JOFOC_Microwave_System.DOCX

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

LIMITED SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

FAR PART 6.302-1

USDA Forest Service, Microwave Radio Hardware and Equipment

1. Identification of Agency and the Contracting Activity.

The requisitioning activity for this requirement is the United States Forest Service, Chief Information Office (CIO). The contracting activity is the United States Forest Service, Washington Office Acquisition Management Information Technology (WO-AQM IT) Support Branch.

2. Nature and/or Description of Action Being Approved.

This procurement if for Microwave systems for the Inyo NF in Region 5.

3. Description of Supplies or Services Required to Meet Agency’s Need Including Estimated Value.

This procurement action is for the purchase of Cambium broadband point-to-point (PTP) 700 microwave radio equipment and accessories for improved radio communications across the Inyo National Forest.

4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open completion:

In accordance with 6.302-1(c), this justification supports the rational associated with a specific brand name that will satisfy agency requirements.

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

Cambium Microwave Components have been determined to be essential to satisfying the Government’s requirements that is limited to a brand name (the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)) capable of providing the Cambium microwave radio components. Cambium is unique and highly specialized in providing connectivity across wireless broadband data networks. Currently, many radio systems in the USFS use Cambium PTP-700 broadband radio equipment at multiple locations for the radio equipment and digital voice and data transport.

Continuing with Cambium broadband microwave radio equipment and systems allows for savings, efficiency, and continuity as follows:

a. The limitation to Cambium PTP-700 products on the Inyo NF allows the Forest to:

· reduce the cache of spare parts

· decrease repair time

· eliminate/reduce amount of programming equipment

· derive savings by limiting training requirements of Service Area Technicians

· provide compatibility with other existing microwave radio systems within USFS Service Areas (SA)

· decrease repair times

· provide dependable/reliable/functional microwave radio system(s) due to experience and knowledge

b. The broadband microwave radio is a recognized standard for radio-control and is utilized at differing degrees nationwide. Cambium PTP-700 radios has been found to be reliable, dependable, and effective. Maintenance to these systems requires unique replacement parts and supporting equipment only available through the sole manufacturer.

c. For system replacements and upgrades, such as this ordering action, it is the intent of the Forest Service to utilize Cambium Microwave replacement parts and equipment which are unique to Cambium. This leverages a common solution to eliminate compatibility risks of potential non-OEM items, optimizes component support and allows for proper spare component stock.

d. It is not advantageous to the Forest Service to add complexity to its systems. Utilizing broadband microwave radio techniques and equipment from Cambium, that are currently utilized both locally, and nationwide, assures complexity is minimized. As a result, other companies’ similar products cannot be modified to meet the Agency’s needs.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

In reviewing the technical requirement and compatibility constraints of this requirement, the Technical Program Office has determined that even by limiting full and open competition, it will not prevent the Forest Service in receiving fair and reasonable pricing for the product being procured. Informal market research was conducted and historical acquisition data was reviewed and it was found that Cambium parts have been acquired by utilizing brand name procedures. Therefore, the Forest Service will be able to obtain pricing that is fair and reasonable for the products needed to meet this mission objective.

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

This is a firm fixed price contract. Market research have been assessed in order to gauge the expectation of reasonable pricing. Based on this research, it is expected that proposed prices will be found to be fair and reasonable prior to contract award.

8. A Description of Market Research Conducted and the Results or a Statement of the Reason Market Research Was Not Conducted.

The Forest Service has done due diligence to ensure that the actions they are taking are within the Federal Acquisition Regulations. It has been deemed that parts from other manufacturers are not compatible with the current Cambium system.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

a. The ability to supply unique (proprietary) factory parts that are compatible with the current system will insure that the communications in the Forest Service will function as they did when purchased new.

b. Cambium and their resellers, are the only vendor(s) that can provide the proprietary replacement parts and equipment.

c. Cambium Microwave Systems are currently established on the Forest. Connectivity into said systems can only be facilitated using Cambium equipment.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition:

ACG Systems, IMMIX Technology, Inc., Cambium Networks.

CERTIFICATION:

The Program Office signature below provides evidence that any supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel and which form a basis for the justification have been certified as complete and accurate by the technical or requirements personnel.

SUBMITTED:

Brad Mitchell R5-SA1, Supervisory Electronics Technician

I certify that this justification and any supporting documentation are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CONCUR:

Suzan Stage Contracting Officer, WO AQM IT Support Branch

APPROVED:

Lorine Duran Contracting Officer, WO AQM IT Support Branch

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY