Brand_Name_Justification_and_Approval.pdf

RESTRICTING COMPETITION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED

ACQUISTION THRESHOLD

SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION OF THE AGENCY AND THE CONTRACTING

ACTIVITY

Department of State Contracting Activity

☒ Overseas Post Tegucigalpa

Requiring Activity

PR15911069 - ESPS Filters for Air Handling Units at the NEC

SECTION 2: NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING

APPROVED

Approval is requested to limit the number of sources for soliciting and awarding a Firm-Fixed- Price (FFP) contract for the procurement of brand name Camfil filter replacement parts for Air Handling Units (AHUs) installed at the New Embassy Compound (NEC), Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on behalf of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), Facility Management.

This acquisition will be competed among authorized Camfil distributors; however, it is restricted to the Camfil brand. This acquisition will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 12 using commercial item procedures.

SECTION 3: DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE AGENCY’S

NEEDS

The requirement is for Camfil filter replacement components for AHUs installed at NEC Tegucigalpa. These filters must be provided by authorized suppliers of Camfil products. No substitutions or equivalent products are permitted.

The AHUs were specifically designed, engineered, and balanced using Camfil filter systems during the design and construction phase. These filters meet precise system requirements, including:

MERV efficiency ratings Pressure drop tolerances Physical dimensions and sealing configuration Airflow performance specifications

These filters are critical to maintaining system performance, indoor air quality (IAQ), and overall facility operations.

The estimated value for the entire period of performance is $47,700.00.

item # Description ESPS Funded 1 Camfil Quote Q253627 $35,921.25 2 1.35% Procurement Fee $484.94

DA/Miami ocean freight spotting a 40FT STD/HC container for live-loading at Camfil’s facility in Washington, NC, sail from nearest CONUS port to Port of Puerto Cortes, Honduras, and overland from Puerto Cortes to door Post-Tegucigalpa.

$10,433.00

4 DA/Miami / Post-Tegucigalpa container port receipt & door delivery $759.62 AOA Rounding $101.19

AOA TOTALS $47,700.00

SECTION 4: IDENTIFICATION OF THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING

OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.102(a), the Contracting Officer has deemed only one source reasonably available based on the following:

☒ Brand-name

SECTION 5: DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S

UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR THE NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES

USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED

Camfil filters are the only brand that meets the Government’s minimum requirements due to system-specific engineering constraints and performance validation conducted during NEC design and commissioning.

The AHUs at NEC Tegucigalpa were designed and balanced based on Camfil filter performance characteristics, including pressure drop curves, airflow resistance, and filtration efficiency. These parameters are integral to maintaining proper system operation.

The essential characteristics that make Camfil filters uniquely qualified include:

a. Engineered System Compatibility Camfil filters match the exact dimensional tolerances, gasket configurations, and sealing

CMoehler Highlight

CMoehler Highlight

CMoehler Highlight

CMoehler Highlight

CMoehler Highlight

CMoehler Highlight requirements of the installed AHUs. This ensures proper fit, eliminates air bypass, and maintains system integrity.

b. Verified Performance Characteristics The filters meet required MERV ratings and pressure drop specifications that were used as the basis for system design, airflow balancing, and commissioning. Deviations from these specifications would negatively affect system performance.

c. Operational and Mechanical Reliability Use of non-Camfil filters may result in improper fit, increased resistance, or reduced efficiency, leading to system imbalance, increased energy consumption, and potential equipment strain.

d. Warranty and Compliance Requirements Use of non-approved filters may void manufacturer warranties and compromise compliance with the Engineer of Record’s design specifications.

e. Engineering Revalidation Requirement Substitution of an alternate brand would require comprehensive engineering analysis, system testing, and rebalancing of AHUs. This would result in additional cost, operational downtime, and disruption to mission-critical activities.

f. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Life-Safety Impact Improper filtration performance could reduce protection against airborne contaminants, directly impacting occupant health, safety, and mission continuity.

Market research confirmed that while multiple distributors exist, no alternative manufacturer has been evaluated, tested, or approved for compatibility with the installed AHU systems.

Therefore, Camfil is the only brand capable of meeting the Government’s requirements.

SECTION 6. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE

ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT IS FAIR AND REASONABLE

This requirement will be competed among authorized distributors of Camfil products. Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10, including a review of pricing available on GSA Advantage and outreach to U.S.-based suppliers of Camfil products. This research identified multiple authorized distributors capable of fulfilling the requirement, supporting the expectation of adequate price competition.

A Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be posted in accordance with FAR Subpart 5.2 to promote competition. Additionally, this justification will be made publicly available in accordance with FAR 5.102(a)(6).

Although this requirement includes a brand-name restriction, it is not a sole source acquisition.

Competition is anticipated among multiple qualified vendors, which will further support the determination of fair and reasonable pricing.

SECTION 7. CERTIFICATIONS

All reviews and approvals should be completed in the order listed unless otherwise authorized or required.

REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date

Technical Cognizance:

SIGNATURE:

Edwin Gomez

Mechanical Engineer Supervisor Facility Management FAC

Date

Requirements Cognizance:

SIGNATURE:

Samuel Villareal

Facility Manager/ POSHO

Facility Management FAC

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

04-07-2026

04/07/2026

I certify that this submission is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

SIGNATURE:

Edward Ortiz Date

Contracting Officer

General Services Offices GSO