Gerstel_Sole_Source_7-25-2016.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(Sole Source)

In accordance with the authority granted under FAR Part 13, this request for a noncompetitive acquisition is hereby submitted for consideration for acquisition approval.

A GENCY: USDA, APHIS, PPQ, CPHST

CONTRACTING A CTIVITY: Minneapolis Business Services

DATE: 01 June 2016

FACTS:

1. Description of Contract Action: Purchase of Multipurpose Sampler (MPS). Required for the development of Gold Standard Methodology for the evaluation of agricultural screening tools associated with CPHST Project PPQ-009400, "Agricultural Screening ofVOCs as Indicators of Infestation by Portable Gas Chromatography (zNOSE)" and the evaluation of fumigation monitors associated with CPHST Project PPQ-009862, "Evaluation of Methyl Bromide Monitors for PPQ-Monitored Fumigations". A Gold Standard Method is a definitive procedure that tests the "field readiness" value of the agricultural screening tool and fumigation monitor and serves as a quality control component ensuring the field tools are operating as intended.

2. Description of Supplies or Services: Specifically designed to provide a wide range of capabilities in one robotic system. Capabilities include liquid injection, headspace GC, SPME & Multi-fiber exchange, dynamic headspace, thermal extraction of liquids and solids, efficient trace analysis with the GERSTEL twister, and automated solid phase extraction. Samples to be analyzed include solids, liquids, and gases.

3. Reasonsfor Authority Cited: The GERSTEL Multipurpose Sampler is required for the following reasons:

• It is the only system that can accommodate all the capabilities described in #2 of this document and are required to develop the requested methodology in one system.

• The GERSTEL MPS system can be fully integrated with the existing Agilent GC/MSD equipped with Chemstation software already in existence at the CPHST-AQI laboratory where work will be conducted.

• The system enables highly efficient automation of sample preparation and sample introduction for GC/MS and LC/MS.

• The MPS system can be used as a workstation independent of the analysis systems, providing prepared samples for multiple techniques in the lab, therefore minimizing man hours and generating an overall cost savings.

4. Efforts to Obtain Competition: Only one quote was obtained due to required capabilities to meet project objectives were not all inclusive in one automated system by competitors.

5. Fair and Reasonable Determination: GERSTEL, Inc is the only sole source vendor who can provide both the PPQ-009400 and PPQ-009862 project deliverables and the system integration of the existing Agilent GC/MS located at the CPHST-Miami laboratory. (See Market Research below). For this reason, a fair and reasonable determination by the project Principle Investigator for the selection of the GERSTEL MPS system was submitted for purchase.

6. Market Research:

PROJECT PPQ- GERSTEL MPS Chromtech TDAS Overbrook Scientific 009400/PPQ-009862 2000 Autosampler

Deliverables Liquid Injection X X X

Solid Phase Micro Extraction_(SPME) Dynamic Headspace

(DHS)

Thermal Desorption X X

Automated Solid Phase Extraction X

(SPE)

Trace Determination of liquid and gaseous X samples Integrates into x existing software Headspace GC X X X

7. Other Supporting Factors. The GERSTEL MPS is the only system that can accommodate all of the following capabilities needed to develop the requested "Gold Standard" methodology in one system. Capabilities include: liquid extraction, headspace GC, SPME, and Multi-fiber exchange (MFX), dynamic headspace (DHS), thermal extraction of liquids and solids, GERSTEL Twister® analysis, automated solid phase extraction (SPE) and dispersive solid phase extraction (DPX). The GERSTEL MPS system can also be fully integrated with the existing Agilent GC/MSD equipped with Chemstation software already in existence at the CPHST-AQI laboratory where work will be conducted.

8. Interested Sources: N/A

9. Actions to Increase Competition: Market Research was conducted to determine if other available systems had the required capabilities needed to meet project deliverables. An intent to sole source this requirement will be posted on FBO.gov for 1 5 days in an effort to reach any possible vendor that can supply this equipment.

I 0. Technical Certification

I certify that the fact and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge are belief.

Name & 1UI er Date

Title &Jzi;9 — /Qn aJrL?'eLL &/?u Signature ,44L.V -)/~ALtAJ

I I . Contracting Officer Certification

I certify that the fact and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge are belief.

Name

Date

Title Signature____________________________