Justification_and_Approval_(JA)_-_Clear-Com_Headsets__.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A)

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (BRAND NAME)

1. Agency and Contracting Activity The agency responsible for this procurement is the 118th Mission Support Group / Mission Support Contracting (MSG/MSC), 240 Knapp Blvd, Nashville, TN.

2. Description of Action This is a request for a Brand Name justification for the procurement of specific Clear-Com communication headsets to support operations within Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF). The proposed contract action is for a firm-fixed-price purchase order.

3. Description of Supplies/Services The requested procurement includes the following Clear-Com equipment based on Quotation CCQ-000007238:

Product

ID

Description Qty Unit Price

Subtotal

CCC-

802065- 66-M

Monaural Low Crosstalk VOX Headset, Cable 5.5FT (66in) extended boom, 1/4" TRS & Nexus TP-120 Plugs with Leatherette Ear Pads; Cotton Ear Socks and Tension Band

CC-300-X4 Headset: Single Ear, Medium weight, XLR (F) 4-pin with Dynamic Mic, Boom switch

Total Estimated Value:

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition The statutory authority for this action is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) or 41 U.S.C.

3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(c) — Application for brand-name descriptions. The particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government's requirements, and market research indicates other companies' similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency's needs.

5. Reason for Authority Cited (Justification) The justification for limiting competition to the Clear-Com brand is based on the following operational and technical requirements:

• a. Existing Equipment and Compatibility: The end-user currently operates the proprietary Clear-Com Audio Multi-level Security (AMLS) Solution. The requested headsets (CCC-802065-66-M) are specifically engineered to connect directly and seamlessly function with the existing AMLSv4 Microphone and Speaker Units. Using any alternative brand would necessitate extensive, costly modifications, and would disrupt mission-critical communications.

• b. Proprietary Technology and SCIF Accreditation: The Clear-Com AMLSv4 Low Crosstalk VOX Headsets are specifically designed to enable high-isolation operation within SCIF environments where communication across multiple security classifications is mandatory. They provide an accredited level of acoustical, electrical, and mechanical crosstalk isolation. A headset from another manufacturer lacks this specific accreditation within the existing Clear-Com ecosystem and would fail to meet the stringent security mandates required for SCIF operations.

• c. Essential Functionality: The requested headsets enable operators to deterministically listen to audio originating from hundreds of sources across various security classification levels while simultaneously and selectively speaking to any one classification. This proprietary functionality is fully reliant on integration with the existing Clear-Com AMLS setup. Alternate systems cannot achieve this without a total system replacement.

6. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable based on historical pricing, market research, or comparison to an independent government estimate.

7. Market Research Market research was conducted and determined that only Clear-Com headsets possess the proprietary technology required to interface with the currently fielded Clear-Com AMLSv4 systems without compromising SCIF accreditations or requiring a total system overhaul.

8. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other Than Full and Open Competition Procuring a different brand of headsets would require replacing the entire AMLS communication infrastructure at a significant cost to the Government, causing unacceptable mission delays and requiring new security accreditations for the facility.

9. Certifications and Approvals

TECHNICAL / REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature: [Signed - On File]

Name: Major Michael Piro (or designated Technical Representative)

Signed For By: MAJ Scott Paulsin, 118th OSS DO

Title: US Air Force Requiring Activity

Date: 27 July 2026

COMMANDER APPROVAL

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of the brand-name Clear-Com equipment described herein.

Signature: [Signed - On File]

Name: Corey Mitchum

Title: Commander

Date: 27 July 2026

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION & APPROVAL

I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of the brand-name Clear-Com equipment described herein under the statutory authority cited in Section 4.

JONATHAN FORREN, SMSgt Contracting Officer, 118th MSG/MSC