Brand_Name_Justification_gravimeter_REDACTED_Redacted.pdf

PR 40437751

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document sets forth the justification and approval for award of a firm-fixed price contract on a limited source basis as required by FAR 13.5 and 11.105.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. This action is a new order for multiple gravimeters from Scintrex Ltd., Concord, ON Canada.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. Scintrex CG-6 Autograv land gravity meter. Quantity 2 with option to purchase two (2) additional gravity meters. The requiring program office is the Volcano Science Center, Vancouver, WA

4. Estimated Dollar Value.

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority of Section 201 of the Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 USC 501) and FAR 13.5 and 11.105 - Items Peculiar to One Manufacturer.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. Scintrex gravimeters are required by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcano Science Center to measure gravity changes associated with active volcanism throughout the United States. The gravimeters are required because of their low power consumption and weight (critical for backcountry work) and their resolution (which is needed to see small changes that occur at active volcanoes).

The Scintrex CG-6 gravimeter is the only instrument that can support a shock of up to 20 g and not have a significant offset, or tare. This is because the instrument does not have a movable spring, unlike all other portable gravity instruments, but instead measures the force needed to keep a spring from changing length. It is also lightweight, has low power consumption, and is not subject to tilt variations. All these characteristics are critical for using the instruments in the backcountry and in remote areas (where they will have to be carried in backpacks or flown via helicopter). The instrument is also the only available one to have a reading accuracy of 0.1 microgals and a repeatability of less than 5 microgals. Because changes at volcanoes are often at the 10 microgal level, this level of accuracy is required to detect the small changes that might precede volcanic activity at places like Kilauea (Hawaii), Mount St. Helens (Washington), and Yellowstone (Wyoming). For fulfilling the monitoring mandate of the USGS Volcano Science Center, a Scintrex gravimeter is the only gravity instrument that meets the required level of accuracy and portability for use on volcanoes in the USA.

7. Other Information. USGS scientists have experience with all types of gravimeters and have confirmed that the operational specifications of the CG-6 are accurate. Practical experience with all available types of portable gravity instruments confirms that the CG-6 is the only one that meets the requirements in terms of accuracy, repeatability, portability, and durability.

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

Market research was conducted.

Numerous other scientists from academia were consulted as to their experience with the CG-6 gravimeter and competing products. They confirmed that the CG-6 operates as specified by the manufacturer, and that gravity changes on the order of those that are required to monitor volcanic activity are detectable by the instrument. Other instruments do not have the accuracy to detect such small changes.

A sources sought pre-solicitation 140G0319Q0097 was posted on Fed Biz Ops to determine the availability of businesses capable of providing gravity meter instruments for use in monitoring volcanic activity. Two responses were received:

Competition may be available among resellers.

9. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition. Future requirements for the same/similar items will 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.

Date

Geophysicist

11.

Certifications and Approval from the Contracting Officer:

a. The contracting officer determines the order represents a fair and reasonable price to the Government based on market research and competitive quotes received for the Scintrex product.

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

12. Approvals

Cheryl Ciccarelli, Contracting Officer Date

Date Chief, Branch of Acquisition and Grants OAG Sacramento, USGS

Date Policy Team Lead & Bureau Competition Advocate