J_A_SAM_Posting_1.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

https://www.blm.gov

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES

This document sets forth the justification and approval as required by 13.106-1(b)(1) & (2).

1. Contracting agency and activity.

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), requests the Utah State Office to contract on a sole source (including brand name) basis.

2. Nature and/or description of action being approved.

The Color Country District Office is in need of a Rangeland Drill that is capable of planting a variety of seed in rough, rocky conditions. The Truax On The Go Drill is being utilized by other BLM offices and the reputation as a durable and reliable rangeland drill is well known. The request is for a Truax (OTG 7516) because it will meet the needs of rehabilitation and proactive treatments for the improvement of wildlife habitat. Truax Company, Inc. is the builder of this rangeland drill.

3. Description of supplies or services.

The Truax (OTG 7516) drill is capable of handling rough, rocky conditions. The drill consists of multiple seed boxes that allow for a variety of seed (perennial grass, perennial forb and shrubs) to be planted at varying depths. This will provide accurate planting depths to provide for successful seedings. The Truax drill also has optional accessories including imprinters and leading press wheel that allow for the preparation of a desirable seed bed in diverse conditions.

The Truax (OTG 7516) drill is also easily transportable via a trailer or towed to the next site.

The Truax drill is also rugged and simple to use and has a good reputation.

4. Estimated dollar value.

The estimated cost of the Truax (OTG 7516) drill is $55,000. Accessories including interchangeable imprinters and leading press wheels allow for optimal planting conditions for perennial forb and shrub seed with a cost of $5,200. The total estimated cost of the Truax drill and accessories is $60,200.

https://www.blm.gov/

5. Statutory authority.

X_41 U.S.C. 1901 – Simplified acquisition procedures (use when the simplified procedures for purchases of property and services for amounts (1) not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold

41 U.S.C 1903 – Special emergency procurement authority (applies when in support of a contingency operation as defined in section 101(a) of title 10 or to facilitate the defense against or recovery from nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack against the United States).

6. Rationale supporting use of the authority stated in paragraph 5.

The Truax Company has been building drills and planting equipment for challenging conditions since 1974. The drill consists of multiple seed boxes, which effectively ensures that a variety of seed to be planted at the correct depth. The Truax Company has customers located in 49 States and also has customers internationally. The discs with double row bearings limits down time of replacing and refurbishing disc blades. The staggered double disc openers allow for trash clearance, which limits plugging. There is also a simple way to calibrate the drill using the calibration nut that ensures the proper number of seed is being planted. The leading press wheel and the interchangeable imprinters would allow for the creation of a seed bed that enhances seed placement while being able to roll and press seed (e.g., sagebrush) into the soil surface.

7. Other information.

Not Applicable

8. The efforts to identify additional sources including the market research conducted.

Market Research was performed to determine the availability of rangeland drills that could be utilized in rough, rocky conditions. Many of the drills that are available are primarily identified for private cropland or pastures. Cropland and pastures are typically free of rock and debris. It was determined that the Truax Drill was the most capable drill on the market that could handle the rough, rocky conditions.

9. Future plans to permit competition.

The Truax drill has been patented, which makes it difficult to replicate by other manufacturers.

The Truax Company has been in business since 1974 and have continually made updates and improvements to the rangeland drill. The market for rangeland drills is limited due to demand.

Other companies could work to develop the technology for their own rangeland drill; however, this would be based on the available market for this product.

10. The ordering activity Contracting Officer’s certification that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of the Contracting Officer’s knowledge and belief and evidence that the supporting data that form a basis for the justification have been certified as complete and accurate by technical/program personnel.

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, and which form a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

//Signature on File//

Name Date Title Contracting Officer’s Representative

I certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief:

Byron Anderson, Contrast Specialist Utah State Office

Date

Temujene H. Makua, Contracting Officer Date Utah State Office