Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This is a Justification and Approval document (J&A No. N10426Q7101) for a sole source procurement by the Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command (MSC) in Norfolk. The action approves a purchase order award on a sole source basis to GEA Mechanical, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), for complete lube oil purifier oily water separator bowl sets for the USNS ROBERT E. PEARY (T-AKE 5).

The procurement includes provision of complete bowl sets to ensure spare parts availability for necessary repair periods during fiscal year 2026. GEA Mechanical is identified as the only vendor with access to required drawings, manuals, and technical knowledge to supply conforming parts. The justification establishes that OEM parts are required because they are the sole source capable of producing parts meeting MSC's technical requirements for the vessel's critical oil-water purification system. The document emphasizes that this equipment is categorized as critical equipment affecting the vessel's operational status, damage control, firefighting capability, and safety systems. MSC has directed use of OEM parts per fleet directives, and GEA maintains access to proprietary software and technical data necessary for proper repair and maintenance. The statutory authority cited is 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) for brand name requirement. MSC indicates no current plans to permit non-OEM suppliers in future contracts but will assess competition feasibility if alternative sources emerge.