S01 RQ 1116028 FAR 13 Brand Name Justification_Redacted.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Limited Source/Brand Name Justification

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – Simplified Acquisitions Requisition # 1116028

Control No. ______________________

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, GA.

Contracting Activity: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business Center, Acquisitions Division, Operations Branch, Section 4.

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

Westrup LA-H Seed Brushing Machine Quantity – 1

Sets of Mantles- Size 5, 7, 12 Quantity – 3

Sets of Brushes- Medium, Stiff, Rubber beaters Quantity - 3

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

The Westrup LA-H seed brushing machine is designed for small-scale laboratory use to polish, hull, and/or scarify seed. The Westrup LA-H is It can be used in both batch or continuous flow operations. It’s uniqueness and usefulness to this facility is found in its size, which allows for processing of small seed volumes without the loss of substantial seed amounts due to machine operation. With regard to performance and flexibility of this machine, there is no equivalent technology available in the market.

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

Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR 10.002 and the following techniques used:

Contacted knowledgeable individuals in Government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements; Participated in online communications and searches among industry, acquisition personnel, and customers; Reviewed systems such as the Integrated Acquisition System, System for Award Management, the Federal Procurement Data System, and the Small Business Administration's Dynamic Small Business Search. Market research concluded that procurement of the small seed brushing machine is unlikely met using Government vendors on GSA Schedule due to the unique

FY24-FPAC-Justification-018 size and features of the equipment. Additionally, most equipment of this type is “made to order” making existing stock of suitable machinery not possible. It is determined that Acquisitions would acquire the equipment via a competitive small business set aside.

A Request for Information (RFI) was published on System Award Management (SAMS) on 8/22/23 – 8/25/23 in an effort to reach vendors capable of providing an American made equivalent and no response was received.

A Request for Information was also published on GSA eBuy on 8/22/23 and yielded no interest from GSA Schedule holders.

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

The estimated price for the Westrup LA-H seed brushing machine is

6. Recommended source(s).

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.

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.

OKSANA STREKHA

Contracting Officer

OKSANA

STREKHA

Digitally signed by

OKSANA STREKHA

Date: 2023.12.15 10:35:37 -05'00'