A-3 Brand Name Justification Letter - Harris 167.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS 141ST AIR REFUELING WING (AMC)

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE WASHINGTON

16 September 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR 141 MSG/MSC – BASE CONTRACTING OFFICE

FROM: 141 ARW

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for L3 Harris Radio Support Items

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 13.106-1(b), I am requesting approval for soliciting for L3Harris Brand Name tactical radio support items to meet unit OPLAN/CONPLAN tasked requirements. The following facts and rationale are presented for your consideration in accordance with FAR, Part 13.106-1(b).

1. Agency and Contracting Activity:

141 ARW – 141st Wing Base Contracting Office.

2. Nature and/or Description of Action:

Justification for soliciting for Brand Name requirement for the procurement of L3 Harris Tactical Radio and Support Items.

3. Description of Service and Estimated Price:

1. Qty: 1 x AN/PRC-167 RADIO SYSTEM, MIL GPS | PN: RF-345M-MP003

2. Qty: 1 x ANTENNA, BLADE, VHF/UHF, 45 INCH | PN: 12237-2730-01

3. Qty: 2 x 225-450 & 760-2600 MHZ DUAL BAND ANTENNA, MANPACK | PN: 12237-2740-01

4. Qty: 2 x ANTENNA, 30MHZ-512MHZ, TNC | PN: RF-3152A-AT152

5. Qty: 1 x BATTERY BOX ASSEMBLY | PN: 12043-4800-01

6. Qty: 2 x BATTERY PK, RECHARBAGLE, 10.3A-HR LITH ION, TAN | PN: BT-70791JV

7. Qty: 1 x BATTERY CHARGER, CONDINTIONER, 2-BAY | PN: RF-5058-CH002

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $61,528

4. Justification:

The specified L3Harris brand equipment is needed to meet cryptographic compatibility with our tactical radios. Harris Corporation is the only manufacturer that offers radios with NSA-approved Type 1 encryption, which is a required standard for handling classified and sensitive information in military operations. The radios must adhere to this encryption standard to ensure secure transmission of classified communications, particularly in high-threat and combat environments.

Additionally, Harris radios are specifically designed to be interoperable with the existing communications infrastructure used by combat forces throughout the Air Force. Our organizations assigned OPLAN/CONPLAN taskings mandate the use of encrypted communications to ensure Operational Security in the execution of sensitive/classified missions. No other manufacturer provides equipment that meets this requirement for interoperability, encryption standards, and operational reliability. The use of non-Harris equipment and components would result in diminished performance which could compromise secure communication and mission effectiveness in a time-constrained combat mission environment.

5. Market Research:

A thorough market analysis was conducted, and no other manufacturer offers the radio support items that meet both the Type 1 encryption requirements and the specific technical needs outlined in Emergency Action Procedures. Harris radios are designed to work exclusively with Harris-branded accessories. This proprietary design is essential to maintaining full operational capability, ensuring durability, and meeting security standards. The equipment and components identified above are brand new models and are not currently available through GSA but are available as a direct purchase from Harris or Harris suppliers.

I, the undersigned, certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CHRISTOPHER J. MARRAZZO, SMSgt, WA ANG Superintendent, Nuclear C2 Operations

1st Ind, 141 MSG/MSC

MEMORANDUM FOR 141 MSG/MSC

APPROVED: DISAPPROVED: Date:

I certify that this justification for brand name requirement is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby determine that this request is sufficient to justify soliciting brand name only.

MATTHEW R. RICHARD, CAPT, WA ANG

Base Contracting Officer