12444821P0043 JOFOC_Stress corrosion cracking_021021.pdf

Template for Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition, February 2019

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

United States Department of Agriculture

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.3

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

This requisition is being acquired for the US Forest Service (USFS), National Technology &

Development Program (NTDP), Missoula Technology & Development Center (MTDC) located in

Missoula, MT, by the Washington Office Procurement Support Branch.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The MTDC intends to enter into an, other than full and open competition, sole source, firm fixed-price contract with Element Materials Laboratory.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

The MTDC has a (service) need to study stress corrosion cracking of stainless-steel alloys exposed to long-term retardants. This procurement is for on-going product testing of new wildland fire chemicals. It has become a noteworthy safety concern to have different retardants evaluated against

10 different alloys that exist on next generation airtankers. This study proposes to use ASTM G39 to identify stress corrosion cracking (SCC). This is outside the scope of current uniform and intergranular corrosion testing to Forest Service Specifications FS 5100-304d (Long-term

Retardants).

The cost of this testing is estimated at $206,000. This type of testing is highly specialized with metallurgical and aerospace subject matter expertise being a requirement for a proper study design, evaluation and interpretation of the safety concerns of this type of corrosion.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, titled "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements."

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

The MTDC Fire Chemicals Program has a need to evaluate critical airtanker component alloys for long term use, structural integrity and compatibility with long-term retardants.

This testing requires subject matter experts with extended experience in metallurgy, aerospace and structural engineering and design. The laboratory needs to have the capacity to perform all testing, including 4-point bend specimen holders, incubators, and operational capacity to perform 120 different metallurgical tests across 4 long-term retardant solutions and 9 different alloys. Failure analysis of crack depth for each alloy will be reported within the final detailed report. The data collected will advise airtanker vendor corrosion protection and control programs CPCP. Since this data will be used to advise safety protocols and inspection procedures, it is critical that this analysis be performed by experienced personnel familiar with SCC and also familiar with aerospace structural loading and design requirements.

Initial market research identified that no other contractor would be able to meet the full scope of this work with these specific needs.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

A synopsis was not submitted through Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) in accordance with FAR 5.202(a)(13), “The contracting officer determines that – The proposed contract action is for an amount not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.”

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

A “fair and reasonable” determination is based off of the Government estimate provided by the nominated contracting officer’s representative (COR) and the quote submitted by the recommended vendor to provide a report on Stress Corrosion cracking from Element Materials Laboratory.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

GSA Advantage was researched to see if alternate vendors could be identified to perform (services) testing to ASTM G39. None were identified. Further market reseach determined that the required testing was nota available from another vendor. Since there are no alternatives available it is in the best interest of the Government to procure this service as a sole source award to Element Materials

Testing.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

This testing is extremely time sensitive.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

None identified.

11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data that form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

Hunter Jones, Project Manager, Fire Chemicals

National Technology & Development Program, Missoula Technology & Development Center

The information contained in this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contract Specialist

US Forest Service, AQM/Procurement Support

Contracting Officer

Branch Chief