Apple_iPads_Brand_Name_Justification_for_RFQ-68HERW26Q0064.pdf
PDF 157 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Procurement of 50 Brand Name Apple iPads
- Solicitation number
- 68HERW26Q0064
- Issued by
- Not on record
About this file
This is a Brand Name Justification memorandum for a federal procurement under $25,000. The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water seeks to procure fifty (50) Apple iPad 11th Generation 11" tablets with 256GB Wi-Fi-only capability at a total cost of $22,450.00. The iPads will be used to collect field data for the National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS), which conducts sampling activities at more than 1,000 sites across the country. The procurement is set aside for small businesses and will be awarded through a Request for Quotation (RFQ) via SAM.gov to identify an authorized Apple distributor.
The justification for the brand-specific requirement is based on technical compatibility. The EPA has developed customized NARS field applications containing over 100 chemical, physical, and logical data points that require integration with existing systems. These applications were developed using a programming language compatible only with Apple devices, making iPad the sole equipment capable of meeting the operational requirements. Market research confirmed that Apple iPads are not available through the GSA Federal Supply Schedule and must be procured via open market. The Apple manufacturer indicated multiple authorized vendors can provide quotations through SAM.gov. The Contracting Officer (Dionna Jones-Banks) determined the purchase represents best value to the Government, with concurrence from one level above (Kimberly Loesch) on June 10, 2026.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment_A_-RFQ_68HERW26Q0064.pdf | ||
| Sol_68HERW26Q0064.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 .