Apple_iPads_Brand_Name_Justification_for_RFQ-68HERW26Q0053.pdf

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Attached to
Procurement of 50 Brand Name Apple iPads
Solicitation number
68HERW26Q0053
Issued by
Not on record

About this file

This is a Brand Name Justification memorandum for a procurement action under $25,000. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks to procure 50 Apple iPad 11th Generation 11" tablets with 256GB storage and Wi-Fi connectivity for a total cost of $22,450.00. The iPads will be used by the Office of Water/Office of Wetlands, Ocean, and Watershed to collect field data for the National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS) at over 1,000 sites across the country. The EPA developed customized NARS field applications containing over 100 data points of chemical, physical, and logical information that are only compatible with Apple devices and the programming language used for their development.

Market research conducted on the GSA Advantage website determined that the Apple iPad cannot be obtained through the GSA Federal Supply Schedule because it is not TAA compliant (made in China). Consequently, procurement will occur through an open market Request for Quotation via SAM.gov set aside for small businesses. Multiple authorized Apple vendors are capable of providing quotations. The Contracting Officer, Dionna Jones-Banks, determined that the proposed purchase order represents best value to the Government in accordance with FAR Subpart 13.106(1)(b)(1)(i). The justification received concurrence from Kimberly Loesch, Contracting Officer One-Level Above, both dated June 10, 2026.

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Sol_68HERW26Q0053_Amd_0002.pdf PDF
Sol_68HERW26Q0053_Amd_0001.pdf PDF
Attachment_A_-RFQ_68HERW26Q0053.docx DOCX document
Sol_68HERW26Q0053.pdf PDF

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Text version

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION: Apple iPads

(for procurement < $25,000)

PR-OW-26-00353

Authority Cited: 13.106-1 (b)(1)

MEMORANDUM

FROM: Brian Hasty

TO: Contracting Officer

Complete Description of Requirement:

This procurement requirement is to procure fifty (50) Apple iPad 11th Generation 11" Tablet, 256GB, Wi-Fi only.

These iPads will be used to collect field data for the National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS).

Total Cost: $22,450.00

Exclusive distributor of this equipment:

Vendor will be selected as a result of the RFQ.

This RFQ is set aside for all small business authorized to provide a quotation for the Brand Name Apple iPad Vendor information will be provided at award.

Justification:

The Office of Water/Office of Wetlands, Ocean, and Watershed/Watershed Restoration, Assessment, and Protection Division/Monitoring and Analysis Branch has a need to procure the iPads. The EPA has developed customized NARS field applications for surveyors/crews to collect data. There are over a 100 data points. These data points are chemical, physical, and logical in nature and are part of surveys at more than 1000 sites across the country. iPad devices are used for sampling activities and are the only devices capable of integrating with the existing NARS applications. The NARS field applications are required to be used by all crews collecting data, and the applications were developed using a programming language that is only compatible with Apple.

Contracting Officer's Determination: In accordance with FAR Subpart 13.106(1)(b)(1)(i) Brand Name, Contracting Officer review of the market, acceptance of the Brand Name Justification, it is determined that the proposed purchase order represents the best value to the Government.

Market Research: A search was conducted on the GSA Advantage website using the search terms: Apple iPad 11th Generation, Wifi Only. Additionally, a Request for Information was conducted, and the Apple iPad cannot be

GSA Federal Supply Schedule. The manufacturer, Apple US has indicated there are several authorized vendors that are capable of fulfilling this procurement and can provide quotations via SAM.gov. Therefore, a Request for Quotation via SAM.gov will be released to fulfill this requirement for Apple Brand Name iPad Product.

Contracting Officer's Certification: As the Contracting Officer for this requirement, I certify that this Brand Name Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer, Dionna Jones-Banks Date

CONCUR:

06/10/2026 Contracting Officer, Kimberly Loesch Date One-Level Above

6/10/2026

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .