Signed_Sole_Source_Justification_1.pdf

Department of the Interior (DOI)/Office of Inspector General (OIG) Limited Source Justification

Brand Name Justification

{Note: This is for a purchase on GSA schedules, hence the authority of 8.405 and not 6.302, for both a brand name and a sole source under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.}

Authority: FAR 8.405-6(a)(2), and (b)(1) Limited Sources Justification and Approval.

Nature and/or Description: The USDA-ARS, WQERU (Water Quality and Ecology Research Unit) seeks to procure 4 Honda UTV’s.

Description of Service or Supply Required: The USDA-ARS, WQERU unit fieldwork requires UTV’s to access remote field study locations.

The total estimated value of this order is $44,000.00

Identification and Justification rationale: FAR 8.405-6(a)(2) Brand Name Justification and FAR 8.405-6(b)(1) single source award of only one source is capable of responding due to the unique or specialized nature of the work.

USDA-ARS, WQERU unit research requires the use of UTV’s to access remote field sites.

UTV’s not only allow research site access and sample acquisition during inclimate weather, they are a necessity that reduces environmental impact caused by conventional larger and heavier street legal vehicles. Additionally, UTV’s reduce voluntary landowner complaints of damage to private access points to field sites and maintains good relations between stake holders and

USDA-ARS, WQERU.

USDA-ARS, WQERU specifically needs Honda model SXS700M2DJ and SXS700M4DJ UTV’s to continue to perform at the most efficient and cost effective level possible. The local availability of shops (less than 50 mile radius) near the USDA-ARS WQERU unit capable of completing Honda repairs and service would greatly decrease USDA-ARS, WQERU repair costs and unacceptable loss of time due to lack of available UTV’s that disrupt research schedules.

Normal wear from repeated field use of the WQERU unit UTV’s are now requiring more than expected lost time due to unavailable UTV’s being repaired. The present UTV’s have been in service from 7 to 13 years and all are in need of replacement.

Contracting Officer’s Certification: The Contracting Officer's signature on this document evidences that he/she has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

____________________________________________________Date:____7/26/2018_______

Contracting Officer: Richard E. Lizotte, Jr.

RICHARD LIZOTTE Digitally signed by RICHARD LIZOTTE Date: 2018.07.26 09:45:20 -05'00'

JAMES

PORTER

Digitally signed by JAMES PORTER DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=Department of Agriculture, cn=JAMES

PORTER,

0.9.2342.19200300.100.1.1=12001003051381 Date: 2018.09.11 14:06:01 -05'00'

DOUGLAS

STICKLER

Digitally signed by DOUGLAS STICKLER DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=Department of Agriculture, cn=DOUGLAS STICKLER, 0.9.2342.19200300.100.1.1=120010003 06423 Date: 2018.09.11 14:14:32 -05'00'