A.02.13 Brand Name JA Determination Zeks_Redacted.pdf

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Control Number: 21-0075

BRAND NAME DETERMINATION

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, has a requirement for the delivery of a Zeks Brand, HeatSink Refrigerated Compressed Air Dryer. The air dryer will be for use at Lower Monumental Project, Kahlotus, WA 99335.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES/SUPPLIES: This action is for a new firm fixed price acquisition of a Zeks brand, HeatSink Refrigerated Compressed Air Dryer, and filter system for replacement of a failing air dryer. Lower Monumental Lock and Dam has a requirement to procure a refrigerated compressed air dryer and filter system to maintain component compatibility and keep part inventories to a minimum. The estimated costs of this purchase .

3. AUTHORITY CITED:

a. 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).

b. 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.

4. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED:

a. JUSTIFICATION: Lower Monumental Lock and Dam currently uses a Zeks brand

Refrigerated Compressed Air Dryer that was purchased in early 1990s and it is starting to fail. The air dryer is used for cooling and drying the compressed air from our three Navigation Lock air compressors. The air compressor system is used to provide air for operation of the Removable Spillway Weir (RSW), provides air to the navlock bubblers for clearing debris from the upstream gate seals and supplies air to tools. The safe and reliable operation of the Navigation lock is a top priority for the Walla Walla District. The Navigation lock requires the use of an operational air compressor system using reliable air dryers to clean and dry the compressed air to operate at peak efficiency. Otherwise, the Navigation lock compressor operation would be down for frequent air dryer maintenance service. The Zeks brand requested is a direct replacement for the failing unit and would not require any modifications to the existing piping or footprint.

b. IMPACT: If the air compressor system fails, the air bubbler will be unable to remove wood debris wedged between the upstream gate seals and the monolith.

This will lead to premature failure of the gate seals. To replace damaged gate seals would require the Navlock to be out-of-service for a minimum of two weeks, the