SSJ Brand Name Justification.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Security Marking (select from the drop-down list)

April 2021 Security Marking (select from the drop-down list) Page 1 of 2April 2021 Security Marking (select from the drop-down list) Page 1 of 2

Section A: General Contract Information

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

Contracting Activity: 30 CONS/PKB

Project/Program Name: 30 SFS INFRARED HYBRID WHITERED LIGHT

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F4D3E36070AW02

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $55,000.00

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

This requirement is for the procurement of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) wearable personal safety lights that meet a specific set of salient characteristics. Specifically, the Government requires the Guardian Angel Elite Series (Manufacturer: 4REI, Inc. dba Guardian Angel Devices; CAGE: 7YTE8), which is known to meet the following minimum Government requirements:

360-degree, omnidirectional lighting visible up to 5 miles.

A rechargeable, long-lasting battery with fast-charging capability.

A Quick & Secure Magnet Mounting System for rapid attachment to uniforms and vehicles.

A forward-facing white work light that operates independently from rear-facing warning lights.

Independent light controls for front and rear LED arrays.

Waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof construction.

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

In accordance with Section 888(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328), as implemented in DFARS 206.103-170(c), a justification is required to use a brand name or equal purchase description. The use of this description is being justified under the authority of RFO 6.103-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements."

The Guardian Angel Elite Series is the only product identified during market research that meets the Government's essential salient characteristics in a single, integrated device. The specific combination of features required is essential for operational safety and effectiveness. While other wearable lights may meet some of the individual requirements (e.g., are rechargeable or have flashing lights), no other product offers the complete integrated system required by the user.

The key differentiating and essential characteristics that necessitate this brand name are:

Integrated Multi-Functionality: The Guardian Angel device combines a forward-facing task light, a rear-facing warning/ identification light, and 360-degree emergency strobing within a single, low-profile unit. Crucially, it provides independent controls for these functions, allowing a user to illuminate a work area in front of them without deactivating their rear-facing safety lights. Alternative products are typically single-function (either a work light or a warning light) or require cycling through all functions to get to the desired mode, which is not acceptable in a tactical environment.

Quick & Secure Magnet Mounting System: The required mounting system provides a standard method of attachment across all personnel, uniforms, and vehicles. This quick-release magnetic system is essential for moving the device from a uniform to a vehicle roof during an incident without changing mounts or gear. This provides a capability for hands-free operation and

Security Marking (select from the drop-down list)

April 2021 Security Marking (select from the drop-down list) Page 2 of 2April 2021 Security Marking (select from the drop-down list) Page 2 of 2 consistent placement that alternative clip-only or hard-mount-only systems cannot provide.

Procuring any other brand would fail to meet these essential, combined requirements, negatively impacting user safety and forcing the Government to acquire multiple, separate devices to achieve the same capability, thereby increasing cost and operational complexity.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

The Government initially solicited this requirement via GSA eBuy (RFQ1791738) from 12 Jan 2026 to 19 Jan 2026, which resulted in zero (0) quotes. However, concurrent open-market research yielded three (3) separate quotes from capable non-GSA vendors.

This justification is not for a sole-source procurement. Full competition will be sought among small businesses. By providing clear "brand name or equal" specifications, the Government is ensuring all offerors understand the minimum standard of quality and performance required, thereby enhancing, not limiting, fair competition.

This market research confirms that while the requirement is restricted to the Guardian Angel brand name or equal salient characteristics, a highly competitive pool of authorized small business resellers exists in the open market. To maximize competition to the greatest extent practicable, the Contracting Officer will solicit this requirement on the Government Point of Entry (SAM.gov) as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under RFO 12. This strategy ensures adequate competition among authorized distributors to establish a fair and reasonable price.

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

The Government will continue to monitor the commercial marketplace for new developments in wearable safety lighting and tactical illumination technologies. For future requirements, the Government will re-evaluate the marketplace to determine if alternative manufacturers have developed products that meet the essential salient characteristics currently unique to the Guardian Angel Elite Series, specifically the integrated 360-degree illumination and proprietary magnetic mounting versatility.

Comprehensive market research will be conducted prior to any subsequent procurement to identify new competitors and determine if the required brand name has become available on mandatory Government sources.

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

22-Apr-2026

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Rick Porter, Contracting Officer

Signature of Contracting Officer

April 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: Justification 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.

9.0.0.2.20120627.2.874785