LE_SOURCE_JUSTIFICATION_UNDER_ 150K_-_TEMPLATE.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENTS UNDER SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD (i.e. < $150,000)

1. Describe the supply or service to be acquired and the total estimated dollar value:

2. List the proposed vendor/contractor (name, contact, and phone number) and describe the unique knowledge or capabilities of the proposed vendor/contractor: (e.g. your explanation should provide the rationale for using the recommended product to be purchased from a specific vendor/contractor. The justification must clearly explain what is unique about the technical features of the product and/or if the identical product is required to maintain continuity of research data).

3. FAR Authority:

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).

4. Certification:

I hereby certify that the data provided above is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed/Printed Name and Signature of Technical Representative Date

5. CO Certification:

I hereby determine that the circumstances of this procurement/contract action deem only one source reasonably available. Also, to the best of my knowledge the quoted price is fair and reasonable (see market research supporting documentation in the order file).

Contracting Officer Date

Reviewed By:

Business Service Center (Team Lead/Chief) Date

Text1: Procure one (1) L60953 package consisting of the GHG-RS1 gas analyzer package (LI-7500, LI-7700, analyzer interface unit; SMARTFlux), 7900-101 Biometeorology package (CNR4, HMP155 with radiation shield, HFP01, 7900-170, LI-190R, TR-525USW; 7900-120), Gill Windmaster sonic anemometer and cable, and 7900-300 tripod.

Text2: The Hydrology & Remote Sensing Laboratory needs to purchase a flux tower instrument package for measurement of CH4, CO2 and H2O. Li-COR Inc. is the sole provider of compact open path laser sensors for methane that can be incorporated in flux tower systems.

This integrate package for measuring surface heat and trace gas fluxes in conjunction with local micrometeorological conditions is both unique and has multiple advantages over other system s that could be built piece-wise using instrumentation from other vendors. The integrated system ensures there is a consistent communication protocol for all components of the system that i) conform to well-established programming and operational protocols ii) respond reliably and accurately to the system controller, and iii) provide the synchronous measurements that are required by the eddy covariance method and other analysis techniques. Similarly, it facilitates accurate data storage and transmission via computer and wireless communication network, simplifying deployment in remote areas. Likewise, the SMARTFlux data analysis allows for accurate and consistent data processing, including the full suite of standard post-processing procedures and system diagnostics, in near real-time.

Also, although it is not a specific design feature of the Li-Cor package , it is important to note that HRSL scientists have accrued considerable experience working with these Li-Cor systems. Continued use of Li-Cor instruments will leverage that experience greatly and , thereby, streamline all aspects of the field research from developing controller programs to deploying the eddy covariance system to managing and processing the raw data.

Although no other vendors offer a similar package, key components of the Li-Cor system can (in some cases) be compared to instrumentation from other vendors. For example, the LI-7500 CO/H2O gas analyzer with SMARTFlux is priced at $18,500 compared to the similar EC-150 system from Campbell Scientific cost $20,200. Similarly, the Gill WindMaster sonic anemometer is priced at $7000, the same cost as the Campbell Scientific CSAT3B. (Pricing information from Campbell Scientific can be obtained online at: www.campbellsci.com.)