SSJ_Redacted.pdf

25 April 2022

TO: AFSC/PZIMB

FROM: OC-ALC/OBCA for 76 MXSG

SUBJECT: Sole Source Justification for Tensile Tester System

1. 76 MXSG requests the purchase of one-time Upgrade, Validation, and Calibration for the Tensile Tester System with an estimated value of .

The intent of the Tensile Tester System Upgrade is to upgrade the Tensile Tester System to a reliable, working state. This tensile tester is designated as mission critical. The SFM-100KN tensile tester has an obsolete version of the software (Datum 4.0) and has become unreliable.

The computer is currently shutting down during testing. 76 MXSS/MXDTAE is at a work stoppage for certain tests that require the environmental chamber of the SFM-100KN tensile tester.

This tensile tester is used in support of CMXG, PMXG, AMXG, and additive manufacturing on Tinker Air Force Base. The tensile testers are also used to test materials for shelf life extension for off base customers. This tensile tester is designated as mission critical.

2. United Testing Systems Inc. is the Original Equipment Manufacturer for the Tensile Tester System (Model: SFM-100KN). United Testing Systems Inc. owns all data rights to their technology. United Testing Systems Inc. is the only known source that has the required parts (software/hardware/electronic/electrical) and access to proprietary data to perform the required upgrade, validation, and calibration on this equipment. Certified United Testing Systems Inc.

technicians are the only qualified contractors to perform service on the Tensile Tester System (Model: SFM-100KN).

Upon contacting United Testing Systems Inc., Government Sales POC Neil McLaughlin, South East Regional Sales Mgr. for United Testing Systems Inc., it was determined that the products are only offered through United Testing Systems Inc. The software for this upgrade is all proprietary to United Testing Systems Inc. and is not available through any other entity. In addition, per that email conversation, the United Testing Systems Inc. representative confirmed that they have no intentions on selling the data rights to the government at this time.

There are no other companies authorized as an OEM maintenance facility. Only the OEM (United Testing Systems Inc.) is capable of performing this specific maintenance upgrade for the specified equipment using their proprietary, unique software in a cost effective manner.

In review, it has been determined that there is only one source capable of providing the service for this acquisition.

3. After market research was conducted, it was determined that there is only one company, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) United Testing Systems Inc., that can satisfy the Government’s requirement.

Company name: United Testing Systems Inc.

Address: 1375 S Acacia AVE

Fullerton, California 92831-5315, United States POC: Neil McLaughlin, South East Regional Sales Mgr.

(904) 392 9987, nmclaughlin@industrialphysics.com

CAGE: 0W1J8

UEI: JSYNQS6N9QZ8

Type Business: Small Business Concern

4. Market research was performed reviewing Dynamic Small Business Search and System for Award Management databases using North American Industry Classification System Code 334519 looking for companies that could provide the required products and services for this acquisition. A review of small businesses to include 8(a), HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, and Women Owned Small Business was conducted. In review there is only one (1) source that can provide the required products and services for this commodity for this acquisition.

5. In the future, the Government will continue to conduct market research to determine if United Testing Systems Inc. has any distributors capable of providing maintenance services for the Tensile Tester System (Model: SFM-100KN) or if they are willing to sell the data rights to the Government.

6. 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.