Sole Source Justification.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document prepared by the 355th Contracting Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona for the procurement of RA-1 Parachute Reserve Ripcord Pocket Pillows and Ripcord Handles. The 68th Rescue Squadron (68 RQS) is requesting 50 units each of two specific part numbers: Reserve Ripcord Pocket Pillows (P/N: 11-1-10190-1) and Reserve Ripcord Pocket Pillows (P/N: 11-1-10192-1) to equip their RA-1 Free Fall inventory for training operations.

The justification centers on the critical need to update the RA-1 Free Fall parachute system's reserve handles in accordance with Technical Compliance Technical Order (TCTO) requirements to ensure operational safety and effectiveness. The document explains that without these updated ripcord handles, the 68th RQS cannot support full class rosters for Combat Team Member Course (CTMC) and Combat Leader Course (CLC), which would significantly reduce the number of trained pararescuemen. Market research identified that Airborne Systems is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of RA-1 reserve components, making this a sole-source procurement. The contracting officer has determined under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) that only a single source is reasonably available, and efforts are underway to develop a technical data package to seek alternate sources for future procurements.