1202SC25Q2701 - FAR 6 and 13.5 Justification & Approval REDACTED.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification under

Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items (FAR 13.5) Control No. (if applicable) ______________________

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

1a. Requesting Activity Agency: Rocky Mountain Fire Cache (RMK) 1b. Contracting Activity: PPS, IPO, At Incident Management Support Branch (AIMS)

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The PPS, IPO, AIMS intends to enter into an “Other than Full and Open” competition, Sole Source, Firm Fixed-Price, base plus two (2) option years, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract with Met One Instruments, Inc., a registered small business.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

The USDA/Forest Service (USDA/FS), RMK, intends to procure an estimated 100 new PM2.5-capable smoke monitors from Met One Instruments, Inc. over the next three years. This purchase will include associated parts and support services—calibration, upgrades, repairs, and technical support—for both new units and the 48 existing monitors currently in USDA-FS inventory, some of which are over 15 years old.

These monitors are essential for real-time smoke monitoring during prescribed burns and wildfire incidents, as part of the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program (IWFAQRP), managed at RMK. The required models—E-Sampler, E-BAM, Swift 6.0, and Swift 20/25—are “Wildfire Editions” (WF) equipped with PM2.5 sharp-cut cyclones, relative humidity sensors, wind speed/direction sensors, and Geostationary Satellite Server (GOES) satellite data transmission.

These features enable accurate, field-ready smoke sampling under harsh environmental conditions.

Expanding the number of compatible monitors and services within the National Interagency Support Cache (NISC) enhances the USDA/FS’s ability to support wildfire response operations under rapidly changing conditions. The E-Sampler is the most accurate, portable, battery-powered light-scattering aerosol monitor on the market. The E-BAM is the leading portable beta attenuation mass monitor, widely used by state agencies for emergency air quality response. Both models are housed in rugged, weather-resistant cases suited for wildland fire deployment.

Procurement of these systems supports standardization across field operations as they are compatible with existing systems, enabling flexible response, improving safety, and helping to protect lives, property, and equipment.

Extensive market research and lab testing by the USDA/FS National Technology Development Program (see Smoke Particulate Monitors: 2006 Update, MTDC publication 0625 2842) confirm that no alternative products meet agency specifications. Delays or failure to acquire this equipment would severely limit USDA/FS’s operational readiness and wildfire response capacity, increasing risk to personnel, property, and public safety.

The base plus two (2) option year contract cost is estimated to be:

Base Year (year 1): Estimated total value = Option Year 1 (year 2): Estimated total value = Option Year 2 (year 3): Estimated total value =

The total overall estimated value of a base plus two (2) option year, IDIQ contract for procuring Met One Instruments, Inc. equipment, parts, and services is estimated at over the life of the contract.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

41 U.S.C § 1901 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures up to $7.5 million, as authorized by FAR 13.500(a) and implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

5. Supporting rationale demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

The Met One Instruments WF E-Sampler and WF E-BAM were developed with input from the USDA/FS and are the only commercially available monitors that meet the agency’s specific requirements for nephelometer-based and beta attenuation-based real-time smoke particulate monitoring.

Field Requirements for Smoke Monitoring:

• Battery operation for a minimum of 24 hours

• Real-time particulate monitoring

• Gravimetric filter capability for custom calibration

• Lightweight design (under 25 lbs.)

• Environmental protection for field use

• Communication capability with the GOES satellite network or similar telemetry systems

• Accuracy within 25% of Federal Reference or Equivalent Method standards

• User-defined inlet heater to remove relative humidity from air samples, ensuring accurate measurements in high-humidity environments

Additionally, Met One Instruments supplies over 85% of the Federal Reference Method (FRM) and Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) particulate samplers used by regulatory agencies at both state and local levels.

Met One Instruments is the sole manufacturer and provider of these monitors and their proprietary components. No other vendors are authorized or capable of supplying compatible parts or services.

Standardizing with Met One ensures:

• Operational consistency

• Reduced training complexity

• Field-level capability to conduct critical repairs using interchangeable components

Introducing non-compatible equipment would void warranties and present safety risks to both personnel and systems.

Since 2008, the U.S. Forest Service has utilized Met One’s E-BAM and E-Sampler monitors. In 2013, Met One was officially adopted as the National Fire Cache System’s standard vendor for smoke monitoring, coinciding with the launch of the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program (IWFAQRP). Their systems continue to be the only particulate matter monitors that meet the unique field and environmental needs of the USDA/FS.

The USDA Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) has conducted extensive market research and laboratory testing (see MTDC publication: Smoke Particulate Monitors: 2006 Update, 0625-2842, available at:

http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf06252842/pdf06252842dpi72.pdf).

Failure to acquire these specific monitors and support services in a timely manner would severely limit operational readiness for upcoming fire seasons and jeopardize the USDA/FS’s fire protection responsibilities. Moreover, any reduction in nationwide fire suppression capabilities would pose additional risks to property, USDA/FS personnel, and civilian safety, as these monitors are a critical component of the USDA/FS wildland firefighting infrastructure.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

Due to the proprietary nature of this procurement—including manufacturer equipment guidelines, software upgrades, compatibility requirements, and warranty considerations related to existing Met One Instruments equipment currently in the USDA-FS inventory and authorized equipment directives—a “Notification of Intent to Sole Source” will be submitted through the Government Point of Entry (GPE) at Contracting Opportunities on www.sam.gov, in accordance with FAR 5.201(b)(1)(i):

“For acquisitions of supplies and services, other than those covered by the exceptions in 5.202 and the special situations in 5.205, the contracting officer must transmit a notice to the GPE, for each proposed contract action meeting the threshold in 5.101(a)(1).”

Currently, no other manufacturers are utilized by the Forest Service within the National Cache System. There is a critical need to maintain existing smoke monitors and to retire or replace units reaching the end of their lifecycle—particularly for emergency deployments—while preserving a consistent national equipment standard.

Pursuing alternative products would place a significant and unnecessary burden on human, physical, and financial resources. Additionally, over 100 personnel across more than 20 agencies have been trained specifically on the use of these Met One emergency smoke monitors, underscoring the importance of maintaining system continuity.

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

Maintaining a standardized product within the NISC system results in cost savings on refurbishment, packaging, and component replacement. Met One Instruments is already the national and interagency standard and has a long-standing relationship with the Smoke Monitoring Cache (RMK), providing essential support for troubleshooting and refurbishment. Additionally, Met One has historically offered a significant discount—10% on items manufactured in-house—when orders exceed 10 units.

While alternative products may exist, none are directly compatible with the NISC system or the GOES communication platform developed by the USDA/FS. GOES is the standard transmission system for fire weather equipment, including Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS), and is provided free of charge to federal agencies. Switching to a different transmission platform would necessitate the use of commercial satellites, resulting in costly data plans and integration challenges.

Considering historic cost data, established vendor support, existing infrastructure, and free GOES transmision services to the federal agencies, the current pricing is consistent with independent government estimates and is deemed fair and reasonable.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

Due to the proprietary nature of the supplies and services related to existing Met One Industries equipment in the USDA/FS inventory and authorized equipment directives, limited market research was conducted using GSA Advantage, the SBA database, and internet searches. A “Sources Sought Notice” (1202SC25SS0003) was also posted on SAM.gov for seven calendar days, with only one response from interested vendors, however the interested party could not provide proof of their status as an authorized distributer and servicer of Met One Industries equipment.

Although market research identified more than three vendors under the appropriate NAICS code, it has been determined that awarding a firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract as a sole source to Met One Instruments, Inc. is in the best interest of the Government. This approach ensures compatibility, personnel and equipment safety, and uninterrupted operations and mission readiness during the volatile and emergent conditions of wildland firefighting operations.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

The equipment, parts, and services are being procured to replace outdated units, expand mission capacity, and maintain both new and existing systems. These monitors are essential for wildfire emergency response, supporting public health and safety by providing real-time air quality data.

Currently, the only monitors in the NISC inventory are Met One WF E-Samplers (NFES 5840) and WF E-BAMs (NFES 5841), with 48 units available. Many are outdated, requiring frequent repairs and upgrades. Their rugged use—including frequent national deployments, exposure to high smoke concentrations, and operation by personnel with varying technical skills—has degraded performance, making replacements urgent.

This replacement effort is supported by the manufacturer’s guidance and a cost-benefit analysis showing that repairs often exceed 50% of a new unit’s cost. Failures have led to unfulfilled equipment orders and delays during critical fire operations. Increasing wildfire activity and prescribed burning under initiatives like “Priority Landscapes” further strain these aging systems.

Newer models have shown improved durability under similar conditions when properly serviced.

The IWFAQRP, in collaboration with the NTDP, has developed detailed technical documentation and standards specifically for Met One monitors. Only Met One currently meets the Forest Service’s performance and durability requirements. Introducing a different system would result in non-standardized units requiring separate training, maintenance, parts, and communication systems—resources the NISC does not have.

Met One has a proven history of reliability, technical support, and collaboration with the Forest Service to improve monitor performance, reduce field issues, and extend service life. Their new units include enhancements needed for current field conditions.

Market research confirmed that no other vendor offers equipment tested, approved, and supported for USDA-FS wildfire operations. Given the proprietary nature of Met One systems and the critical need for reliable, standardized equipment, Met One Instruments, Inc. remains the sole source capable of meeting USDA-FS operational and safety requirements.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

As part of market research for this acquisition, a “Sources Sought Notice” was published under 1202SC25SS0003 on www.sam.gov with only one response from interested vendors, however the interested party could not provide proof of their status as an authorized distributer and servicer of Met One Industries equipment. As a result of market research findings, the recommended source, Met One Instruments, Inc., was the only firm approached due to the to the proprietary nature of the requirement and the ability to meet the unique needs essential to the Government.

11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

The Duty Officer of the National Smoke Monitor Cache will continue to monitor emerging technologies that will work with the smoke monitoring equipment the USDA/FS deploys for wildland fire air quality response, with the goal of finding the most innovative and cost-effective solutions for the government and the public. Additional future efforts will be assessed by Acquisition Management to ensure acquisition planning is properly conducted should the need arise. Accordingly, the Contracting Officer will conduct market research to achieve competition to the maximum practicable extent possible for subsequent acquisitions of PM smoke monitors, parts, and services to meet the safety, compatibility, and functionality requirements of the USDA/FS, IWFAQRP.

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data which form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

Attachment(s): Met Once Instruments, Inc. Proprietary Letter (1 page).

Andrew Beach Supply Management Specialist, Rocky Mountain Fire Cache (RMK)

The information contained in this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Matthew Cox Contracting Officer, FS-PPS-IPO

Additional Reviews & Approvals

Advocate for competition for the procuring activity (if over $750,000). I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Therefore, unless additional approvals are required as prescribed below, as advocate for competition for the procuring activity/MASCO, I hereby approve this justification.

Mary Morris, Director, FS-Ops-WO-PPS Mission Area Advocate for Competition (MASCO)

Andrew Beach Digitally signed by Andrew Beach Date: 2025.07.10 10:16:34 -06'00'

MATTHEW COX

Digitally signed by MATTHEW

COX

Date: 2025.07.10 11:32:12 -05'00'