Sole source justification_Instron_Signed_Redacted.pdf

This is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification document for a firm-fixed price purchase order involving a sole source need by the Air Force. The procurement is for an Instron 1500HDX Servohydraulic Test System and Universal Test System (including Bluehill software) to be used by cadets in DFCE engineering courses at the USAF Academy. The sole source requirement is with Illinois Tool Works Inc./DBA Instron, as they are the only vendor capable of supplying equipment meeting specific USAF/DFCE acquisition requirements.

Key details include a Sources Sought posted on 29 Jul 2024 with one response received, and market research indicating no alternative solutions meet the salient characteristics. The procurement is justified by the need for equipment uniformity, training consistency, and the critical nature of maintaining the same software and testing systems across the laboratory. The document notes that the DFCE and DFME labs expect these machines to last decades and do not foresee additional Instron purchases in the next several years. The contracting activity is the 10 CONS/PKB at the USAF Academy in Colorado, with a Program Type classified as Operational.