Brand_Name_Justification_BioMark_HD_Reader.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) BioMark HD Reader which includes: 20 seats Analysis Software; Real-Time PCR, Digital PCR, Genotyping; 1 Year Instrument Warranty; with installation.

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

Rational: The requested BioMark HD Reader is needed to support ARS research program in the Miami, FL. The Location needs equipment because they have been using a BioMark HD Reader for much research and currently have multiple projects being worked on this machine. However this machine belongs to MARS who is relocating to California and taking their BioMark HD Reader with them. Only the use of the same machine will work for the continued research.

Determination: The ordering activity determines the brand name source requirement represents the best value to the government. Only a BioMark HD Reader will be able to fit the current ongoing research. Anything else will require all current research to start all over.

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

Lynn S. Hults

Signature: