Justification and Approval For Other than Full and Open Competition

Plan ID Number: 2026-LBN-0037

Form Updated 4/14/2023

Justification & Approval

As a legislative branch agency, the Library is subject to the competition and advertising requirements of 41 U.S.C. § 6101. Like the Competition in

Contracting Act and the FAR, 41 U.S.C. § 6101 does not require competition when a contracting officer certifies that only one source or brand-name item is available, when dictated by public exigency, or when otherwise authorized by law.

This document sets forth the justification and approval for award of a contract or order by means providing for other than full and open competition per 41 U.S.C. § 6101, LCR 7-210, and, as applicable, FAR 6.302, FAR 13.106-1, FAR 8.405, and FAR 16.505. Contracting without competition shall not be justified on the basis of a lack of advance planning or concerns related to availability of funds.

This form shall be used to support instances where competition will be limited to a single source, a limited number of sources, including where a brand name product is required.

Part 1 – Identification

1. Contracting Agency and Activity: Library of Congress, LBN/Multimedia Group

2. Nature of Action Being Approved Contract (or modification)

LoC or Leg Branch Order (or modification)

GSA Schedule or GWAC: Identify Schedule/Contract

Other: Identify

Plan ID Number: 2026-LBN-0037

Contractor (or Brand Name): Dante audio transport protocol – Brand

Name; Yamaha DM series audio console – Brand Name

Estimated Value (Base and all options):

Period of Performance: 09/29/2026 – 9/27/2028

3. Description of Supplies or Services Required to Meet Library Needs

Describe the supplies or services that are required to meet the Library’s minimum needs and the delivery schedule required to meet those needs. Do not focus on a description of the program.

The Library requires the following supplies or services:

The Library of Congress (Library) requires contract support to modernize the audio systems for the historic Coolidge Auditorium. The

Contractor shall design and implement an upgraded audio amplification system. The Contractor shall replace existing analog audio infrastructure and its associated devices with a modern IP based solution that utilizes Dante as the primary audio transport protocol over standard ethernet. The contractor shall provide installation, commissioning, documentation, training, and warranty for the proposed solution. provide an extended style Yamaha DM series audio console for the purpose of mixing front-of-house audio. This console must be compatible with the Library’s existing Yamaha Rio 1608-D2 and Yamaha Rio 3224-D2 stage boxes. The Contractor shall provide a compact style Yamaha DM series audio console for the purpose of supporting the monitor mix position backstage. The audio console must be compatible with the Library’s existing Yamaha Rio 1608-D2 and Yamaha Rio 3224-D2 stage boxes.

Plan ID Number: 2026-LBN-0028

Form Updated 12/10/2025

Part 2 – Program Office Justification & Approval

4. Authority for Contracting Without Competition Over $350,000 For this requirement over $350,000, under FAR part 6, the basis for contracting without providing for full and open competition is:

There is only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy Library requirements.

41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(2)(C); FAR 6.302-1.

Library’s minimum needs can only be satisfied by contractor’s unique capabilities or products. FAR 6.302-1(b)(1).

Source controls copyrights, patents, raw materials, or secret processes cannot be acquired otherwise, or similar circumstances. FAR 6.302-

1(b)(2).

Other exception identified in FAR 6.302-1: Identify the exception

There is such unusual & compelling urgency that the Government would be seriously injured if competition is not limited.

41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(2)(B); FAR 6.302-2. Option years are not permitted.

Source is expressly authorized or required by statute (e.g., AbilityOne, UNICOR, GPO, GSA Public Buildings Service, Appropriations Act, etc.) per 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(1) and FAR 6.302-5: Identify the authority

Other basis authorized in 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b) or FAR part 6.302: Identify the exception

Library’s needs can only be satisfied by a brand-name product or item which is essential to the Government’s requirement. FAR 6.302-1(c).

The Product is listed on the Library of Congress Enterprise Architecture Repository (LCEAR) database (Attach applicable

IT Standard Data Sheet)

Up to and including $350,000 For this requirement up to $350,000, using simplified acquisition procedures under FAR part 13, the basis for contracting without providing for full and open competition is:

Only one responsible source is reasonably available to meet Library requirements. 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b); FAR 13.106-1.

Product or service is reasonably available from only one source.

Source controls copyrights, patents or other exclusive licensing arrangements.

Urgent circumstances; only one source can reasonably deliver by required date. Option years are not permitted.

Source is expressly authorized or required by statute:

Library’s needs can only be satisfied by a brand-name product

The Product is listed the Library of Congress Enterprise Architecture Repository (LCEAR) database (Attach applicable

GSA Schedule Order For this GSA schedule order under FAR part 8, the basis for not competing among GSA schedule-holders and/or specifying a brand name product or item is:

An urgent and compelling need exists, and following GSA procedures would result in unacceptable delays.

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A).

Only one GSA source is capable of fulfilling the requirement at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized. FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B).

In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to an original order that was placed competitively among GSA schedule-holders (i.e., the original order was not sole-source or limited-source.) FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C).

Library’s needs can only be satisfied by a brand-name product

The Product is listed on the Library of Congress Enterprise Architecture Repository (LCEAR) database (Attach applicable

Order Under Multiple Award Indefinite-Delivery Contract or GWAC For this order under FAR subpart 16.5, the basis for contracting without providing for full and open competition is:

The need is so urgent fair opportunity would result in unacceptable delays. 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(2)(C) and FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A).

The Library’s minimum needs can only be satisfied by contractor’s unique capabilities or products. 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(1) and FAR

16.505(b)(2)(i)(B).

A logical follow-on order in the interest of economy and efficiency. 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(1) and FAR 16.505(b)(i)(2)(C).

To satisfy a minimum guarantee. 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(1) and FAR 16.505(b)(2)(D).

Authorized or required by statute. 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(1) and FAR 16.505(b)(2)(E).

The Library’s minimum needs can only be satisfied by a brand-name product or item which is essential to the Government’s requirement. 41

U.S.C. § 6101(b)(2)(B) and FAR 16.505(a)(4)(i).

The Product is listed on the Library of Congress Enterprise Architecture Repository (LCEAR) database (Attach applicable

5. Rationale for Contracting Without Competition

In supporting an action not providing for full and open competition, it is not sufficient to demonstrate that the contractor is exceptionally well qualified or even the best qualified, or that the required brand name product is well suited to the Library’s needs. The rationale must demonstrate that no one else, or no other competing product, can satisfactorily fulfill the Library’s requirement. Do not focus on the importance of the requirement; the issue is the rationale for not competing.

In supporting urgency, address the following: What are the unexpected facts or the unpredictable events that led to this situation? When is the required delivery or performance start date? Why this date? What specific harm to the Government will occur if the delivery is not made or performance not begun as scheduled? (Note that expiration of funds is not sufficient harm to justify not competing.) Demonstrate that the contract is only for items and quantities urgently needed until a competitive procurement action can be developed, or that a separate competitive follow-on is not practical.

In supporting a brand name justification, the brand name or feature must be essential to the Library’s requirements, and market research indicates that other company’s similar products or products with similar features cannot meet or be modified to meet the Library’s needs.

We are authorized to limit competition on the basis of the citation in section 4 because:

The audio systems deployed within the Library for use by the Multimedia Group (MMG), consist of using the audio transport protocol, Dante. Dante provides audio connectivity via an Ethernet cable, versus XLR cables. The Coolidge Auditorium Audio

Systems Modernization project requires 32 channels of audio input and output, per audio console – a total of 96 inputs and outputs.

The original structure of the Coolidge was designed as an analog audio system, and without the capacity required for this project.

There is only mixer installed in the recording booth, and this modernization requires three (3) consoles. Additionally, MMG has tested the original lines in the room, many of which are not working or have poor sound quality – including some damaged when the auditorium’s sprinkler system was flooded in December 2022. To meet the requirement for 96 inputs and outputs using the XLR standard would require changes to the physical structure of the Coolidge, which are out of scope for this project. By using Dante each console will only require a single Ethernet cable for all inputs/outputs, instead of requiring up to 64 XLR cables per console. The current fleet of MMG audio equipment uses the Dante standard for audio input/output; and would be compatible with this new infrastructure in the Coolidge if needed. When deploying audio systems in the Coolidge today, audio inputs are connected via Dante.

The standard audio console currently in use by MMG are all Yamaha products. MMG currently has seven audio consoles, all of which are manufactured by Yamaha. This has allowed cross-compatibility for parts, microphones and capabilities – including deploying them together to support large performances with complex audio requirements. For this modernization project, MMG has identified a need for Yamaha audio consoles. This will ensure that all three consoles in the venue are natively compatible – and deployed in an identical manner during installation. The audio engineers within MMG are all trained on Yamaha audio consoles and will not require any additional training to implement their use upon completion of installation as the concert season begins. In the audio market, it is common for venues to standardize on a brand-name for ease of operation and compatibility. There are other audio consoles which could meet the requirements, but their operation would require training and practice to develop the level of comfort and expertise needed to support a successful concert/event. To ensure no downtime, or loss of capability – Yamaha branded consoles are required to meet the needs for this project. Also, the current stage boxes in use in the Coolidge are manufactured by Yamaha.

These boxes will continue to be used along with the new audio consoles – which must be compatible with them for use.

6. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition Before Subsequent Contract Is Required

State what actions, if any, the program office can take to overcome barriers to competition before a contracting for this requirement again, such as:

using action to provide time to develop specifications for a competitive procurement by a certain date; licensing copyrights or patents so other contractors may use the works; or breaking the requirement into parts that may be purchased competitively. If this is a one-time requirement, explain that action to increase future competition is not needed. If the source is expressly required by statute, state “Source is statutory.”

To increase competition, we will:

The Multimedia Group will continue to follow industry best practices and trends that provide cost-effective solutions for the Library.

Once the infrastructure of the Coolidge is in place using the Dante standard and also Yamaha audio consoles, these will remain unbothered for a significant number of years (at least 10 years at minimum). Annually, MMG reviews best practices for audiovisual practices that will directly impact the Library’s workflow over the next five to ten years. Reviewing the audio standards in use will continue to be a part of this evaluation, to see if a new protocol or brand of audio consoles standard which meet the requirements, can be implemented in the future.

PART 3 – CONTRACTING OFFICER DETERMINATIONS & CERTIFICATION

8. Efforts to Solicit from As Many Potential Sources As Practicable Unless a justification is based on FAR 6.302-2, Unusual and compelling urgency, contracting officers shall post justifications for other than full and open competition, including brand name justifications, to the Contract Opportunities website on sam.gov (or eBuy for Brand Name Justifications under FAR Part 8) prior to requesting a proposal or otherwise entering into negotiations.

Advance notice will be published in sam.gov for 15 days before a contract is awarded. FAR 5.203(a).

Advance or concurrent notice will be published in sam.gov for a reasonable time for commercial items FAR 5.203(a) and 12.204(b).

Advance notice will not be published because the action meets the following FAR exception:

Notice would compromise national security. FAR 5.202(a)(1).

Unusual and compelling urgency; notice period would seriously injure Government. FAR 5.202(a)(2).

Expressly authorized or required to be made through another Government agency. FAR 5.202(a)(4).

Order will be placed against an IDIQ contract awarded under FAR 16.5. FAR 5.202(a)(6).

Order will be placed against GSA schedule or other competitively-awarded contract. FAR 5.202(a)(11).

Other: FAR 13.501(a)(iii) Make publicly available the justifications (excluding brand name) required by 6.305(a) within 14 days after contract award.

Advance notice will not be published per 41 U.S.C. § 6101; see attached deviation from the FAR per LCR 7-210 § 3.A.

We made the following efforts to interest potential sources in this award: N/A

9. Listing of Sources That Expressed Interest in Writing

The following sources expressed interest in this award: N/A

10. Additional Information

The following additional information is relevant to this justification and approval: N/A

11. Contracting Officer Determination that Price Is Fair and Reasonable As explained in detail below, I have determined that the prices for this contracting action are fair and reasonable based on comparison of the prices to the following (see FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)):

Historical prices paid by the Government Published competitive price lists

Library’s Independent Government Estimate Prices obtained through market research

Other: Prices obtained through competitive proposals

The following analysis (based on attached pricing information) supports my determination:

12. Contracting Officer Determination of Responsibility Checked System for Award Management (or will check in the case of competitive proposals for a brand name product)

13. Contracting Officer Determination of Best Value I have determined that this action represents the best value to the Government because:

14. Contracting Officer Certification I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, this justification is accurate and complete. For those actions up to $900,000, I approve contracting without competition for this requirement.

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