JA - Single Source - Deployment ropes.pdf

SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

DETERMINATION & FINDINGS

Authority to Solicit from a Single Source (at or below the SAT)

1. Agency and Contracting Activity: 355 Cons/ Deployment Ropes

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action: Single Source Justification

The 48 RQS is requesting the purchase of 110 Adaptive Rope Kits complete with Advanced Rope Climbing Technology (ARTAC) Rope. This rope is typically made of polyester and is specifically designed to work flawlessly with mechanical devices and is water resistant.

3. Citation to the Appropriate Regulation:

(Contracting Officer Instruction: Select the applicable authority for this acquisition)

RFO 8.401 and GSAR 538.7104-3(a) (FSS Orders): The circumstances of the acquisition deem only one source reasonably capable of providing the products, services, or solutions.

RFO 11.204(a)(2)(ii) (Brand Name): The particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government's requirements, and market research indicates other companies' similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet the agency's needs or cannot be modified to meet the agency's minimum needs,.

RFO 12.102(a) (Commercial Products and Services): Only one source is available,.

RFO 13.101(b) (Noncommercial Products and Services): Only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name, or industrial mobilization),.

4. Findings:

The 48th Rescue Squadron (48 RQS) requires the sole source procurement of the ARTAC (Adaptive Rescue Tactical Advanced Cordage) System directly from Arc Edge Solutions LLC. This acquisition is critical to the 48th RQS operators with an ultra-lightweight, highly versatile vertical mobility kit tailored for combat search and rescue (CSAR) and technical extractions in austere environments. The ARTAC system uniquely shifts heavy, team-level rescue gear into a highly compact package that fits seamlessly onto an individual operator’s first-line loadout, enabling rapid deployment into confined spaces and vertical terrain without relying on bulky external support equipment.

The mission-essential capabilities of the ARTAC system are rooted in Arc Edge Solutions LLC’s proprietary material science and manufacturing technology. Unlike standard commercial ropes, the ARTAC cordage utilizes a proprietary, high-density polyester sheath weave combined with advanced core-to-sheath stabilization technology. This proprietary construction prevents "sheath slippage" or "milking"—a critical failure point where the outer layer of a rope bunches up when subjected to the extreme friction of tactical mechanical devices like micro-ascenders and pulleys. Furthermore, the polyester yarns undergo a specialized, proprietary hydrophobic treatment at the manufacturing level.

This goes beyond the natural water resistance of polyester, ensuring the core remains completely protected from water absorption, chemical contamination, and freezing temperatures during maritime or severe weather extractions.

Arc Edge Solutions LLC is the sole developer, manufacturer, and intellectual property holder of the ARTAC system, and no other commercial off-the-shelf equivalent possesses these proprietary material thresholds. The precision integration of this exact cordage with the squadron's micro-hardware is

SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

paramount. If this procurement is not approved, 48 RQS personnel will be forced to rely on standard rescue ropes lacking this proprietary core stabilization and advanced hydrophobic treating. Utilizing alternative, non-proprietary cordage introduces catastrophic safety risks—including device jamming, uncontrolled descents, or mechanical failure under active life-safety loads—directly threatening the lives of both the rescue teams and the isolated personnel they are tasked to recover.

5. Determination: Based on the findings above, the proposed sole source or brand name action is justified under the applicable regulation.

6. Signatory Authority: (Contracting Officer Instruction: In accordance with DAF Approval Authorities Matrix PM 26-C-11 Matrix Item 51 for RFO 13.101(b) actions and GSAR 538.7104-3(a) for FSS orders, the Contracting Officer is the approval authority for these determinations).

Joshua E. Rodriguez, SSgt, USAF Contracting Officer

Aug 21, 2026 https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/KnowledgeCenter/templates_admin/aqc-front.jpg https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/KnowledgeCenter/templates_admin/aqc-back.jpg

DETERMINATION & FINDINGS

Authority to Solicit from a Single Source (at or below the SAT)

3. Citation to the Appropriate Regulation:

(Contracting Officer Instruction: Select the applicable authority for this acquisition) 2024.07.10.1.

4. Findings:

5. Determination: Based on the findings above, the proposed sole source or brand name action is justified under the applicable regulation.

6. Signatory Authority: (Contracting Officer Instruction: In accordance with DAF Approval Authorities Matrix PM 26-C-11 Matrix Item 51 for RFO 13.101(b) actions and GSAR 538.7104-3(a) for FSS orders, the Contracting Officer is the approval authority for these determinations).