Attachment 3 - JA Restricting Competition - 1232SA26Q1472.pdf

This is a Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold filed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

The requisition (No. 1169644) is issued by the United States National Poultry Research Center (USNPRC) located in Athens, Georgia, with contracting activity through USDA, ARS, AFM, APD, COB in Beltsville, Maryland. The requirement involves repairing programming issues and providing preventive maintenance services for a Caterpillar Model AA switchgear (Serial No. 32269) located in Building B2, Room S55 at the USNPRC facility. The contractor must provide all labor, supervision, materials, tools, equipment, and services necessary to fully service the unit and resolve false alarm indications on the HMI, perform an infrared scan under load, and deliver a comprehensive report detailing services performed, test results, identified issues, and recommended corrective actions. Work scope includes demolition, fabrication, installation, coordination, and cleanup, all conducted in occupied operational facilities and coordinated with USDA personnel. Power outages must be minimized and scheduled in advance, and temporary cooling must be provided as needed to maintain appropriate space conditions.

The Government has identified Yancey Bros Co (Austell, Georgia, UEI: GNAXEMT6JLK8) as the sole suggested source. The justification for restricting competition cites the switchgear's proprietary hardware components and uniquely programmed software exclusive to Caterpillar, along with specialized configuration and protected operating architecture that require factory-authorized and certified vendors possessing specific technical knowledge, diagnostic tools, and programming capabilities. The Government asserts that engaging non-certified vendors would compromise system integrity, operational reliability, and security of proprietary Caterpillar technology.