JA - 07-06-2020_Redacted.pdf

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Justification and Approval For Other Than Full and Open Competition

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1)

Version 2.0 March 2018

(f) Year of Funding FY20

(g) Solicitation Number 20120225

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

CBP, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) needs to purchase additional flight helmets for newly hired pilots and the replacement of damaged or non-functioning helmets. AM inventory is critically low and currently AMO is not able to provide helmets to all incoming aircrew members. A full market research package was completed in 2015 and it was determined that the GENTEX HGU56P/Improved, flight helmet was the most suitable and safest rotor wing helmet we could purchase. Gibson and Barnes, Premier Outfitters, is the sole licensed distributor of GENTEX helmets in the North America. We initially purchased 900 HGU-56/P helmets from Gibson and Barnes in 2015, and that has been the company we have used for repair and reconfiguration of our current helmets. The procurement would consist of: Quantity of up to 400 - HGU-56P, Improved, flight helmets estimated at including shipping for the base year and four option years.

4. Identification of Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open

Competition.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C.

3304(a)(1) implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1

A

5. Demonstration That the Nature of the Acquisition Requires Use of the Authority Cited.

Gibson and Barnes is the sole distributor of Gentex helmets in North America. The Gentex HGU-56/P is the only helmet that meets or exceeds all of the safety requirements of the government.

In 2015, AMO did extensive research and market study to determine the next generation rotor wing, flight helmet. The Gentex helmet far exceeded other helmets in the comparison in safety and functionality. The Gentex HGU-56/P is the only helmet specifically designed for helicopters, and the only helmet available that has successfully passed ALL of the US Army Aeromedical Research Lab (USAARL) testing. On average, helicopter crashes result in approximately 12 impacts to the helmet (30% of these are side impacts). Through extensive testing, the statistical data demonstrates that the following impact characteristics in terms of maximum G transmission to the brain that occur during an impact sequence:

HGU-56/P transmits a maximum G of 175 G. Competing helmets transmitted 350 G and 400 G. The numbers from that test translate to the Gentex HGU-56/P wearer as no head injury (175 G). Others tested received potential brain damage (350 G) and possible death (400 G). AMO initially purchased 900 of the Gentex HGU56/P helmets and has exclusively used that helmet as the only accepted flight helmet in the inventory.

Each year, AMO continues to engage the helicopter helmet industry by attending associated industry trade shows, communicating with vendors, and researching available options to assess potential alternatives. Given no other firm has brought forward a helmet that meets our safety and functional requirements, the Gentex helmet remains the only authorized helmet for wear by AMO operators. As the original equipment manufacturer and sole distributer of Gentex Helmets, Gibson and Barnes is uniquely qualified to meet this requirement.

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

A notice of intent to sole source award for the helmets will be posted to beta.sam to notify industry.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable.

The contracting officer has determined that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on historical pricing information for similar helmets. The previously purchased helmets were competed through a small business set aside and the prices were determined fair and reasonable through competition. The historical pricing will be utilized when comparing the quote for this purchase.

8. Description of Market Research.

Market Research was conducted in 2015, when the initial helmet search was concluded and the GENTEX HGU 56/P helmet was selected as the most suitable helmet. In assessing the current helmet manufactures for helicopter aviation, the GENTEX HGU56/P Improved, is currently the industry standard. The DOD is currently utilizing the GENTEX HGU 56/P helmet for helicopter operations. Air and Marine Operations is in regular contact with the industry to maintain relevancy and stay abreast of evolving technology. Our continued contact with the helmet industry has provided no indication that there is another product that safety needs.

The market research conducted in 2015 included consulting with AMO and Industry Safety experts, helmet manufacturers, Aviation Life Support Specialists and helmet distributors.

There was also an extensive wear testing done prior to the initial selection of the Gentex helmet.

In addition to the market research that has been done there will be a posting to beta.sam of this requirement and the intent to sole source. The beta.sam posting of this requirement will provide an opportunity for vendors to respond.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other Than Full and Open Competition. The knowledge the vendor has in providing the material and support to our operations supports the requirement to stay with the existing vendor, Gibson and Barnes, for the GENTEX helmet. This vendor is familiar with our requirements and has provided exceptional service in the past. The use of identical safety/protective equipment is vital in the aviation industry, like equipment maintains common maintenance practices, troubleshooting techniques and training. Using a single brand/style also helps when looking to purchase ancillary items, such as Night Vision Goggles, NVG mounts and protective face shields. The helmet is compatible with Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircraft and the helmet that is currently provided to the pilots.

This ensures that the pilots receive the same equipment and there is no impact to situational awareness or need to retrain the pilots with respect to a new helmet system.

10. A Listing of the Sources, if Any That Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the

Acquisition.

No vendors have expressed interest at this time. The posting to beta.sam will be completed once this Sole Source Justification is fully approved.

11. A Statement of the Actions, if Any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome Any Barriers to Competition Before Any Subsequent Acquisition for Supplies or Services Required.

Air and Marine Operations will continue to monitor products in industry to evaluate them as they become available. Market research for flight equipment is an ongoing effort to stay up to date with the latest equipment available. This is completed by AMO pilots and support personnel at various times throughout the year. AMO Headquarters staff is regularly in talks with the industry to identify and test the safest and most advanced equipment on the market.

12. Posting Requirement. CBP will post this requirement on beta.sam pursuant to FAR

6.305.