe the equipment/function you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system.
The Navy Fleet Bands operate as standardized, highly cohesive musical units. French horn sections must maintain absolute uniformity in mechanical response, resistance profiles, and acoustic intonation to perform as a single, synchronized unit.
Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104
I HEREBY DETERMINE THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CONTRACT ACTION DEEM ONLY
ONE SOURCE REASONABLY AVAILABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).
Contracting Officer Signature Date
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk Contracting Department
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .