Brand_name_only_justification.pdf

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BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological

Survey Reston Acquisitions Branch, Reston, VA, plans to contract on a brand name basis. This document sets forth the justification and approval as required by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) “Only One

Source Reasonably Available”.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. A new non- competitive fixed price contract to purchase two Honda Marine outboard boat motor to replace the existing ones for Lower Mississippi Water

Science Center (LMGWSC) Baton Rouge Office.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The Lower Mississippi WSC, Baton Rouge Office is requiring these outboard boat motors as replacement for existing outboard boat motors currently used in field work. The Honda Item number is

1. BF200AK3XA 200 H P standard rotation with 25 inch lower unit drive.

2. BF200K3XCA 200 H P counter rotation with 25 inch lower unit drive.

4. Estimated Dollar Value. The estimated price of both motors total of $ . (BF200AK3XA 200

H P -$ and BF200K3XCA 200 H P -$

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a brand name only basis in accordance with: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) “Only One Source Reasonably Available”.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5.

The LMGWSC, Baton Rouge Office operates three watercrafts that are each outfitted with twin

(2) Honda Marine outboard motors. The engine requested in this justification are replacement motors and must be matched to the existing motors. Honda Marine outboard motor will not operate with a competitor's version of the 200HP' motor. A competitor's motor will not seamlessly work with the existing motors because each competitor has different steering mechanisms and throttle controls. The purpose of this buy is to ensure that the Government has back up engines prepared in the event an existing motor becomes inoperable. The center currently has three (3) twin engine boats that are used on a weekly basis to deliver data to a cooperator. It is mission critical that to have spares on hand so that the boats will not be down more than 48 hours in the event of a motor failure. Therefore, it is unrealistic to purchase a motor only when issues arise. Considering the special situation, the Government requires the use of the Honda Marine brand name. It is necessary to purchase Honda brand motors for the existing throttle cables, tachometer and steering drive systems to be compatible with the existing equipment. Replacing all those parts would increase the cost of the repair and would run into the cost of having to repair and replace two motors since it is a designed to operate with twin motors. It is not possible to operate a boat with two different brands. The pair would have to work consistently to reduce future motor failures.

7. Other Information. N/A

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8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted. .

Market research indicates competition is available for Honda brand motors among authorized resellers.

9. Future Plans to Permit Competition. A request for quotes will be posted to compete among resellers for this the brand name onlyt. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of the Government to continue with the Honda motors. Full and open competition will be obtained when all motors reach end of useful life

10. Recommendation Program Office

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a brand name only basis and certify that the above statements are true and correct.

Garron Ross- Supervisory Hydro Tech, Signature Date

11. Certifications from the Contracting Officer

a. Prices will be determined fair and reasonable through competition for the items among authorized resellers.

b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Jeffery Hall, Contracting Officer Date

Jennifer Kelley, Competition Advocate Date

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) considers employee signatures to be Personal Protected Information, and therefore all employee signatures have redacted. By posting this document, the Contracting Officer attests all appropriate signatures have been obtained