Single Source Justification-Video Spectral Comparator1.pdf

Version 2.0 19Aug2020

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION USING

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

FOR AN ACTION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(AUTHORITY: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))

Video Spectral Comparator – Requisition 143011-24-0197

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office

(AGO), Western Acquisition Division, Boulder, CO and Northwest Fisheries Science Center Seattle, WA

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

The NWFSC Marine Forensic Laboratory has a mission essential requirement for the purchase of a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) for use in casework involving identification of ivory and bones. A VSC will allow us to capture, measure, and annotate images; use multiple alternate light sources; and take photographs of evidence items under magnification. In addition to use for ivory/bone identifications, a VSC can help us develop new methods for definitive identification of shark fins and whale bones without DNA analysis by allowing magnification, measurement, and quantification of features such as Haversian canals on bones and denticles (structures akin to fish scales) on shark fins.

This sole source justification is for a Foster and Freeman VSC9000, for delivery in FY 2024. The purchase includes the instrument itself (with a spectrophotometer, calibration kit, and a modification for extended depth range for viewing 3 dimensional objects with the glass plate removed), external PC, 32” monitor, on-site installation, 2-year warranty, 2 days of on-site training, and free software updates for the lifetime of the instrument.

3. Identification of the single source or the brand name to be solicited.

Foster and Freeman USA 20145 Ashbrook Place #190 Ashburn, VA 20147 www.fosterfreeman.com

4. Supporting rationale. Only one source or brand name is reasonably available as detailed below:

X Compatibility to existing systems or equipment - The required supplies must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems or equipment, and the source is uniquely qualified to meet the requirement.

The USFWS National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon is the only other US Federal wildlife forensic laboratory performing ivory casework. They have the previous model Foster and Freeman VSC 8000HS. We occasionally consult with them on ivory casework, as they see ivory much more commonly than we do. In order to share with them the data files encoding image settings, we require an instrument that produces and reads the same proprietary Foster and Freeman format.

X Exclusive Licensing Agreement/Restrictive Rights/Authorized Reseller - The source has one or more of the following: an established exclusive licensing agreement, proprietary data, limited rights in data, patent rights, OEM required certifications or OEM authorized reseller, copyrights or secret processes with regard to the supplies or services required.

(Insert PR/RFQ number, as applicable)

The instrument is manufactured by and only available from Foster and Freeman. The VSC 9000 is the only instrument on the market that meets our needs, as detailed above.

X Other - Only one source is capable

We requested information from several sources Foster and Freeman and another source offer similar instruments: the F & F VSC 8000HS (current model)/9000 (new as of April 2024). These instruments have several key differences. Only the F & F VSC 8000 HS/9000 meets all of our criteria (see SON and MR documents).

5. Market Research.

Extensive internet searches were performed in an effort to find equipment that meets our specific needs as well as reaching out and speaking with document examiners who routinely use VSCs as well as to a wildlife forensic analyst who does ivory casework. In addition, a Sources Sought notice was posted to SAM.gov from 4/23/24-5/7/24 with a Statement of Need detailing required salient characteristics and the only response was from Foster + Freeman which included product specifications.

6. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification

I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

7. Determination (Required)

I hereby determine that the circumstances of this action deem only one source is reasonably available. This determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Insert name) Date Contracting Officer