A16_-_Exception_to_Fair_Opportunity_fully_signed.pdf

Version 2.0‐ Justification for An Exception to Fair Opportunity Orders 1 of 2

Department of Interior Justification for An Exception to Fair Opportunity Orders Over the Micro‐Purchase

Threshold and Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold FAR 16.505(b)(2)

Contract Information

1. Contracting actively/agency: PWR Regions 8, 9, 10 and 12

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs: Purchase of 32 Rifles for Yosemite National Park, CA

3. Identification of the limited source(s) to be solicited: Fabrique Nationale Rifles for use by NPS Law

Enforcement

4. Reason for authority cited: FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) – Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized (to include brand name in accordance with 16.505(b)(2))

5. Rationale: In accordance with NPS Reference Manual‐9, Chapter 30 8.3 the following manufacturers are approved M‐16/AR‐15/M‐4 styles rifles for the NPS.

Colt

Fabrique Nationale

The Fabrique Nationale Rifle is required, based solely on the weight. The Colt manufactured rifles are heavier at 6.6lbs while the FN manufactured rifles 6.25 lbs. Law Enforcement Rangers are required to hike several miles with these rifles and any increase in weight can be detrimental to the on the job performance of the Law Enforcement Ranger equipped with the rifle due to the increased fatigue that is sustained as a result of the added weight.

6. Market Research: A search was conducted under the Dynamic Small Business Search Website under NAICS code 332994 with the keyword rifle which yielded 84 Small Businesses that could potentially fulfill the requirement.

There is reasonable expectation that a small business in the open market could fulfill the requirement.

Approvals

Under the authority of FAR 16.505(b)(2), the undersigned hereby determines the circumstances of this contract action deem only one source is reasonably available as supported herein.

Contracting Officer Concur: Date:

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Actions>$25,000 Program Office/COR: Date:

Branch Chief Date:

Division Chief: Date:

Jeff Webb, Deputy Chief Ranger 09/06/2022