A02.08_Brand Name Justification_Redacted.pdf

CUI

ERDC Control No: 25-3395

CUI

Justification Review Document For Limited Source Justification

FAR Part 13.5

Requirement: Keyence VHX-X1 Digital Microscope

Authority Cited: 41 United States Code (USC) § 1901 as implemented in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.501(a)(1)(i), Brand Name Justification.

Delivery: 30 days from date of award

Amount:

Prepared By:

Contract Specialist

Contracting Officer:

Contracting Officer

Technical:

Research Mechanical Engineer

Requirements:

Controlled By: USACE Controlled By: ERDC Contracting Office

CUI Category: General Procurement and Acquisition Limited Dissemination Control: FED CON

Distribution Statement: B POC: David Ammermann, 217-373-4490

Justification Review Document

For Limited Source Justification FAR Part 13

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) 13.501(a)(1)(i) to procure a new Keyence VHX-X1 Digital Microscope utilizing Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) army funding.

3. Description of the product required to meet the agency’s needs: The Geotechnical and

Structures Lab (GSL), Concrete and Materials Branch (CMB) of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) requires the purchase of a new digital microscope for use in the analysis of a variety of materials. Specifications for the equipment are as follows:

Keyence VHX-X1 microscope with laser spectrographic elemental analysis

This must be equipped with free angle observation system with a motorized Z, 100mm motorized XY, XY motorized base for 300mm stage and a Z motorized head for 300mm stage.

Magnification range from 0.5x to 6000x as well as VH zoom lens from 20x to 200x.

Additionally, must be equipped with a VHX stand branch unit.

Shipping costs, training, and installation must be included in the quote.

4. Authority Cited: 41 United States Code (USC) § 1901 as implemented in FAR 13.501(a)(1)(i), Brand Name Justification.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

Background: The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) develops innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges that address some of the world’s toughest Civil Works and Military Engineering challenges. GSL researchers solve problems and initiate scientific discovery through a multi-faceted approach that includes field and laboratory data collection and instrumentation development, computational science and data analytics. These techniques are used to develop innovative solutions in force projection and maneuver support, force protection and weapons effects, civil works and infrastructure, and operational support and technology transfer. In the area of civil works and force protection, GSL must investigate new and advances manufacturing techniques. Part of this mission requires the study and development of different advanced materials and how microstructure is affected by different manufacturing techniques. To accomplish this, GSL has the need to acquire a digital microscope that can provide valuable information on a variety of materials microstructure as well as fracture surfaces. GSL requires a digital microscope that can both take images at a range of magnifications as well as gather elemental composition data of the imaged material.

10. Technical Certification:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

11. Requirements Certification:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

12. Fair and Reasonable Price Determination:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based on cost analysis, market research conducted, previously awarded similar contracts, and comparison of the proposed price with the Independent Government Estimate (IGE).

13. Contracting Officer Certification:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

ERDC Control Number 25-3395

(Source Selection information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

APPROVAL

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of Keyence VHX-X1 Digital Microscope on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 United States Code (USC) § 1901 as implemented in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.501(a)(1)(i), Brand Name Justification, in the estimated amount of subject to the availability of funds, and provided that the services and supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.