Sole Source or Brand Name Justification

This is a Sole Source or Brand Name Justification document for Procurement Request No. V3252046 issued by the Department of Transportation, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), V325 Energy Analysis and Sustainability division.

The procurement seeks fire main repair contractor services to excavate and repair known gross water leaks in the fire main water distribution system supplying water to the fire suppression system protecting the DOT MARAD warehouse located at Poland Avenue and Chartres Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The contractor must evaluate and assess the existing fire suppression sprinkler system, which is inoperable due to inadequate water pressure caused by leaking pipes located below ground adjacent to the facility. The selected contractor is CMG Pipelines, Inc. (UEI U3E4CB7JUE17), a small local business with expertise in underground fire main repair, site familiarity, and knowledge of the specific fire main system and work conditions. The justification cites unusual and compelling urgency: the fire main leak prevents adequate water pressure to the warehouse's sprinkler system and fire hydrants, creating an urgent and persistent threat to MARAD personnel, office spaces, and property supporting Ready-Reserve Fleet vessel operations. Market research conducted in April 2026 identified numerous commercial plumbing providers, but most did not respond. Advanced Drainage Repair rejected the project due to pipe-lining infeasibility, leaving CMG Pipelines as the only viable option capable of performing manual excavation and repair work. The procurement is justified under the Unusual and Compelling Urgency rationale, with Sole Source and Brand Name justifications marked as not applicable.