Sole_source_Justification_Ussing_Signed_Redacted.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENTS UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD (<$150,000)

(The use of this template is optional and solely for the convenience of the Contracting Officer)

1. Describe the requirement, as well as the total estimated dollar value. Please note that the requirement is the minimum acceptable specification or capability, and is not necessarily the best in the industry.

The USDA/ARS seeks to procure a quantity of (1) Ussing chamber system setup that includes a voltage/current clamp in order to provide quantitative measurement of nutrient, electrolyte, drug, metabolite, and other molecular transport across epithelial tissue and cellular monolayers. The agency plans to acquire a Physiologic Instruments Inc.

Full 8-Channel Easymount Ussing Chamber System based on the P2300 chamber setup which includes VCC MCS-8S voltage/current clamp with AA II data acquisition package.

2. List the proposed vendor and contact information.

Physiologic Instruments Inc.

12335 World Trade Dr. Ste 6 San Diego, CA 92128-3783

DUNS# 193337821

Contact: Ping Ping Yuan rachael@piusa.net

1-(858)451-8845 - PHONE

3. Describe why the proposed vendor is the only vendor from which the requirement can be obtained. Examples of acceptable justifications include but are not limited to: sole manufacturer and seller, adherence to warranty provisions, urgency, etc. If other vendors can provide similar products or services, describe why they cannot meet our particular requirement.

ARS Researchers at the Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit will be conducting collaborative research projects with colleagues at the University of Cork (Cork, Ireland). The scientific collaborators use the Physiologic Instruments Inc. instrumentation and therefore ARS scientists require the same platform to retain, communicate, and analyze data within the same parameters. A failure to have similar equipment would nullify our research efforts. Having a homogeneous instrument and laboratory environment makes managing the research much more efficient with respect to research productivity. Given these factors the Full 8-channel Easymount Ussing Chamber System with VCC MC8-8S voltage/current clamp made by Physiologic Instruments Inc. shall be acquired.

The ordering activity determines this is the sole distributor of this item and represents the best value to the government. After an internal discussion among ARS research employees it was determined that Physiologic Instruments Inc. Full channel Easymount Ussing Chamber System with VCC MCS-8S voltage/current clamp equipment would be the only choice to provide instrument and laboratory functionality to the ARS user base.

Based on agency market research and current price comparisons we conclude and determine the price is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the government.

August 08, 2019

Reviewed By:

Section Head Date

08/08/2019