Anticipated Sole Source Award to Instron

The Air Force Test Center (AFTC/PZZF) at Edwards AFB intends to issue a sole-source, Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order to Instron for the one-time acquisition of custom-manufactured C-17 Air Drop System (ADS) Link Calibration adapters. These adapters are mission-essential hardware required to enable the use of the government's recently acquired 70,000 lb. capacity calibration machine. The acquisition of this hardware will allow the government to perform the recurring ADS Link calibration service in-house, replacing a previously outsourced process and leveraging a significant capital investment to improve efficiency. Key points to consider: * The adapters must be manufactured to the exact proprietary specifications of the government's OEM Instron calibration machine. * Instron is the only company that possesses the required proprietary drawings and "fit and form" data needed to guarantee a correct and safe interface. * The government does not own this technical data and cannot provide it to other vendors, which makes it impossible for any competitor to manufacture the item without introducing unacceptable technical and financial risk. * The mission impact and financial benefits further compel this sole-source approach. * The government contacted three other sources, but they did not guarantee the work nor the materials if they were to break during the manufacturing process.