2019_NTDP_Bluewater_Ropes_-_Sole_Source_Justificationr.docx

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR PURCHASES NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THESHOLD FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)

1. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), I hereby determine that the Bluewater Armortech Ropes, listed on IAS Requisition No. _948199__________, is available from only one source, and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available due to the customization of the product by the manufacturer and the quality control and safety requirements of the USFS Helicopter Rappel Program.

2. This acquisition is restricted to the following source:

3. The Bluewater Armortech Ropes are estimated to cost $_110,000_______ and is required to be performed/purchased by:_USFS Technology and Development Program / Fire and Aviation Management.

The Bluewater Armortech Ropes are described as:

Qty (136) 11mm Bluewater Armortech ropes (non-tracer) 250’ length with dual stitch sewn terminations, stainless steel teardrop thimble, and unique serial number. Part number 509425ST2CTN

Qty (116) 11mm Bluewater Armortech ropes (tracer) 300’ length with dual stitch sewn termination, stainless steel teardrop thimble, and unique serial number. Part number 509430ST2CTNTEBK

Qty (16) 11mm Bluewater Armortech ropes (non-tracer) 75’ length with dual stitch sewn terminations, stainless steel teardrop thimble, and unique serial number. Part number 5094075ST2CTN

Qty (12) 11mm Bluewater Armortech ropes (non-tracer) 25’ length with dual stitch sewn terminations, stainless steel teardrop thimble, and unique serial number. Part number 5094025ST2CTN

4. Specific characteristics of the <Bluewater Armortech Ropes> limit the availability to a sole source as follows:

The USFS Helicopter Rappel Program and the National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) have completed a multi-year evaluation utilizing various configurations of the 11mm Bluewater Armortech Rope. Throughout this process an acceptable rope has been selected for use in USFS helicopter rappelling. No other product exists in the market that meets these requirements, or has not been thoroughly evaluated during this process. These ropes are a vital piece of a life safety equipment system in which quality control is of great importance. Ropes manufactured or terminated (sewn terminations) by other entities have not been evaluated and could not be assumed to be safe for the purpose of helicopter rappelling.

Third party vendors offering 11mm Bluewater Armortech ropes would not be able to meet the strict quality control requirements of the USFS Helicopter Rappel Program which requires ropes have a unique serial number containing information related to the manufacturing of the equipment.

Only this suggested source can furnish the requirements, to the exclusion of other sources, because:

5. Check and fill in all that are applicable:

☒ The material or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. The current equipment is: USFS helicopter rappel life safety equipment (harness, carabiners, descenders, restraint tethers) and the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system by:

Evaluation of the required ropes have been thoroughly evaluated for system performance and compatibility through the Director approved USFS Helicopter Rappel Equipment Evaluation Plan (Phases I-IV). The product must be compatible with all USFS helicopter rappel life safety equipment and FAA Certified and installed anchors systems. The ropes listed are the only acceptable equipment approved for use by the National Rappel Operations Subcommittee and National Rappel Training Subcommittee.

The costs associated with evaluation of a substitute product is not feasible. The approved ropes have been evaluated during a multi-year evaluation consisting of nearly 1000 rappel cycles.

CERTIFICATION

I certify that statements checked and information provided above are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1),the processing of this sole-source justification precludes the use of full and open competition.

Equipment Specialist Evaluation Director

Tina Cook Contracting Officer Date