SSJ Air House Piano.pdf

Use of a Single Source Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT)

SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

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Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: 11th Contracting Squadron

Project/Program Name: USAF Band Air House Piano

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F4J0CC5024A001

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $98,329.00

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

Steinway Model O Living Room Grand Piano in Ebony Polished Finish serial #625639 with adjustable artist bench from Steinway and Sons, 11611 Old Georgetown North Bethesda, MD 20852

Section C: Rationale for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

The United States Air Force Band, tasked with providing world-class musical performances, requires the specified type of grand piano to fulfill its critical mission at Air House, the residence of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. These performances, often involving foreign and domestic dignitaries, demand an instrument of exceptional quality and suitability. A Steinway Model O, meticulously selected by Air Force pianists, is the only instrument that meets these stringent requirements. While other piano brands or even different Steinway models exist, they lack the precise combination of tonal qualities crucial for this venue. The selected Model O offers the necessary clear, singing tone, evenness across its range, and a milder voicing specifically suited to the acoustics of the Air House living room. This targeted selection process, essential for a premier ensemble like the Air Force Band, avoids the pitfalls of acquiring a less desirable instrument, a risk inherent in accepting alternative options often offered at lower cost by other dealers. Instruments with overly bright or aggressive tones, common in pianos designed for concert halls, would be unsuitable for the intimate setting of Air House. Therefore, the chosen Steinway Model O, carefully vetted by Air Force pianists and aligned with the preferences of the Chief of Staff and their spouse, is a necessity for ensuring performances of the highest caliber expected of the Air Force Band at this critical venue.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Our pianists are often playing different pianos around the world of various makes and models and spent days trying instruments for this purpose. The last piano acquired served a different mission and was of a different brand (August Forster)

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

We will continue to research all new to the market options when making a similar purchase in the future.

SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

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Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

08-Jul-2025

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Roberto Rongavilla II

Signature of Contracting Officer

4 Jan 2021 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Rationale for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

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