A16_40667976_JOFOC_1.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

In accordance with the authority granted under 41 U.S.C. 253(c), this request for award under other than full and open competition is hereby submitted.

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity:

Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Arctic District Office (ADO), Fisheries Program

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This request is to purchase brand named YSI, Inc. brand multi-parameter water quality sondes fully equipped with water quality probes (e.g., temperature/conductivity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and chlorophyll). Due to the circumstances described below, I request the following multi-parameter sondes and water quality probes be acquired using other than full and open competition in support of BLM operations. To support BLM operations, it is required that equipment use interchangeable probes and result in consistent data collection that will standardize analysis for multi-year projects.

The BLM ADO fisheries program maintains an aquatic monitoring network in lakes and streams within a region of active oil and gas exploration and planned development. Monitoring sites within this network have multi-parameter water quality data loggers (sondes) that have multiple probes attached, including those that track temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and chlorophyll a. Several of the multi-parameter sondes currently being utilized (6600-V2 series) are YSI Incorporated instruments, which were originally purchased through an open competitive process in 2008 (Solicitation Number: NAB080105).

In 2016, the manufacturer discontinued production of the 6600-V2 multi-parameter sondes but stated they would support the 6600-series for up to 5 years. This support period ended on December 31, 2021.

Because components of multi-parameter sondes, mainly individual probes, need to be intermittently replaced (either annually or semi-annually) due to natural wear during multi-month deployments in water bodies, the current fleet of multi-parameter sondes will have reduced data collection capacity or become altogether nonfunctional if repairs and (or) replacement parts are necessary after December 2021. As a result, it is necessary to continue updating outdated 6600-V2 multi-parameter sondes to the next generation EXO2 multi-parameter sondes.

The requested equipment update would ensure the ADO could continue collecting standardized water quality data in an ongoing effort to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of applied Required Operating Procedures (ROPs) at mitigating water quality impairment and (2) support overall monitoring of watershed health, while maintain consistency in data collection and interpretation.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs:

Required specifications:

(3) YSI Part #: 599502-00: EXO2 Sonde, No Depth, 6 Sensor Ports, 1 wiper port

(3) YSI Part #: 599827 EXO Conductivity/Temperature Sensor

(3) YSI Part #: 577602 EXO pH sensor assembly (unguarded)

(3) YSI Part #: 599100-01 EXO Optical dissolved oxygen sensor

(3) YSI Part #: 599101-01 EXO Turbidity sensor

(3) YSI Part #: 599102-01 EXO Total algae – PC sensor

(3) YSI Part #: 599090-01 EXO Central Wiper

The estimated price is based on a quote from the Xylem, Inc. Northwest Representative.

4. An identification of the Statutory Authority permitting other than full and open competition:

41. U.S.C. 253(c) (1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1.

5. A demonstration that the proposed brand name possesses unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

There are five primary reasons why we need to purchase YSI brand multi-parameter water quality sondes and probes:

1. YSI brand multi-parameter sondes are currently being used at existing monitoring sites. To ensure that data at monitoring sites are standardized, the same brand of data logger is needed.

2. Water quality sensors (e.g., pH, temperature, turbidity, etc.) connect to each sonde independently so that they can be replaced when worn out or when problems arise. Field staff need to have the ability to replace or interchange sensors between instruments, which is not possible if working with two different brands.

3. The ADO currently owns all the equipment necessary to communicate with YSI brand sondes to program settings and download data. Purchasing a different type of sonde or probes would require the need to purchase additional, specialized equipment for instrument communication, resulting in a greater cost to the federal government.

4. Field staff working with the ADO fisheries and hydrology programs have been trained to use the YSI brand data loggers and associated software and equipment. Staff would need additional training to utilize a new brand of data logger, operate associated software, and process data to be comparable between different sonde types. This would result in unnecessary expenses in terms of funding and time, and risk data quality.

5. YSI brand multi-parameter sondes would continue to be compatible with other water quality monitoring equipment across BLM offices in Alaska.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 5.2, and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

YSI brand equipment is available from several sources. The following three potential vendors include the manufacturer and two other environmental equipment companies, which were located by an internet search. The internet search revealed that additional companies supply YSI sondes and probes.

Potential Vendors

YSI

1700/1725 Brannum Lane Yellow Springs, OH 45387 800-765-4974 503-536-3851 (Dylan Bedortha - Alaska region sales) http://www.ysi.com

Fondriest Environmental

PO Box 151 Alpha, OH 45301 888-426-2151 http://www.fondriest.com

Geotech Environmental Equipment 2650 E 40th Avenue Denver, CO 80205 800-833-7958 http://www.geotechenv.com

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable, and the basis for that determination:

Prior to a contract award, the contracting officer will determine whether the price is fair and reasonable based on the information available at the time.

8. A description of the market research conducted (FAR part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted:

The market research I conducted consisted of doing an internet search of possible vendors for the YSI brand sondes and sensors. The search revealed more than one vendor supplies YSI equipment, indicating that more than one company has the ability to supply the needed items.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition FAR 6.303-2(a) (9)):

N/A

10. A listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition:

Xylem provided a preliminary quote to the requesting office during the market research phase.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

Thorough research of market alternatives in advance can help to further support the procurement of this brand exclusively or open the door to other brands with newer technologies including the projected costs of diversifying or transitioning the currently used scientific equipment infrastructure. Identification of other brands and sources may also reveal the benefits of training opportunities and the gains of new flexibilities that accompany progress and evolution within the hydrological and fish biology career fields.

Such advanced planning could overcome habitual blockades to competition as well as provide stronger evidence of price fairness and reasonableness ensuring the Government obtains the best value. It is not clear if this has been accomplished by the requesting office within at least 5 years.

CERTIFICATIONS:

I, hereby, certify that this requirement does not exceed the Government’s minimum needs or scheduled requirements, and that the basis for award under other than full and open competition is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief:

Requisitioner’s Signature Date

I, hereby, certify that this justification for other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief:

Contracting Officer’s Signature Date

KATIE

DREW

Digitally signed by KATIE

DREW

Date: 2024.06.13 08:05:38 -08'00'

6/13/2024

8.28.2024