A05_Sole Source_12444026P0066.pdf

SOLE SOURCE or BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION (FAR 13 Under the SAT)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED

Chattahoochee- Oconee National Forest, Conasauga Ranger District is looking to procure a Polaris Ranger Crew Utility side by side Off-road Vehicle (Model 1000R26T6E99AJ) as a vehicle to support wildland fire and wildland hazardous fuels reduction operations. This is a WCF replacement. The estimated cost is $ 20,115.11. The desired delivery date is May 1, 2026.

2. JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLICITING FROM A SINGLE SOURCE or FOR A BRAND NAME

The Fire module requires a multi-seat Off Road Utility vehicle for fire suppression and hazardous fuels operations to meet crew operation needs. The vehicle needs to be capable of carrying 6 people and their required fire line safety and suppression equipment. The equipment must meet mission requirements for use in austere environments of wildland fire operations to protect the safety of firefighters and assist them in the protection of life and property. The equipment needed to meet the mission includes a one-piece chassis, belt drive, automatic transmission, 1,000 lbs.

capacity cargo box with gas assist lift, 1,700 lbs. payload capacity, 4-wheel disk brakes with heavy duty front drive, full body skid plates, CV Guards, to protect wheels and control arms from debris, heavy duty bumpers, winch, work lights, and impact resistant windshields, ground clearance of

12.5 ” inches plus, heavy 2500 lbs. towing capacity. This unit needs to be approximately 152” in length, 63” in width and 78 in height” with a weight of 2200 lbs. to fit on the existing trailer and meet the weight requirements of the tow vehicle while still meeting the 6-person capacity and requirements of a side-by-side utilized within wildland fire and hazardous fuels reduction environments. Polaris has proven safety and track record within the wildland fire community for utilization within the wildland fire environment.

3. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION

This requisition is an upgraded replacement of the current single seat Honda ATV, which are no longer allowed for use in wildland fire suppression, and hazardous fuels operations.

This model and consistent with the WCF-approved lifecycle plan, conducting broader market research to identify alternative vendors or brands was not pursued. The equipment must remain consistent with existing district assets to ensure compatibility with current equipment, trailers, and assigned tow vehicles attachments, while meeting operational requirements, safety standards, and maintenance practices already in place. For these reasons, it was determined that additional market research would not reasonably identify other brands that could meet the Government’s specific operational requirements as effectively as this Polaris configuration. Gainesville Motorsports is a locally owned and operated dealership located within 5 miles of the Forest Supervisor’s Office. This dealership has provided great support and customer service over the years with other wildland fire equipment from the forest. The dealership has a strong level of understanding of the equipment requirements needed for the specialized application of side-by-side utility vehicles utilized within the wildland fire environment. They have demonstrated a strong level of customer service of this specialized fire equipment. This will allow the local dealership to properly support and expedite the equipment maintenance and repair needs post purchase and allow minimal disruption to supporting fire suppression efforts within the local communities served by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and the Conasauga Ranger district.

4. STEPS TO PRECLUDE FUTURE SINGLE SOURCE (or BRAND NAME) AWARDS

The agency has engaged multiple vendors through requests for capability information, product literature, and pricing, and has considered competitive opportunities available through Government-wide or interagency contracting vehicles. These actions ensure that procurements are informed by current market data and provide fair opportunities for qualified suppliers while continuing to support mission-critical operational requirements.

5. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S DETERMINATION

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b) that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is available for the required services.

Requesting Office:

Conasauga Ranger District

Name:

Title:

Jeffrey Schardt Fire Management Officer

Concur/Does Not Concur:

Name: Marian Feist Title: Contracting Officer

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