A05_Pipets_BNJ.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Item Peculiar to One Manufacturer

Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Identification Number: 123A9426Q0010

Rev. 3/10/26

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 16.507-6 (d)(1), the following documents exception to fair opportunity.

(1) Mission Area and Contracting Activity.

Requisition Number: 1164787

Requesting Activity Agency: USDA FSIS Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) 800 Buchanan St.

Albany, CA 94710

Contracting Activity: USDA, FSIS, OM, Procurement Management Branch (PcMb)

5601 Sunnyside Ave.

Beltsville, MD 20705

(2) Brief Description of Supplies or Services

The USDA/FSIS intends to award a firm fixed-price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for Thermo Fisher Scientific disposable 25mL and 50mL serological pipets. These supplies are used to accurately measure and aseptically transfer sterile media and enriched samples used in the detection of Salmonella, E. Ecoli, Campylobacter, and Listeria. These supplies are needed to appropriately perform steps outlined in the Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook. Without this supply, there would be a work stoppage.

(3) Suggested Source

The suggested manufacturer is:

Fisher Scientific Company LLC 4500 Turnberry Dr.

Hanover Park, IL 60133

NM4KGF2MKK96

(4) Identify the exception to fair opportunity.

The statutory authority supporting the placement of an order or establishment of a Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity that exceeds the micro-purchase threshold on a brand name basis is: FAR 16.507-7

- Items Peculiar to One Manufacturer

(5) Demonstrate that the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires using the authority cited.

Thermo Fisher Scientific disposable serological pipets are essential tools for the laboratory�s validated protocols, as their specific physical dimensions, graduation markings, and material specifications directly support compatibility with established procedures and equipment. If alternative brands were

Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Identification Number: 123A9426Q0010

Rev. 3/10/26 substituted, the lab would face the need to revalidate protocols, potentially causing significant delays and additional costs.

In terms of quality and reliability, Thermo Fisher Scientific pipets are manufactured under strict quality controls, resulting in consistently dependable performance. Previous experiences with other brands have demonstrated issues such as inconsistent graduation markings, material defects, and tip irregularities, which ultimately jeopardize the accuracy of experimental results.

Furthermore, laboratory staff are highly familiar with and trained specifically on Thermo Fisher Scientific serological pipets. Transitioning to a different brand would require additional training, increasing the administrative burden and the likelihood of user error. The laboratory has also conducted internal safety and contamination risk assessments using Thermo Fisher Scientific pipets.

Other brands have not undergone the same vetting process, which introduces potential risks to both personnel and research integrity.

These factors together make Thermo Fisher Scientific the only viable brand to ensure seamless, safe, and reliable laboratory operations.

(6) Describe market research conducted and the results or the reason why no market research was conducted.

FSIS surveyed the commercial marketplace through an internet search, and found multiple small businesses that resell the required pipets. Therefore this requirement will be set aside for small businesses.

Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Identification Number: 123A9426Q0010

Rev. 3/10/26

Certifications & Approvals

(1) Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government�s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

Curtis Adams

COR

(2) Contracting Officer�s Certification I certify that the data supporting the exception to fair opportunity accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification.

Karen Petty Contracting Officer

Karen Petty

05/29/26