A18 - Brand Name or Equal_0001.pdf

Bureau of Land Management – Amarillo Field Office Storage and Pipeline Operations Division

Justification for the use of Brand Name Rectifiers

Identification and Description of Action Being Approved:

This acquisition specifies the use of brand name rectifiers manufactured by Universal Rectifiers Inc.

Description of Supplies or Services Required:

The Amarillo Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a need to purchase Universal Rectifiers Inc. rectifiers. The rectifiers are used to provide a Direct Current (DC) for corrosion protection to the Bureau-owned, underground, high-pressure, gas pipeline that transports helium. The pipeline must be protected in this manner according to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Identification of Statutory Authority:

Pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b) Soliciting from one Source. For acquisitions that do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold the contracting officer may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name, or industrial mobilization).

Demonstration That the Acquisition Requires Use of the Authority Cited:

The Amarillo Field Office (AMFO) operates a pipeline that transports helium.

Along the pipeline there are rectifiers that provide DC to the pipeline for corrosion protection. All rectifiers installed along the pipeline are manufactured by Universal Rectifiers, Inc.

To maintain consistency is how rectifiers are maintained and operated it is in the best interest of the Government to install rectifiers from the same manufacturer as the current rectifiers. This standardization allows for operators and inspectors to be trained on the operation of one rectifier, this eliminates the possible confusion in differing operating methods. Installing multiple manufacturer’s rectifiers along the pipeline could become a safety issue due to possible variances in maintenance or operating requirements.

The standardization also allows the requirement stock replacement parts for one rectifier type.

The cost of replacing all rectifiers with another brand is cost prohibitive and is not feasible due to the process involved in replacing rectifiers and restoring of the ground beds.

Description of Efforts to Solicit as Many Offers as Practicable:

This requirement is for a contractor to procure and install rectifiers along the pipeline. The solicitation will be issued and posted on beta.sam.gov, being that only the rectifiers are brand name, the solicitation will not be restricted in competition. Market research results indicate that suitable small business concerns are available to meet the requirements of this acquisition, therefore the only restriction on competition will be a small business set aside.

Pursuant to FAR 12.603(a) this solicitation will be issued as a combined synopsis/solicitation.

Demonstration that the Anticipated Costs Will Be Fair and Reasonable:

Based on market research, the contracting officer is confident that adequate competition will exist, and pricing will be determined as fair and reasonable using competition.

Market Research:

Market research will be conducted to arrive at the most suitable approach to acquiring the procurement and installation of the rectifiers.

Other Factors Supporting the Use of Other Than Full and Open Competition:

This requirement will be solicitated based on the results of market research, being that only a portion of the acquisition is brand name, the Government anticipates full and open competition after determining set asides, etc.

Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

N/A

Actions Taken to Remove or Overcome Barriers to Competition:

This requirement will be solicitated based on the results of market research, being that only a portion of the acquisition is brand name, there is no anticipation on barriers to competition.

Contracting Officer’s Certification:

The justification for use of brand name or equal components for this acquisition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

David Slade Contracting Officer Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center