SSJ - Ultrasound Simulator - Redacted.pdf

This is a Determination & Findings document justifying a single-source acquisition for the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) at Eglin Air Force Base (ETB).

The procurement is for an ultrasound simulator and related training to replace an outdated CPU-style simulator that only functions with one transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) probe. The new system will provide Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training capabilities aligned with current standards. USAFSAM conducted market research identifying two potential suppliers but determined that Elevate Healthcare, the manufacturer of the existing simulator, is the only source that fully conforms to the current training and protocols, thereby avoiding discontinuity in POCUS training courses. The findings note that no reasonable expectation exists for two responsible small businesses to provide competitive quotations in terms of market price, quality, and delivery. The acquisition will proceed as a single-source purchase under FAA RFO Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services) via RFO 12.102(a), with the authority to solicit from a single source cited as RFO 12.102(a) for commercial products. The Contracting Officer retains approval authority for this determination, and the document indicates that future similar requirements will prompt continued market research to identify potential new market entrants.