1. Brand Name Justification.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

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NOTE: If a Justification was approved for the preceding acquisition, a copy of the approved Justification for the predecessor action must be included in the staff package for approval of the instant Justification. This applies to Justification staff packages that are submitted for review and approval at a level above the contracting officer. The predecessor Justification will be used as a reference document by the approving official.

Is this a new or amended J&A Document? New Amended ( Prior to Award Only! )

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Funding level for this acquisition: >SAT and < $750K > $750K and < $15M

Contracting Activity: 628 Contracting Squadron/PKA

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: N5046724Z000959

Program / Project (and PE, if applicable): Accu-Tab Calcium Hypochlorite Tablets

Program Type (PEO or Other Contracting): Other Contracting

Authority: AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

AFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3403, Special Emergency Procurement Authority (41 U.S.C. 1903)

Estimated Contract Cost (including options): $400,000.00 Justification Type: Class Individual

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APPROVAL (AFFARS 5306.304(a) )

Date

12 Jun 2024

Contracting Officer Matthew B. Michel

PKA / 963-5157

Signature

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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I. Contracting Activity.

628 CONS/PKA

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

This Brand Name Justification implements 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901) IAW DAFFARS 5313.501. This brand name justification outlines the requirement for the Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) Accu-Tab Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorine Tablets with Scale Inhibitor (SI) for the chlorination systems of the Moored Training Ships (MTS) located at the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU).

This follow-on requirement will be fulfilled under a new Firm-Fixed-Price contract using FAR Part 13 procedures.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

This follow-on requirement is for a year supply of PPG Accu-Tab Calcium Hypochlorite Tablets with SI.

The MTS at the NPTU depend on the PPG chlorination systems to maintain mission readiness. The PPG chlorination system for the MTS are specifically tailored for high efficiency operations utilizing the high strength scale inhibitor calcium hypochlorite tablets.

The purchase is comprised of one pallet containing 22 pails (60 pounds per pail) of PPG Accu-Tab Tablets not to exceed 16 deliveries in 12 months. This purchase will also include four (4) 1-year-option CLINs.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is Title 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901) IAW DAFFARS 5313.501

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

This brand name procurement is driven by previous acquisitions of "or equal" products falling short and resulting in sub-standard water quality levels within the MTS. In previous acquisitions of the "or equal" tablets, the tablets have historically dissolved unequally, which resulted in the system not being able to achieve the minimum analytical testing for Total Residual Chlorides and within months of using the equal brand tablets NPTU had "fouling" onboard the MTS.

This resulted in a shutdown to clean the seawater systems and bring in Trident Refit Facility Navy Divers to throughly clean and inspect seawater suctions subsequently causing a loss of training hours at NPTU. This was the case with previous contract number FA441814P0079, and considered to be an "or equal" product to the PPG Accu-Tab SI tablets.

The use of the product resulted in the above mentioned damaged to the systems and was canceled immediately. The subsequent two vendors (FA441815P0059) and (FA441816P0061) were unable to adequately supply NPTU with the required amount of tablets to maintain the systems. PPG Accu-Tab SI tablets have consistently met operational and water quality requirements of the MTS as is evident by the performance under the current contract FA441819CA023.

In summary, procuring an "or equal" product versus the PPG Accu-Tab SI tablets will potentially result in the use of substandard products causing recurring costly damage and training downtime for the NPTU. Currently the only known brand capable of providing optimum performance for the NPTU without experiencing unacceptable delays are the PPG Accu-Tab SI Tablets.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

This procurement is not the result of an unsolicited proposal. Formal market research has been conducted and determined that there are at least four (4) potential small businesses (including the incumbent PuraAqua Products) for

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 4March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 4 this requirement through a sources sought posted 14 December 2023 for 21 days to SAM.gov.

On 4 January 2024, an additional sources sought was posted on GSA for 13 days, but no responses were provided.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The contracting officer will make the determination that anticipated prices are fair and reasonable based on a detailed price cost analysis as prescribed in FAR Part 12 and 13.106-3.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

In accordance with FAR Part 10, market research was conducted to include a Sources Sought on SAM and GSA.

On 14 December 2023, a sources sought was posted to SAM.gov for 21 days in an effort to seek as many potential sources for the PPG Accu-Tab SI Tablets. At the response close date of 4 January 2024, four (4) small businesses responded. After review of the information provided, it was determined that all interested parties are capable of providing the requirement.

On 4 January 2024, an additional sources sought was posted on GSA with a response due date of 17 January 2024.

However, no responses were provided.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

None

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

As detailed in section VI above, list of sources that expressed interest in the acquisition include:

PuraAqua Products (incumbent) AMS Industries, LLC Lifetime Cleaning Services Watanu, LLC

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

The Requirement Owner was contacted for market compatible or "or equal" products for the 2024 purchase request upon which the NNPTU mechanical engineer stated that at this time no other known "equal" tablets exist to their knowledge with the same effectiveness or chemical composition. The RO will consider 'or equal items' in the marketplace to maximize competition for future requirements. The market will continue to be surveyed for calcium chlorine tablets that meet NPTU standards for the moored training ships.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by our signatures above, we certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is our responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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Remove the Guidance pages below.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items March 2023 Page of International Agreement Competitive Restrictions (IACR) March 2023 Page of NOTE: If a Justification was approved for the preceding acquisition, a copy of the approved Justification for the predecessor action must be included in the staff package for approval of the instant Justification. This applies to Justification staff packages that are submitted for review and approval at a level above the contracting officer. The predecessor Justification will be used as a reference document by the approving official.

Is this a new or amended J&A Document?

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Funding level for this acquisition:

Authority:

Justification Type:

COORDINATION ( AFFARS 5306.304(a)) ** The text in the signature blocks below is editable, including the title.

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APPROVAL (AFFARS 5306.304(a)) NOTE: A signature block will appear here based on the funding level selected above.

(See "Specific Guidance for Completing this Template" below.)

I. Contracting Activity.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

Specific Guidance for Completing this Template

I. Contracting Activity. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(1))

Fully identify the contracting agency and organizational activity responsible for the proposed contracting action.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(2))

State whether the action will be awarded as a new contract or by modification to an existing contract (identify contract number) and identify the type contract planned (FAR 12.207 and DFARS 212.207).

An individual Justification cannot be used to support more than one contract irrespective of the quantities or the dollar value stated therein. If a proposed contract will contain unpriced options (including NTE prices), those options must be supported by a separate Justification prior to option exercise or the Justification supporting the basic contract must be a Class Justification. For Class Justification situations (covers more than one contract) where the number of contracts in the class can be identified: (1) Provide a brief general description of actions; (2) identify the supplies and services that are being acquired; and (3) for each contract in the class identify the contractor, estimated value, type of contract and rationale for contract length, and estimated award date. Where the same information applies to more than one contract within the class, it need only be stated one time.

III. Description of the supplies/services required to meet agency needs. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(3))

Specifically describe the supplies and/or services to be acquired, the total estimated value of the acquisition - including options (provide cost estimate by year and, for class Justifications, by contract action), and the estimated delivery dates/periods of performance If commodities are being procured, provide quantities. All contract line items (CLIN) -- e.g., technical data, support equipment, support services, etc. -- should be listed. If all of the ancillary requirements associated with a particular item are not specifically described in the Justifications, those ancillary requirements cannot be included in the resulting contract and would require a second Justification. Also, state the type of appropriation (e.g., 3010, 3400) that will be used to fund each requirement listed.

If approval for more than one fiscal year requirement is needed, give the rationale for this request. Generally, the scope of these actions is limited to current requirements only, so that actions may be taken to facilitate competition for out-year requirements.

In some cases, there are no feasible actions that could develop future competition, and it is reasonable to seek approval for more than one fiscal year's requirements.

For ID/IQ or requirements contracts, use the maximum dollar value of the total estimated orders as the estimated Justification dollar value.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(4)) V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority). (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)) Provide, in narrative form, a detailed explanation supporting and clearly relating to the conditions described by the FAR for using the particular authority cited. This section is normally the most detailed part of the justification as the essence of the justification is presented here. For acquisitions that include both supplies and services, separately justify the use of the authority for the services and supplies.

Contracting without providing for full and open competition shall not be justified on the basis of lack of advance planning by the requiring activity or concerns related to the amount of funds available (e.g., funds will expire) (10 U.S.C. 3204) VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

(FAR 6.303-2(b)(6))

Describe all efforts taken (or to be to be taken) to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable under the circumstances. Although Market Research is covered in Section VIII, the information in Section VI should correlate with the Market Research described in Section VI. The following issues should be addressed in this paragraph:

Sources Sought Synopsis (used as part of market research). If a sources sought synopsis was issued, state the date the synopsis was issued and a brief description of its content. If any responses were received, describe in detail the results of the screening process and the rationale for determining the unacceptability of any synopsis respondents. Reference FAR 13.105, Synopsis and Posting Requirements.

Other Actions. In this paragraph, discuss any other actions taken or planned to facilitate competition for this acquisition. The discussion should include actions tried or considered even if the actions were unsuccessful. If the efforts were unsuccessful, so state and describe why.

Qualifying Country Sources. If qualifying country sources have expressed interest, but are to be excluded, provide supporting rationale.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(7))

Include a statement by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost will be considered fair and reasonable and provide the basis for this determination. The steps that will be taken to ensure the final contract price will be fair and reasonable are also described here. Describe the extent of cost or price analysis anticipated including the requirements for certified cost or pricing data, technical evaluations, and audits.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or explain why market research was not conducted. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(8))

Generally, some form of market research should be conducted. Discuss any market research conducted pursuant to FAR Part 10 and describe results of that research. Market research is any effort undertaken to determine if sources capable of satisfying the agency's requirements exist and to determine if commercial items or non-developmental items are either available or can be modified so that they will satisfy the agency's needs. Market research should be focused not only on identifying alternate sources, but also on alternate equipment or substitutes that might fulfill the Government needs with only minor modification. Regardless of the approach used, the results should provide a high level of confidence that no other qualified sources exist.

When other exceptions from the requirement to obtain full and open competition are relied upon, the market research might be limited to an examination of the acquisition history and experience with the marketplace under previous acquisitions for the same or similar items.

If no market research was conducted, so state and provide the rationale.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(9)(i))

Provide any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition, including an explanation of why technical data packages, specifications, engineering descriptions, statements of work, statements of objectives, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed, are not being developed, are not being used, or are not available.

X. List of sources, if any, that expressed interest in the acquisition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(10))

If a sources sought synopsis was done and all interested sources are included in Section VI, it is acceptable to state, “See Section VI above.”

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(11))

Describe any actions taken or to be taken to foster competition for future acquisitions of the supplies or services being acquired. Describe potential actions that could be taken to remove the barriers to competition that have been identified in the justification and include a milestone schedule, where available, for accomplishing these actions. For example, if a follow-on competitive acquisition is planned, so state and provide the planned award date, or state that the Government will attempt to acquire rights in technical data and computer software sufficient to compete follow-on acquisitions as a priced option in the contract action that is the subject of this Justification, or (if applicable) state how the Government intends to challenge nonconforming markings on technical data and computer software delivered to it under previous contracts so those markings can be removed in order that the technical data and computer software may be used in support of a follow-on competitive acquisition, or describe plans to qualify additional sources.

Address efforts to ensure competition for future spare parts and maintenance in support of systems or equipment covered by the justification, even when these acquisitions will be accomplished by other organizations. Include a discussion on available breakout data.

If no actions are planned, so state and provide reasons. If approval is sought for more than one year, explain why a sole source effort is required for the planned time duration.

For a non-competitive follow-on acquisition to a previous award for the same supply or service supported by a Justification citing the same authority, include a discussion of the actions planned to overcome barriers to competition established in the previous justification, the status of those actions, and the results of those actions. The approval authority shall determine whether the planned actions were completed. If the planned actions were not completed, the justification for the follow-on acquisition shall be approved by the approval authority one-level above the approval authority for the previous justification (see FAR 13.501(a)(2)). If the previous justification was approved by the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE), the approval remains at the SPE level.

[DFARS 213.501(a) and DFARS PGI 206.304(a)(S-70)(ii)] XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(12))

As evidenced by his/her signature, the contracting officer has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel. (FAR 6.303-2(c))

As evidenced by their signatures, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein, which is their responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

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