Justification_-_Donald_Danforth_Plant_Science_Ctr_(BPA).doc

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION:

Upon the basis of the following justification, I, as Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of other than full and open competition for the proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

JUSTIFICATION

1. Agency and Contracting Activity (FAR 6.303-2(a)(1)).

USDA, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, Midwest Area, Procurement & Property Section.

2. Nature/Description of Actions(s) (FAR 6.303-2(a)(2)).

a. This contracting action is to obtain a blanket purchase order (BPA) for supplies and services for USDA researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC).

3. Description of Supplies/Services (FAR 6.303-2(a)(3)).

The supplies and services requested consist of the use of different types of gas, including liquid nitrogen, argon and helium, dry ice, copier use and the use of the mass spectrometry facility, plus other miscellaneous supplies.

4. Identification of Statutory Authority (FAR 6.303-2(a)(4)).

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1. The services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of services will satisfy the Agency requirements.

5. Demonstration of Contractor’s Unique qualifications (FAR 6.303-2(a)(5)).

a. Only one responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will satisfy Agency Requirements (FAR 6.302-1(a)(2))

(1) FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)) states, “When the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, or for DOD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, from only one or a limited number of responsible sources, and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for.”

(2) USDA-ARS researchers are mandated by Congress to be located at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to conduct research. The researchers use the following items that are provided for by the Center for a fee such as liquid nitrogen, argon, and helium, dry ice, copier use, and use of the mass spectrometry facility, plus some other miscellaneous supplies. The DDPSC purchases in large quantities and therefore receive discounts greater than those if done individually. USDA researchers are given a 30% discount for use of DDPSC’s 4000 QTRAP ESI MSMS and a 66% discount for the use of their Orbitrap ESI MSMS LC-MSMS.

6. Federal Business Opportunities – FedBizOpp.gov (FBO) Announcement/Potential Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a)(6)).

a. A Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) Special Notice is published in an attempt to identify other possible vendors of the required consumables.

b. USDA/ARS does not anticipate other qualified sources; however, should any responses be received, they will be evaluated to determine if they can meet future needs of the Government.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (FAR 6.303-2(a)(7)).

The price paid for the supplies and services from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is considered to be fair and reasonable based on a history of prices paid in the past.

8. Description of Market Research (FAR 6.303-2(a)(8)).

USDA/ARS is constantly surveying the market and from this experience knows that the supplies and services are only available from the vendor identified.

9. Any Other Supporting Facts (FAR 6.303-2(a)(9))

There are no other supporting facts.

10. Listing of Interested Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a)(10)).

No other sources are available at this time.

11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition (FAR 6.303(a)(11)).

Vendor surveys are done from time to time to see if other vendors can meet the research requirements. So far none have been able to.

12. Technical Requirements and Certifications; (FAR 6.303-1(b) and FAR 6.303-2(b)).

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and which form a basis for this justification are complete and accurate.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: (FAR 6.303-1(A), 6.303-2(A)(12)).

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

//s// Name: Karen L. Reddick

Title: Purchasing Agent