Sole_Source_Brabender_Stark_8_29_Redacted_for_posting.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. AGENCY INFORMATION

USDA, Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) One Gifford Pinchot Drive

Madison, WI 53726-2398

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION BEING APPROVED

a. Acquisition, by noncompetitive contract, film extrusion line for the Intelli- Torque extruder located at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). The FPL is the national research laboratory of the United States Forest Service, which is part of

USDA.

b. Proposed vendor: Brabender CWB, www.cwbrabender.com)

3. DESCRIPTION OF WORK, INCLUDING ESTIMATED VALUE

a. History: For several years we have been incorporating cellulose nanomaterials into packaging films and have been making significant progress that warrants more practical testing of their performance, including oxygen barrier performance and food shelf-life testing. Development of these films include compounding cellulose nanomaterials with polymeric systems, producing packaging films, and testing films for mechanical, barrier, and physical attributes. Our packaging program has been successful in terms of attracting new collaborations, securing external funding sources, and publication of more than 10 research articles.

b. Reason for the proposed Action: FPL has current capacity to compound cellulose nanomaterials into polymeric systems and also for barrier property testing.

However, we have been unable to produce barrier films of significant size at FPL. Currently we can produce a film with a 1” width, or we can produce injection molded samples. Although there are some mechanical properties that we can obtain with injection molded samples, these do not adequately allow for characterization of properties important for packaging films. In addition, the small width films we produce can be used to obtain water vapor transmission rates but are too small to obtain oxygen transmission rates. We would also like to produce prototype packaging pouches. Capacity to produce wider films through extrusion would allow us to produce pouches and conduct the research required for barrier films, but would also attract cooperators and increase our visibility and stature in the research community.

http://www.cwbrabender.com/ http://www.cwbrabender.com/

c. General description of requirement: We have an extruder at FPL, an Intelli- Torque rheometer manufactured by Brabender CWB with a ¾” screw, which would allow for production of up to a 6” wide film if we also had the required film die, take-up rollers, and cooling system. All three components are part of the required film extrusion line and should be fully integrated with our existing system including mechanical attachment and the existing computer control software. Specifically, we require a 6” wide horizontal flex-lip die assembly compatible with our Intelli-Torque rheometer with a film thickness ranging from 2 mil to 40 mil. We also require a take-off roller system to accommodate the film that integrates to our computer control system, and the cooling equipment necessary to cool the take-off roller system. Additionally, we require a day of start-up assistance performed by a qualified technician.

d. Estimated Value: $

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The authority permitting other than full and open competition in this acquisition is:

a. FAR 6.302-3(a)(2), Only One Responsible Source, under the Application in

6.302-3(b)(1)(i). This authority allows for other than full and open competition when “there is a reasonable basis to concluded that the agency’s minimum needs can only be satisfied by Unique Supplies or services available for only one source or only one supplier with unique capabilities.”

5. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S QUALIFICATIONS

Brabender CWB is the manufacturer of our current extrusion equipment which this film extrusion line will be integrated with. They have been producing plastic’s processing equipment in the US for over 50 years.

6. EFFORTS MADE TO OBTAIN COMPETITION

No other provider would be a feasible option, no other efforts were made to obtain competition.

7. DETERMINATION THAT ANTICIPATED COST WILL BE FAIR AND

REASONABLE

This determination will be made by the Contacting Officer at the time of award.

8. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET SURVEY

The film extrusion line consists of three parts, a die, take-off rollers, and a cooling system. The die will be physically attached to the Intelli-Torque (manufacture by Brabender CWB) using an attachment for which Brabender CWB has the diagrams. The heating and control of the die must also be compatible with the existing software used to operate the Intelli-Torque. The take-off rollers, and cooling system for the rollers must also be compatible with the existing computer control software that operates the Intelli- Torque. Although it may be possible to purchase the take-off rollers and cooling system independently, we would like to purchase them as a complete system to ensure full integration with existing equipment and software. In addition, we require a day of start-up training which would be performed by a qualified technician at Brabender CWB, and would cover start-up of all their provided equipment (existing and acquired film extrusion line).

9. OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS

None

10. OTHER INTERESTED SOURCES

None.

11. ACTIONS TO OVER COME BARRIERS TO COMPETITION

In future procurements of this matter, we will re-examine the marketplace to determine if other companies have been certified to provide extrusion dies that attach to the Intelli- Torque or start-up system integration training.

As required by FAR 6.303-1 and 6.303-2, the undersigned does herby certify that the data and information provided to support this recommendation for acquisition of film extrusion line, without providing for full and open competition, is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Prepared by: Date: 08/29/2019 , Research Chemical Engineer

As Contracting Officer, I concur with this reasoning and the price is fair and reasonable.

Date: 09/03/2019 Colleen Reittinger, Contracting Officer