P03_UPDATED_JA_36C77025Q0215_FRY 01_Redacted.pdf

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Brand Name Justification for SAP under the SAT

Revision: 01 Effective Date: 11/15/2024 Page 1 of 2 Acquisition ID# 36C770-25-AP-0319

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Brand Name Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C770-25-AP-0319

1. Contracting Activity: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 –Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) Division on behalf of the Murfreesboro CMOP.

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:

a. PAC Roller bags to be used with the Semi-Automated Packer (SAP) system

b. Manufacturer- PAC Machinery MPN# #MP1013RB

c. Estimated amount: $230,415.36

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: This is an individual brand name justification to support the procurement of the supply item listed above. Currently, PAC Roller bags are being used with the SAP at the Murfreesboro CMOP. These roller bags were determined to be the best quality for use with the SAP. Testing was completed in January 2023 for the new SAP installation in August 2023. Results of the testing is as follows:

On 1/27/23, SAP1 and SAP2 in Mid-South CMOP manual area were installed to run PAC Machinery 500 count roll bags. During this run, the only setting change that was made to the SAPs was the bag length. This gave us a comparative look at PAC Machinery roll bags versus Mid-South CMOP fan fold bags. Following the completion of the PAC Machinery 500 count roll bags, a roll of BellePak 500 count roll bags were installed to run through both SAP1 and SAP2. Again, the only setting change that was made to the SAPs was the bag length. A total of two (2) rolls of 500 count BellePak roll bags were run consecutively through SAP1 and SAP2. These rolls continued to run into 1/30/23. Once the two (2) rolls of 500 count BellePak roll bags were completed on SAP1 and SAP2, PAC machinery 750 count roll bags were installed to run on both machines, this change occurred the afternoon of 1/30/23.

At this time, both SAP machines were tuned to different settings with the goal to improve the rate of opening the bags the 1st attempt. Settings that were adjusted for this run were extra film transport and film retraction distance. At completion of the 750 count PAC Machinery roll bags, BellePak 500 count roll bags were installed and tuned in a similar manner to the PAC Machinery roll bags, this change occurred on 1/31/23. Settings that were adjusted for this run were extra film transport, film retraction distance, air pulse while film transport, and pulse time while film transport. The change for air pulsing while film transport was made due to the bags for BellePak not opening during the initial two (2) roll runs. Data for the BellePak roll bags after tuning was not collected due to difficult on achieving sustained success on

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Brand Name Justification for SAP under the SAT

Revision: 01 Effective Date: 11/15/2024 Page 2 of 2 Acquisition ID# 36C770-25-AP-0319 opening bags and a similar throughput. The test was completed on 1/31/23 after the final attempt to tune BellePak.

Based on all the data, we were able to show a clear difference between PAC Machinery and BellePak roll bags. The data suggest that PAC Machinery has a higher rate of 1st attempt opening of the bags, which positively impact throughput. PAC Machinery roll bag had less report quality checks through our internal QC program. PAC Machinery roll bags showed an increase in throughput based on the packages per hour rate on two operators. Based on these results and the feedback from the operators, PAC Machinery bags will positively impact our operation with the SAP machines. (see results attached)

Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted: In accordance with FAR Part 10, VAAR 810, and VAAM M810 market research has been conducted for this acquisition. The procurement packet was received on March 28, 2025. Market research was conducted beginning May 7,2025, for the upcoming acquisition.

A sources sought notice was posted to GSA resulting in 2 responses from SDVOSBs and 1 response from SBs that appear to be able to fulfill the requirement based on responses to sources sought notice.

The Contracting Officer conducted searches in VetCert to determine if there are service-disabled, veteran-owned business (SDVOSB) or a veteran owned small business (VOSB) who identify as manufacturers of utilizing NAICS code 326111 and yielded a total of 63 SDVOSB/VOSBs, however, these SDVOSB/VOSBs are distributors for large businesses.

There are no known SDVOSB/VOSBs manufacturers for the required products.

Market research was conducted via Dynamic Small Business search which resulted in 5 small businesses who identified as authorized distributors.

An NMR waiver is in place for NAICS code 326111 and PSC Code 7510.

Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

SARAH FRY

Digitally signed by

SARAH FRY

Date: 2025.05.13 ________________________12:25:21 -05'00' ____

Sarah Fry Contract Specialist

LARRY

ZARITZ

Digitally signed by LARRY

ZARITZ

Date: 2025.05.14 06:49:52

________________________-05'00' Larry Zaritz

Contracting Officer

Mid-South CMOP Roll Bag Test On Semi-Auto Packer (SAP)

Dates complete: 1/27/23 through 1/31/23

Roll Bags Tested: PAC Machinery 500 count and 750 count

BellePak 500 count

Test Plan Summary:

On 1/27/23, SAP1 and SAP2 in Mid-South CMOP manual area were installed to run PAC Machinery 500 count roll bags. During this run, the only setting change that was made to the SAPs was the bag length. This gave us a comparative look at PAC Machinery roll bags versus Mid-South CMOP fan fold bags. Following the completion of the PAC Machinery 500 count roll bags, a roll of BellePak 500 count roll bags were installed to run through both SAP1 and SAP2. Again, the only setting change that was made to the SAPs was the bag length. A total of two (2) rolls of 500 count BellePak roll bags were run consecutively through SAP1 and SAP2. These rolls continued to run into 1/30/23. Once the two (2) rolls of 500 count BellePak roll bags were completed on SAP1 and SAP2, PAC machinery 750 count roll bags were installed to run on both machines, this change occurred the afternoon of 1/30/23. At this time, both SAP machines were tuned to different settings with the goal to improve the rate of opening the bags the 1st attempt. Settings that were adjusted for this run were extra film transport and film retraction distance. At completion of the 750 count PAC Machinery roll bags, BellePak 500 count roll bags were installed and tuned in a similar manner to the PAC Machinery roll bags, this change occurred on 1/31/23. Settings that were adjusted for this run were extra film transport, film retraction distance, airpulse while film transport, and pulse time while film transport. The change for air pulsing while film transport was made due to the bags for BellePak not opening during the initial two (2) roll runs. Data for the BellePak roll bags after tuning was not collected due to difficult on achieving sustained success on opening bags and a similar throughput. The test was completed on 1/31/23 after the final attempt to tune BellePak.

Data Collection:

Tally markings for failed to open after 1st attempt and failed to open after 3rd attempt o Failure to open after 1st attempt is a throughput assessment Quality Checks through internal quality assessment (QA) program Throughput analysis

Results:

Tally markings:

SAP 1

Date SAP1 Failure

1st Grab

SAP1 Fault After 3

Attempts SAP1 Total

Pack 1st Grab Failure %

Fault Failure

1/27/2023 PAC (500 roll)

47 5 487 9.65% 1.03%

1/27-1/30/2023

BellPak (500 roll) 275 36 970 28.35% 3.71%

1/30-1/31/2023 PAC (750 roll) 26 2 721 3.61% 0.28%

SAP 2

Date SAP2 Failure

1st Grab SAP2 Fault After

3 Attempts

SAP2

Total Pack 1st Grab Failure %

Fault Failure %

1/27/2023 PAC (500 roll)

29 0 486 5.97% 0.00%

132 89 983 13.43% 9.05%

PAC (750 roll) 27 8 714 3.78% 1.12%

Quality Checks:

SAP 1

Date Package Failures SAP1 Total

Pack % Packages Failed

1/27/2023 PAC

(500 roll)

12 124 10%

26 131 19.9%

PAC (750 roll) 3 137 2.2%

SAP 2

Date Package Failures SAP1 Total

Pack % Packages Failed

1/27/2023 PAC

(500 roll)

0 70 0%

32 152 21.1%

PAC (750 roll) 0 91 0% o The majority of comments were small holes near seal or burning through the bag on the seal on BellePak bags.

Throughput analysis o Operator 1: pre-roll bags rate of 110 packages per hour

Roll bags rate of 180 packages per hour o Operator 2: pre-roll bags rate of 175 packages per hour Roll bags rate of 223 packages per hour

Summary:

Based on all the data, we were able to show a clear difference between PAC Machinery and BellePak roll bags. The data suggest that PAC Machinery has a higher rate of 1st attempt opening of the bags, which positively impact throughput. PAC Machinery roll bag had less report quality checks through our internal QC program. PAC Machinery roll bags showed an increase in throughput based on the packages per hour rate on two operators. Based on these results and the feedback from the operators, PAC Machinery bags will positively impact our operation with the SAP machines.

Based on these results and the feedback from the operators, PAC Machinery bags will positively impact our operation with the SAP machines.