A02.08 BNJ HBK sensors-redacted.pdf

ERDC Control No. FY20 - 2214

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. Agency/Contracting Activity: Engineer Research and Development Center – Construction

Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC – CERL)

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-On Requirement

Mod to Existing Purchase Order/Contract Number

Pricing: Firm-Fixed Price Time and Materials

Funds: OMA Other Funds:

3. Description of Supplies/Services:

a. The total estimated dollar value of the proposed action is

b. New Hottinger Bruel & Kjaer (HBK) Quantum X components are required for a preliminary sensor system. The components consist of three Universal Amplifiers, three

Strain Gage Bridge Amplifiers, two data recorders, a fiber-bragg grating interrogator, upgraded software, and all necessary accessories.

4. Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b) (1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), 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.)

5. Reason for Authority Cited: HBK Quantum X equipment is the only type available that will fulfill the government’s requirements. CERL is coordinating with the Sensor Integration Branch

(SIB) of the ERDC Information Technology Lab (ITL) to install new data acquisition capabilities to satisfy project requirements. Currently, the SIB inventory of sensors, data acquisition hardware, and software consists of HBK manufactured components; therefore, only

HBK products will ensure compatibility with existing features, allow seamless installation, and ensure data integrity.

The systems must be capable of recording 20,000 samples per second with low error, must support Full Bridge, Half- Bridge, and Quarter-Bridge strain gauge transducers, and a +/- 10 DC output. The systems must support current fed IEPE and ICP Piezoelectric transducers with voltages of ±100 mV, ±10 and ±60 V, and current of 4..20 mA with 2, 3, or 4 wire configurations. The system must support interrogation of Fiber Bragg Grating strain sensors. The system must also be able to be daisy-chained to allow for remote placement of individual modules, and each module must be able to fit on a hot-rolled steel channel web with depth of 12 inches.

HBK provides the unique set of data acquisition capabilities that existing equipment and technological capabilities can leverage. Other data acquisition equipment cannot interact with the proprietary modules and/or software that the SIB already has on hand. By purchasing HBK data acquisition products, the lab will be able to leverage and extend the functionality of HBK equipment already on hand. Research dollars will be maximized, as personnel is already on hand with the requisite knowledge to operate these highly technical and very specific pieces of equipment. Aside from an inability to leverage existing equipment, equipment other than from

HBK will require extensive training in the setup, use, and maintenance.

6. Actions to Increase Competition: A competitive solicitation will be posted on the

Beta.SAM website open to the network of HBK product distributors.

7. Market Research: Estimates for the HBK data acquisition units were obtained through internet searches. A search on the GSA website was conducted; however, the products were not found. HBK Inc. is listed in sam.gov as a Large Business. The manufacturer was surveyed to identify any authorized resellers; and several were identified. They were Wesco Distribution, Inc. (LB), Gexpro (LB), and MSC Industrial Direct, Inc. (LB). No small business concerns were identified. This research was conducted by Clayton Thurmer (ERDC-ITL) and Brian Eick

(ERDC-CERL) from 31MAR thru 14APR 2021

8. Procurement History: The latest purchase of HBK equipment performed by the ITL lab is listed below. This was for some of the components in this current requirement, but not all, and in different quantities.

Previous Purchase Orders(s) or Contract(s): Yes No

Purchase order or contract number: W912HZ20P0087

Was action competed? Yes No - competed as a brand name requirement among HBK and it’s authorized distributor network.

If action was not competed, state the cited authority, summarize rationale:

9. Additional information to support the justification: None

10. Technical/Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which is included in the abbreviated Brand Name Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Submitted By:

Position Title: VANBLARICUM.VICKI.LOU Digitally signed by

VANBLARICUM.VICKI.LOU.1230351291

Email Address:

Signature:

Date:

.1230351291 Date: 2021.05.19 15:12:41 -05'00'

11. Fair and Reasonable Price Determination: As Contracting Officer, I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

Basis for the determination: price analysis techniques.

12. Contracting Officer’s Approval: I hereby certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Based on the foregoing, I approve this brand name justification subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services and supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition

Signature:

Typed Name:

Title: Contracting Officer

Date:

Andrea

Thomas

Digitally signed by

Andrea Thomas

Date: 2021.05.19

15:31:43 -05'00'