BNJ_Final_Globalstar_AW_JH_0001.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS) plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document sets forth the justification and approval for award on a limited source basis as required by FAR 13.106-1.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. Establish a multiple year award, with one base year and four option years to provide access to the Globalstar Satellite Network and proprietary LEO satellite constellation that is owned by Globalstar.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. New York Water Science Center (NYWSC) request an award for GPS satellite tracking, messaging, and life-saving S.O.S services for government owned SPOT Gen4 and SPOT Gen3 devices. Optimal service plan would be described as a flex plan to where the device will only be activated for a month at a time and not for a full calendar year.

4. Estimated Dollar Value. $109,132.80

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) (brand-name).

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. Globalstar Satellite Network and proprietary LEO satellite constellation is the only satellite network that is compatible with the116 SPOT devices that NYWSC owns.

7. Other Information. N/A

8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted.

Globalstar, OEM of the SPOT devices and owner of Globalstar Satellite Network utilize embeddable satellite transmitter that prevents the SPOT devices to be compatible with other satellite networks. Globalstar has an established network of small business resellers that would allow this requirement to be competed among them on a name brand basis.

9. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition. Future requirements will undergo market research for same or similar items and be competed to the maximum extent practical.

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a limited source basis. I certify that technical data which form a basis for this justification, that are the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel are complete and accurate.

Andrew Waite, Supervisory Hydrologist

11. Certifications and Approval from the Contracting Officer:

a. Prices will be determined fair and reasonable by comparing prices paid for similar items on previous purchase orders and receipt of competitive quotes among resellers.

b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

13. Approvals

Jeffery Hall, Contracting Officer Date

Jennifer Kelley, Bureau Competition Advocate Date