Brand_Name_Justification_918219_Signed.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Services (ARS)

Brand Name Justification

Authority: This document is prepared in accordance with the requirements of FAR 11.105(a) (1) and FAR 13.106-3(b) (3) (i).

“Agency requirements shall not be written so as to require a particular brand name, product, or feature of a product, peculiar to one manufacturer, thereby precluding consideration of a product manufactured by another company unless –

(a) The particular brand-name, product, or feature is essential to the Government’s requirements, and market research indicates other companies’ similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency’s needs. . .”

Nature and Description: The USDA/ARS seeks to procure a quantity of (1) Agras MG-1S Drone and associated equipment.

Identification and Justification rationale: FAR 11.105(a) (1)

Rational: The requested Drone is needed to support ARS research program in the Gainesville. The Location needs equipment that is designed for agricultural and public health pest management pesticide spraying. They will be needing a spray system and spray tank attachable to the drone. Also, they will need a core RTK guidance system. Agras is the only brand that fulfills these capabilities.

Determination: The ordering activity determines the brand name source requirement represents the best value to the government. After an internal discussion among ARS research division employees it was determined that Kubota branded equipment would be the best choice to provide an Skid Steer to the current ARS/Beltsville location.

Contacting Officer’s Determination: Based on the information provided above, in accordance with FAR 11.105(a) (1) and FAR 13.106-1(b) (1) I hereby determine that the proposed brand is the only brand reasonably available.

Contracting Officer Team Lead/ Branch Chief

Lynn S. Hults Jenny Matte

Signature:

Signature: