Sole_Source_Redacted.pdf

This is an "Other Than Full and Open Justification" form (SSGR 4330.51D, Attachment 3) supporting a single-source procurement for services not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000.

The procurement concerns an Lincoln Electric Design of Welded Connections Course, a training program focused on the design and production of welded connections using AWS D1 and D14 standards. The course is designed to provide customized design of welded connections training and improve welding-related knowledge and experience of SSGR personnel. The performance period runs from October 13 to August 26, with participants gaining knowledge required to provide effective contractor oversight of design and production of naval vessels. The sole source vendor is Lincoln Electric Welding Technology and Training Center, located at 22801 Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44117. The justification for single-source selection is based on restrictive rights and sole source availability. Lincoln Electric owns patents for welding training, brazing techniques, welding guns, and torches. Additionally, Lincoln Electric provides unique and highly customized design of welded connections training not available elsewhere, with proprietary ownership of welding processes including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and plasma cutting techniques. The Contracting Officer approved the justification on 3/20/26, with approval authority one level above the Contracting Officer also certifying on 3/20/26.