Kardex Retrieval System

The Department of the Air Force's 502d Contracting Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph has issued a sole source notice of intent for maintenance services on Kardex automated storage retrieval systems. The notice announces the government's intention to award a sole-source firm-fixed-price purchase order with base year plus option years to Southwest Solutions Group, Inc. of Lewisville, Texas. This procurement covers service and parts replacement for five Vertical Lift Modules and one Vertical Carousel Module automated storage systems used by the 12th Maintenance Squadron. The systems store aircraft parts, test equipment, and hand tools for aircraft undergoing monthly inspection and repair operations. The Air Force is proceeding under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) authority, which allows for single source procurement under specific circumstances.

The purpose of this special notice is to provide transparency and allow other potential contractors to demonstrate their capability to perform the required services before the government finalizes its sole source decision. Any interested parties must submit capability statements by 12:30 PM CDT on August 19, 2025, proving they are factory authorized, trained, and certified by Kardex to resell and service the specified equipment in the Texas regional area. The eligibility criteria specifically requires contractors to be Kardex-certified service providers, as only authorized technicians can perform the required maintenance while preserving equipment warranties. The government emphasizes that this notice is not a request for quotes or solicitation of offers, but responses may influence whether a competitive procurement is conducted. The single source justification is based on Southwest Solutions Group being the exclusive authorized Kardex dealer in Texas, making them necessary to maintain warranties and ensure proper maintenance with genuine parts.