SSJ_Redacted.pdf

This is a Department of the Air Force Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (CUI document). The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), through the Air Force Test Center/PZZG, is seeking to conduct a sole-source procurement from Eaton Corporation for oxygen and component systems designated for the USAF's Test Parachute Program (TPP). The acquisition will support both High-Altitude Low-Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High-Opening (HAHO) military free-fall parachuting operations under the 412th Test Wing, as well as the Automated Test Stand and Oxygen Console components specific to TPP's inventory.

The justification cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as the statutory authority, establishing that only one responsible source exists and no alternative supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Eaton's PHANTOM Parachutist Oxygen Mask Assemblies, ground boosters, and associated accessories are the only systems explicitly certified under Air Force Instruction 10-3503 and listed on the USAF Personnel Parachute Program (PPP) Approved For Use List (AUL). The document emphasizes that parachutist oxygen systems are critical life-support apparatuses operated in extreme high-altitude environments where equipment malfunction results in rapid hypoxia, operational failure, severe injury, or death. The Air Force determined that alternative commercial systems lack formal PPP AUL certification and authorization for military free-fall/static-line airdrop operations. Historical procurement review confirms previous similar acquisitions were consistently sole-sourced to Eaton due to proprietary design rights, tooling, and strict AUL compliance requirements. The contracting officer and technical personnel certified the justification as accurate and complete on 10 and 02 September 2026, respectively.