A.02 Brand Name J&A_Redacted.pdf

Control No. __NWP-23-0023_______ v4, 5 Jan 2015; previous version obsolete circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g. urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization)

FAR 13.501(a)(1): For actions for commercial supplies or services greater than the SAT but not exceeding $15M, the requirements of FAR 13.501(a) apply to sole-source acquisitions conducted pursuant to Subpart 13.5 (Reference: FAR 13.106-1(b)(2)). Subpart 13.5 is the Test Program for Certain Commercial Items (see 41 USC 1901; or for contingencies see 41 USC 1903)

5. Reasons for Authority Cited:

This annual request is for a total of 6,000 gallons of Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, 15w-40 Extra High Performance Diesel Engine Oil used on Caterpillar C-280, 3512C, and C18 engines to maintain efficient operational use. Vessel will provide 2 weeks advance notice for each of 5 pumping events throughout the year. Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, 15w-40 Extra High Performance Diesel Engine Oil is currently in-use in all of the Essayons’ diesel engines. Other brand name oils would diminish the reliability of the equipment consistent with premature wear, component failures, and sludge buildup, therefore the use of Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, 15w-40 Extra High Performance Diesel Engine Oil is advantageous in maintaining the useful life of the engines. Because the diesel oil will be transported across water, interested vendors must be certified by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to transfer oil over water.

The Essayons had experienced unfavorable outcomes with the use of other oils consistent with premature wear, component failures, and sludge buildup, ultimately diminishing the reliability of the equipment. With the Essayons traveling several times a year across the Pacific Ocean to perform dredging services, it is imperative to maintain the effectiveness of aforementioned engines, otherwise engine failure, facility damage and/or loss, and/or human loss or injury is imminent.

6. Actions to Increase Competition:

There are several vendors that can provide Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, 15w-40 Extra High Performance Diesel Engine Oil, but the option to receive this product from a vendor without the USCG certification is in violation of Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 154.325(d), and meets all applicable requirements for a mobile transfer facility outlined in 33 CFR Parts 154 and 156 for operations in the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone.

A request to small business concerns has been submitted and will continue to be submitted to assist current vendors in acquiring the necessary certifications from the U.S. Coast Guard to meet the requirements for future purchases.

7. Market Research:

Market research indicates there are several vendors capable of providing Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, 15w-40 Extra High Performance Diesel Engine Oil; however, market research revealed one vendor that possesses the proper certification from the USCG permitting the transfer of oil over the water, the one vendor being the regional distributor.