Praxair single_source_just_Redacted.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document for a federal contract opportunity issued by the 309 Maintenance Support Squadron (MXSS) under contracting activity OL:H/PZIMB. The project involves a one-year follow-on maintenance contract for continued inspection, service, repair, calibration, and certification of Praxair (HVOF) Thermal Spray Equipment. The estimated contract cost is redacted in the document. The contracting officer, Hideo Mera, signed the justification on March 9, 2026, determining that only a single source is reasonably available under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

The justification supports awarding to a single source based on the sophisticated and proprietary nature of HVOF equipment, which is used to apply High Velocity Oxygen Fuel coating as a replacement for traditional chrome plating on numerous weapon system components including C-5, C-17, C-130, B-1B, B-2, B-52, KC-135, A-10, T-38, E-2, E-3, F-4, F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35, MH-53, and MG-60. The incumbent contractor has provided this specialized service for over 10 years, and Linde AMT, the original equipment manufacturer, confirmed in a September 3, 2025 letter that they are the sole source for service on LAMT equipment. Initial market research was conducted through small business engagement and internet searches, yielding no alternative sources. The Government committed to continue searching the commercial market for additional distributors and vendors to preclude future single-source awards.