A02.08_Brand Name Justification.pdf

CEERD-CT-V 22 May 2024

Brand Name Determination Environmental Chamber for ERDC GSL

1. Contracting Activity: The ERDC Contracting Office (ECO) is located at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199.

2. Description of Action: This determination seeks approval to award a new Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract on a brand name basis pursuant to procedures at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(ii) to procure one Cincinnati Sub Zero (CSZ) Model ZPH-8-2-SCT/AC Temperature/Humidity Test Chamber with Tundra system.

3. Description of the product required to meet the agency’s needs: The Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) Geotechnical Engineering and Geosciences Branch (GEGB) requires one Cincinnati Sub Zero (CSZ) Model ZPH-8-2-SCT/AC Temperature/Humidity Test Chamber with Tundra system capable of performing extreme temperature and humidity cycling.

This model is capable of simulating a variety of temperature and humidity conditions for required environmental testing and is the only model on the market that can subject soil samples to the most extreme temperature ranges possible in order to induce failure of the soil structure. In addition to extreme temperature ranges, the CSZ Model ZPH-8-2-SCT/AC is the only known model/brand that will heat up and draw down extreme temperatures at an extremely rapid rate of speed. The GSL also requires an environmental chamber that is completed automated and will allow real-time readings during testing.

A complete testing system capable of performing both tests is required. The testing equipment must be automated with appropriate data collection software. Shipping shall be FOB destination and associated costs included in the quote.

4. Authority Cited: Due to the Independent Government Estimate (IGE) for this requirement being less than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), contracting without providing for full and open competition is authorized under 41 U.S.C. 1901, as implemented in FAR 13.106- 1(b)(ii), Soliciting from a single source, (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (ii) Where a single source is identified to provide a portion of a purchase because that portion of the purchase specifies a particular brand-name item, the documentation in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section only applies to the portion of the purchase requiring the brand-name item. The documentation should state it is covering only the portion of the acquisition which is brand-name.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

Background: The GSL GEGB is engaged in research regarding warfighter mobility and the stability of levees and dams. This research requires highly accurate, repeatable measurement of soil properties including consolidation, shear strength, and hydraulic properties as well as unique physical experimentation. In fiscal year 2024, the GSL received congressionally directed funds for the study of biopolymers to strengthen our nation’s water resources infrastructure project.

The biopolymer research will determine the impact of treating levee and dam embankments with biopolymers. To accomplish this, a laboratory device capable of subjecting biopolymer treated soils to extreme environmental conditions is needed in order to determine effectiveness when necessary. Market research identified the CSZ Model ZPH-8-2-SCT/AC Temperature/Humidity Test Chamber with Tundra system as the only equipment capable of meeting the government’s requirement.

Justification: The CSZ Model ZPH-8-2-SCT/AC is the only model capable of simulating a variety of temperature and humidity conditions for required environmental testing This model is the only model on the market that can subject soil samples to the most extreme temperature ranges possible in order to induce failure of the soil structure, which is required for The GSL’s current and future research projects. In addition to extreme temperature ranges, the CSZ Model ZPH-8-2-SCT/AC is the only known model/brand that will heat up and draw down extreme temperatures at an extremely rapid rate of speed. The GSL also requires an environmental chamber that is completed automated and will allow real-time readings during testing. CSZ Model ZPH-8-2-SCT/AC is the only brand/model that will meet the government’s requirements.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: This brand name justification will be provided with the solicitation as required by FAR 5.102(a)(6). These items are sold by several different companies, therefore adequate competition is anticipated.

7. Determination that costs will be fair and reasonable: The Independent Government Estimate (IGE), catalog prices, price competition, and the laboratory’s technical representative’s knowledge of the industry will be used to determine if the quoted price is fair and reasonable.

8. Description of Market Research: Based upon market research, it is determined that this requirement is a commercial item, and it is recommended that the required brand name item be competed unrestricted. There are no known small business resale companies capable of providing the required accelerometer.

9. Contracting Officer Determination: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

David Ammerman Contracting Officer