FY23 Butler Training Harnesses

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE TO: Butler Parachute Systems, Inc. (UEI: E1URFZC1QLL7/ CAGE: 0D4Z0)

The 22nd Training Readiness Squadron (TRS) has a requirement for Ten (10) Butler Parachute Training Harnesses, part number 11094, for use at the SERE school located at Fairchild AFB, WA. The required harnesses are only manufactured by Butler Parachute Systems, Inc (BPS) and will be used for training only.

AFI 11-410, Personnel Parachute Operations, paragraph 4.4 mandates that all parachute systems and equipment are only authorized by approval from HQ USAF/A3O-AS and only items listed on the Air Force Personnel Parachute Program Authorized For Use List (AUL) are to be purchased for parachute operations and training.

The AUL, dated 1 April 2022, lists the only authorized assembly for Low Profile Parachutes (LPP) as part number 11090, manufactured by BPS. The requested harnesses (Part Number 11094) is a specially manufactured harness for training purposes and is only manufactured and sold by BPS. AFI 11-301V1, Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) Program, paragraph 5.8.3 states "For Training Use Only (FTUO) flight equipment will mirror operational equipment to maximum extent possible" and because the requested item is specifically designed for training to simulate use of the mandated LPP, a sole source purchase is justified.

While competition for parachute equipment is limited due to Air Force policy an Internet search was conducted to look for authorized resellers of BPS equipment. This included emailing BPS to verify that no authorized resellers of BPS's equipment exist. A sources sought was posted to beta.SAM.gov from 18 Apr - 25 Apr 2022 with no responses received. The LPP harness system is available under BPS's GSA Schedule GS-07F-9649s; however, the LPP training harness (PN: 11094) by themselves are not available under BPS's GSA Schedule.

Until other LPP products are authorized by the Air Force, BPS will continue to be the only source for the required harnesses. The government will continue to monitor the updated Air Force Instructions for all future purchases of this nature to verify if competition
is available.

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the government. Vendors that believe they can provide the items listed above are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the government.