FAR 13 Single Source or Brand Name Justification Less Than SAT v2_QuantStudio_Chandler.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Limited Source/Brand Name Justification

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – Simplified Acquisitions Control No. (if applicable) ______________________

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA-APHIS-WS-National Wildlife Research Center 4101 Laporte Ave Fort Collins, CO 80521

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

Acquisition of digital PCR instrumentation and warranty maintenance. There is an existing GSA contract to cover this acquisition of the PCR instruments however the warranty plan is considered open market: GSA# GS07F161BA. Specifically, we request 2x QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR Systems, and the associated warranty maintenance. Warranty maintenance for this instrument can only be provided by the manufacturer as use of a 3rd party provider would void manufacturer warranties.

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

USDA-APHIS-WS-National Wildlife Research Center is home to the Wildlife Disease Diagnostic laboratory (WDDL). Molecular detection is a primary strategy used by this laboratory for pathogen detection. As such, the Wildlife Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking to obtain two QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR Systems for pathogen detection. Additionally, this laboratory seeks to obtain four additional years of warranty maintenance on each instrument. WDDL’s Senior Scientist performed a literature review of comparable instrumentation, and found only the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR Systems to be suitable to conduct the specific assays designed by the WDDL.

Warranty maintenance is required for each instrument to comply with diagnostic testing standards regulated through the National Animal Laboratory Health Network, the WDDL, and ISO 17025.

The acquisition Cost is projected to be = $192,675.92 (quote obtained from service provider)

PCRs are $137,618.00

Warranties are $55,057.92

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

WDDL’s Supervisory Diagnostican conducted a literature evaluation of scientific instrumentation with comparable function. Only the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR Systems met the technical performance requirements required by the WDDL.

Contracting Specialist did a complete search of PCR systems on GSA and provided three options to the program. ThermoFisher Quant Studio Digital PCR systems met all the minimum requirements of the program and was determined to be the best value. Fisher Scientific does not offer extended warranties on their GSA schedule.

5. Estimated price, including all options, if applicable.

The acquisition Cost is projected to be = $192,675.92 (quote obtained from service provider)

6. Recommended source(s).

GSA / Fisher Scientific-For PCRs

Open market sole source / Fisher Scientific-For warranties

Certifications

Supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel and which form the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Jeffrey Chandler Supervisory Biologist

The information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), I hereby determine the circumstances described above deem only one source, or limited sources, reasonably available and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated in this document.

Malcolm Confer Contracting Specialist