SSJ_Mapei_Grout(s) 8.21_Redacted.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A) For

Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C244-23-AP-3927

1. Contracting Activity:

a. Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 04, VAPHS, University Drive Campus, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: Acquistition of proprietary Mapei –

Ultacolor Plus FA Grout. Mapei – Ultacolor Plus FA Grout is the standard application throughout VAPHS due to its chemical compound, no VOC’s, designed for hospital applications. The other factors are the ability to be easily stocked, colored directly in our Maintenance and Repair Shops, it ability to be touched up without appearing to be. This Sole Source Product is for Mapei – Ultacolor Plus FA Grout to be used in this project, which will be approximately

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs: The VAPHS uses Mapei – Ultacolor Plus FA Grout through out all facilities on both the University Drive and Heinz Campuses.

Mapei – Ultacolor Plus FA Grout has been found to have the lowest/No VOC’s on the market. This allows repair and touchups to be completed by our M&R with no adverse side effects to our patients. The various colors used across the campus are designed with the following performance criteria:

a. DESCRIPTION

i. Ultracolor Plus FA with DropEffect™ technology is an ultra premium, fine-aggregate, fast-setting, polymer-modified, color-consistent, nonshrinking, efflorescence-free grout for joint widths from 1/16" to 3/4" (1.5 to 19 mm). DropEffect reduces surface absorption to help repel water, dirt and grime from penetrating grout joints.

Ultracolor Plus FA is specially formulated with MAPEI’s High-Hydrated Cement Technology (HCT™) to eliminate the common problems related to Portland-cement grout, such as color consistency and efflorescence. Along with offering higher polymer content, HCT reduces absorption and increases stain resistance when compared with standard-performance cement grouts.

b. FEATURES AND BENEFITS

i. Fine aggregate (FA) allows for narrow joint widths and improved cleanability.

ii. No efflorescence (free of Portland cement)

iii. Easy to install and stain-resistant

iv. No sealer required INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND APPROVALS

v. ISO 13007: Classification CG2WAF

vi. ANSI: Meets or exceeds A118.6 and A118.7 industry standards

c. WHERE TO USE

i. Commercial and residential construction suitable for both interior and exterior installations

ii. For grouting dimensional stone, slate, granite, stone agglomerates and most types of ceramic, ceramic mosaic, quarry, brick paver, porcelain, glass and clay tiles

iii. When installing in submerged jobsites (swimming pools, spas, water features and fountains), allow 72 hours of curing.

iv. For use where grout will be exposed to foot traffic within 3 to 4 hours

v. For joint widths from 1/16" to 3/4" (1.5 to 19 mm)

d. LIMITATIONS

i. Sealing is not required. However, a high-performance penetrating grout sealer may still be applied from MAPEI’s UltraCare ® family of sealers, which includes Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer; and Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer. Follow the directions provided in the UltraCare Maintenance Guide.

ii. Do not use when a highly chemical-, impact- and stain-resistant grout is required or in heavy industrial tile installations. Instead, use an appropriate MAPEI epoxy grout (see the respective Technical Data Sheet [TDS] for details).

iii. When grouting in temperatures above 80°F (26°C), see the technical bulletin “Installing tile in hot weather” at www.mapei.com or consult MAPEI’s Technical Services Department.

iv. Consult MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for installation recommendations regarding substrates and conditions not listed.

e. LOCATION COLOR USE:

i. Wall Tile – Bathroom: Chocolate #07

ii. Wall Tile – Fireplace wall: Chocolate #07

iii. Kitchen Backsplash Tile: Ivory #39

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition:

( X ) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

( ) Unusual and Compelling Urgency ( ) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert

Services ( ) International Agreement ( ) Authorized or Required by Statute ( ) National Security ( ) Public Interest

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): The acquistition is authorized pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), and is implemented by FAR 6.302-1 (c), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: Any action to increase competion for the suppliers of the Mapei – Ultacolor Plus FA line of grout would cause an undue hardship on the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

VAPHS has been making a conscious effort to standardize the finishes throughout the restroom, laboratory and clinical areas to make them more resistant to infectious pathogens and easier for the limited custodial staff to maintain. The installation of material finishes other than Mapei would require duplication of maintenance materials and could expose our veteran patient population to dangerous pathogens unnecessarily.

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: This item is being sole sourced under a larger construction project that will be competed as a 100% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set aside.

Therefore, competition will be provided on the base contract which will lead to a fair and reasonable price.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons

Market Research Was Not Conducted: Further market research was not conducted based on the same content provided in paragraph 6 above.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: N/A

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: N/A

11. A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required:

N/A.

12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a Bona

Fide Need of the Department of Veterans Affairs and that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

_____________________________ ______08/15/23__________________ Name: Rochelle Landowski Date Title: Interior Design Facility: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP:

a. Contracting Officer or Designee’s Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contract Specialist, Construction West Date Network Contracting Office 4

b. One Level Above the Contracting Officer (Required over SAT but not exceeding $750K): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition.

Branch Chief, Construction West Date

Network Contracting Office 4

ELIJAH

MCINTOSH

Digitally signed by

ELIJAH MCINTOSH

Date: 2023.08.17 08:46:39 -04'00'

Rochelle E Landowski 657312

Digitally signed by Rochelle E Landowski 657312 Date: 2023.08.17 15:56:00 -04'00'