Single Source Determination B-52 Engine Pod Covers

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Determination and Findings for a Single-Source Acquisition (RFO Part 13)

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

SUBJECT: Determination and Findings
Single-Source Acquisition for 24 B-52H Engine Covers
1. Identification of Agency and Contracting Activity:
Agency: Department of the Air Force - US Air Force
Contracting Activity: 5th Contracting Squadron
Purchase Request Number:
2. Nature and Description of the Action Being Approved: The 5th Maintenance Group has submitted a request for the procurement of 24 B-52H engine pod covers. This Determination and Findings authorizes the solicitation from a single source, Transhield, Inc., for the procurement of custom-engineered, specialized B-52H Stratofortress engine pod covers. The requested supplies consist of fabric covers that fully enclose and protect the B-52H's turbofan engine pods from foreign object damage, severe ice, heavy snow intrusion, and extreme sub-zero temperatures. The total estimated value of this acquisition is $230,400 which is below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. This action will be executed as a firm-fixed-price contract conducted using the procedures set forth in RFO Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

3. Citation of Applicable Statutory and/or Regulatory Authority: The authority for this action is RFO 13.101(b), which permits soliciting from a single source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

4. Findings:

These findings detail the specific circumstances and facts that support the determination. 1. Specialized Weapon System Protection: The B-52H engine pod covers are highly engineered, specialized protective enclosures designed to mitigate foreign object damage, severe ice, heavy snow intrusion, and extreme sub-zero temperatures. To preserve critical weapon system readiness during Arctic winter operations, the covers must satisfy the following precise technical specifications: -Dual-Engine Pod Geometry: Must fit the unique, complex external contours of the B-52H dual-engine pod, achieving a 360-degree, hermetic-style seal to prevent thermal dissipation. -Material Composition: Fabricated from heavy-duty, military-grade vinyl/polymer materials, reinforced with industrial-grade tensioning straps and weather-resistant zippers. -Integrated Maintenance Ports: Engineered with custom-aligned, zippered inspection access ports to facilitate visual checks by maintenance personnel without requiring full cover removal.