A02.08 Brand Name Justification DNA Extractors Redacted.pdf

ERDC Control No.

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

(FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures Not Exceeding $250K)

1. Agency/Contracting Activity: Engineer Research and Development Center – Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (ERDC – CRREL)

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-On Requirement

Mod to Existing Purchase Order/Contract Number

Pricing: Firm-Fixed Price Time and Materials

Funding Type: RDT&E, Congressional Add

3. Description of Supplies/Services: ERDC-CRREL requires two (2) automated DNA extractors to process environmental samples and cell cultures for DNA sequencing analysis to profile microbial communities and isolates. The automated DNA extractors are required to reduce human error by providing unbiased, consistent, and efficient extraction of DNA from samples. The automated DNA extractors must be fully compatible with the Qiagen DNA and RNA extraction kits currently used by CRREL in order to ensure continuity across legacy datasets.

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

4. Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b): Soliciting from a single source. 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 deem only one source reasonably available (e.g. urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

5. Reason for Authority Cited: A Qiagen brand name acquisition is required because the new automated DNA extractors must be compatible with CRREL’s existing Qiagen DNA and RNA extraction kits. Only Qiagen DNA extractors are compatible with existing supply. Lastly, Qiagen has enough distributors among which to compete.

6. Actions to Increase Competition: Based on information provided above, a combined solicitation/synopsis and a redacted brand name justification indicating the Government’s intent will be posted to SAM.gov. The solicitation will be total small business set aside. Future

14. 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