A.02.05 Brand Name Determination.pdf

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Control Number 23-0030

BRAND NAME DETERMINATION

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District, 201 North 3rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District has a requirement for the purchase of four rotating assembly repair kits, to replace original existing equipment, which include Aurora Pumps for use at Dworshak Dam.

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES: Approval is being requested for a new firm-fixed-price, brand name requirement for the delivery of four Aurora Pump Rotating assembly repair kits.

The estimated cost of this requirement is $51,290.00, below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

4. AUTHORITY CITED:

FAR 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source. (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

FAR 11.105(a)(1), Items Particular to One Manufacturer. The particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government’s requirements, and market research indicates other companies’ similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency's needs.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED:

A. JUSTIFICATION: The current pumps that provide the cooling water to Main Units 1 and 2 are slowly degrading in terms of efficiency and the output of water provided. Over the last three years, the output of Cooling Water Pump #1 has slowly been decreasing and currently rests at approximately 80- 100 GPM, much lower than the output of Cooling Water Pump #2. This situation has steadily worsened and will eventually result in a complete failure of the pumps ability to perform its duty. The internal components of both cooling water pump #1 and cooling water pump #2 are of an unknown age. Both cooling water pumps are made by Aurora Pumps. Aurora pumps are the only manufacturer of repair components that will meet original factory specifications and provide the reliability that is required in a hydro-electric facility. Water cooling pumps are a critical component to the operation and generation of power at Dworshak Dam. A failure would directly result in a loss of revenue at a rate of roughly 3000 $/HR for each hour the Generator is out of service. There would also be additional minimum cost of approximately $3500 to have maintenance labor staff replace and repair the pumps each time they come out of service

B. IMPACT: The pumps are a critical component to the reliable operation at Dworshak Dam as they are the primary means to remove excess heat energy from multiple components on the Units. Procurement of repair components from another manufacturer could introduce additional future costs such as additional labor to repair the pumps if they fail due to the non-OEM parts, redirection of resources and management to facilitate the repairs, and the possibility of needing to purchase a new pump entirely to the Government, on top of the possibility of lost revenue generation. Non-Original Equipment Manufactured repair parts and components will only increase the risk of a premature failure event in the future that could require the need to purchase a new pump. If Dworshak does not repair the existing pumps, in the event of pump failure, there would be a loss of power and revenue generation (see para.

A above) and this scenario would create untimely maintenance repair costs. The quality and fitment of the Aurora components can be verified by countless years of uninterrupted service.

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C. ALTERNATIVES: The Government has determined due to the impacts listed above, that any alternatives would be inefficient and cost prohibitive. It is in the best interest of the Government to select Aurora pumps rotating assembly kit because this system has proven to meet the agency’s needs for the historical use of water cooling pumps at this project.

6. DETERMINATION OF FAIR AND REASONABLE COSTS: Price competition is expected. A price analysis will be completed after receipt of quotes. No award will be made unless prices may be determined fair and reasonable. Fair and reasonable cost will be evaluated at time of award.

7. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION: There are multiple distributors of Aurora Pump Repair

Components.

8. MARKET RESEARCH: Preliminary market research shows that there are multiple small businesses capable and willing to quote on this action.

9. OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS: N/A

10. INTERESTED SOURCES: Multiple small businesses.

11. ACTIONS TO INCREASE COMPETITION: None. See paragraph 7.

12. TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION: I certify that the information supporting this Brand Name Determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge based on the supporting data provided by technical or requirements personnel and my research.

Name/Title: Cody Kasper Signature: ____________________________

Prepared by:

Melita Doyle Contract Specialist

13. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: In accordance with the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b) and based upon the foregoing, I hereby determine that a Brand Name procurement is authorized and is in the best interest of the Government.

Approved by:

Cynthia Jacobsen Contracting Officer

Reviewed by:

Theresa Hampson Deputy District Counsel