A05. Part 8 J&A for Under SAT 1174499FE.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Only One Source Able to Provide the Products, Services, or Solutions

Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Identification Number: 1174499

Rev. 10/29/25

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.401 and General Services Administration Regulation (GSAR) 538.7104-3 (a), the following documents the decision to restrict competition for this acquisition.

(1) Mission Area and Contracting Activity.

Requisition Number: 1174499

Requesting Activity Agency: USDA, Agricultural Research Station (ARS)

Contracting Activity: USDA, USFS Land Management, Stewardship and Job Corps Division West - 2

(2) Estimated Value

Period Fiscal Year Total

BASE FY26 $118,450

Option 1 FY27 $124,719 Option 2 FY28 $131,332

Grand Total $374,501

(3) Brief Description of Supplies or Services

This is a non-IT multi-year GSA MAS task order for recurring onsite preventive maintenance, operator coaching, diagnostic support, and mechanical inspections necessary to maintain reliable operation of research facilities and ensure safe laboratory environments at the Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory located in Byron, Georgia. Services will be performed by Siemens as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the BAS controls and mechanical systems installed onsite. The intent of this order is to ensure the continuity, functionality, and operational stability of the ARS laboratory environment over the base year and two option years.

Siemens Desigo CC (Command & Control) operates as the central control, monitoring, and safety coordination system for the ARS Byron research facility. It ties together all critical HVAC, laboratory environmental, and mechanical system components to maintain safe, stable research conditions.

(4) Suggested Source

Siemens Industry, Inc.

1000 Deerfield Parkway, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Branch performing services: 1745 Corporate Drive, Norcross, GA 30093

UEI: JZXZSN3BBL98

GSA MAS Contract: GS-07F-217CA (SIN 334512) Siemens contacts: Martien McGillivray (Mechanical); Steve Morrow (Automation)

The Desigo modules, restricted diagnostic executables, and Siemens-controlled update pathways. These are

Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Identification Number: 1174499

Rev. 10/29/25 required to maintain BAS cybersecurity posture, ensure compatibility with existing Siemens controllers, and prevent system instability. Siemens does not authorize any third party to modify, update, or diagnose Desigo

(5) Justification for Restricting Competition and the Basis for that Decision.

A. Explain the unique qualifications/characteristics of the proposed contractor or product and why no other contractor or product/service can meet the Government's need.

The USDA Byron facility uses a Siemens Desigo CC Building Automation System (BAS) as its firmware, diagnostic tools, and update mechanisms are proprietary and owned exclusively by Siemens Industry, Inc. The work required under this agreement includes annual Desigo CC OEM software instrumentation.

No other contractor can legally obtain or apply Siemens Desigo CC OEM software updates, firmware interface with Siemens field panels, supervisory controllers, or BAS servers without violating software licensing restrictions, creating cybersecurity vulnerabilities, or causing incompatibility with installed firmware. Because Desigo CC is a closed OEM platform, only Siemens Industry, Inc. can provide:

OEM software subscription/update entitlements OEM diagnostic and firmware tools Desigo CC network health routines OEM calibration tools for differential pressure sensors and fume hood monitors

-controlled AHU components

The mechanical systems (chillers, boilers, pumps, AHUs, unit heaters, split systems) are integrated at the BAS level. Using separate mechanical and BAS contractors would introduce conflicting settings, unsupported firmware interactions, and potential system instability affecting laboratory environmental

“Only one source is capable of providing the supplies/services required.”

This justification is the minimum necessary to meet the Government’s need.

B. Describe market research conducted and the results or the reason why no market research was conducted.

Market research confirmed that the Byron facility’s existing BAS platform is the Siemens Desigo CC OEM system, originally installed and maintained by Siemens. Research included review of GSA eLibrary

Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Identification Number: 1174499

Rev. 10/29/25 proprietary licensing, diagnostics, firmware updates, or calibration.

contractor authorized under SIN 334512 to perform Desigo CC OEM software updates and diagnostics. No other MAS contractor holds Siemens OEM licensing, update rights, or BAS firmware tools.

SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) identified small businesses under NAICS 238220, but none possess OEM Siemens Desigo CC authorization. NAICS presence alone does not establish capability to perform proprietary OEM BAS services.

Because Desigo CC is a closed OEM platform and its proprietary firmware, software modules, MAS vendor exists.

Proprietary technical data and sensitive facility information have been removed from this public version of the justification in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(c)(2)(ii).

Certifications & Approvals

(1) Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

Kirsten Pilkerton Deputy Director, APD

(2) Contracting Officer’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification.

Klenise Wallace Contracting Officer

KIRSTEN

PILKERTON

Digitally signed by

KIRSTEN PILKERTON

Date: 2026.09.30 05:28:31 -04'00'