A16__3-0034_Single_Source_Justification_20250725_BNewman_1.pdf
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- NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE
- Solicitation number
- DOIFFBO250125
About this file
This document is a Single Source Justification (SSJ) form for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to purchase water monitoring equipment from OTT HydroMet. The procurement involves 6 water control structure radar units at J Clark Salyer NWR and Upper Souris NWR, which will be installed by FWS employees to monitor water levels as part of a U.S.-Canada water supply and flood control agreement. The specific equipment includes Radar Level Sensors (RLS500-S-I-M), Sutron SatLink 3 Lite data loggers, and Sutron Geostationary Antennas with GPS, designed for remote data collection, transmission, and monitoring in challenging environmental conditions.
The justification highlights that OTT HydroMet is the sole source due to the specialized nature of the equipment, with comparable brands being limited and unable to provide an integrated package. The document demonstrates that FWS has previously used this equipment, has established workflow familiarity, and the software is already approved for FWS computer installation. The procurement will be conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures for purchases under $250,000, with digital certifications from the Program/Project Officer and Contracting Officer completed on July 25-29, 2025.
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Text version
FWS Form 3-0034 (Rev. 10/2020) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1. Description of Need
3. Other Capable Sources
2. Market Research Conducted
Pursuant to FAR subpart 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances deem only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).
Instructions: The information in the text boxes are provided as sample language or to indicate a needed fill-in. Sample language should be removed from the final document. All text boxes require information and shall not be left blank.
SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION
(UNDER SAT)
JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
Acquisitions Operations
4. Barriers to Competition
5. Contractor's Qualifications
6. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost
7. Recommendation and Certification by Program Office
Based on the above justification, I recommend this acquisition to be conducted using sole source acquisition procedures. I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Program / Project Officer
8. Contracting Officer Certification and Approval: Under SAT
Based on the above justification, I hereby certify and approve the use of sole source acquisition procedures under FAR Part 13 for this purchase.
Contracting Officer
Text3: Comparable brands/companies include YSI/Xylem brand, Sommers, In-Situ and KiSTERS. The equipment from other sources is comparable, but did not have the capability to integrate non-contact stage, data collection and telemetry (e.g GOES) from one single vendor in an integrated package. Often the alternatives require and additional element for telemetry, increasing the space required for installation and pieces of equipment. Therefore, equipment from multiple different vendors would be required and the ability to interface together is questionable.
| Text2: The Division 6 Water Resources staff reviewed equipment (shaft encoders, radar sensors, data loggers, telemetry) from other vendors. This also includes a review of applicable software and installation requirements. | |
| Text1: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is requesting the purchase of OTT HydroMet water monitoring equipment for installation at six (6) water control structures at J Clark Salyer NWR and Upper Souris NWR. For many years, staff at J Clark Salyer NWR and Upper Souris NWR have travelled by vehicles to 6 sites to check water levels. This takes the majority of the day to complete. This frequent data collection and water level monitoring is required under an agreement between Canada and the United States for the water supply and flood control in the the Souris River Basin. Installation of all equipment will be by completed FWS employees. | |
| Text4: These types of products require significant up front costs to develop and the products are relatively niche as the requirements to develop satellite telecommunications are subject to government regulation. | |
| Text6: FWS has used the OTT HydroMet equipment in the past at several other monitoring sites and we have developed a familitarity and workflow for programming and operating the equipment. The software associated with programming the devices is already approved for installation on FWS computers. The software and programming of other devices may require IT approval, and the learning of new software and programming that could delay or disrupt the installation schedule and process. | |
| 2025-07-25T06:51:24-0600 | |
| BRIAN NEWMAN |
| 2025-07-29T09:45:11-0500 | |
| JOHN SKOGEN |
Text5: OTT HydroMet has all the equipment needed from one source that greatly simplifies acquisition, programming, and future maintenance needs. This equipment is either manufactured in the U.S. or Europe. Anticipated delivery time frames would meet mission and operational needs.
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