Attachment 12 - Tridium Niagara Redacted.pdf

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 1 of 3 Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#: 36C250-26-AP-2851

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval

For

Other Than Full and Open Competition

Tridium Niagara System Building Management Controls System

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C250-26-AP-2851

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO)

10, 260 E. University Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219.

The Requesting Agency is VISN 10, VAMC Medical Center, Engineering Service (138), 3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220.

Purchase Order Number: 539-26-1-6905-0003

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed:

The Cincinnati VAMC has experienced major difficulties with its Building Automation Systems (BAS) that supervises and controls the conditioned environment for patients and staff. The existing Direct Digital Automatic Temperature Control System (DDATCS) at the Cincinnati VA is an amalgamation of incompatible systems that communicate poorly, are difficult to maintain, and have led to significant operational problems throughout the facility, including an excessive volume of maintenance calls and widespread staff dissatisfaction with environmental conditions. Standardizing the Tridium-manufactured DDATCS components is essential to address these issues. Tridium is the only manufacturer capable of integrating components from the DDATCS components currently installed, thereby reducing waste, maximizing the project budget, improving reliability, and eliminating the communication failures present today.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs:

The expansion of the existing Building Management Controls System involves many new DDATCS devices, including controls/communications panels, sensors, actuators, automatic control valves, meters, computer hardware/software, programming, graphics, owner training, etc. The Estimated Value of the DDATCS is.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition:

(X) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy

Agency Requirements per FAR 6.302-1;

( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per FAR 6.302-2;

( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services per FAR 6.302-3;

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( ) (4) International Agreement per FAR 6.302-4

( ) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute FAR 6.302-5;

( ) (6) National Security per FAR 6.302-6;

( ) (7) Public Interest per FAR 6.302-7;

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the

Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority):

The intent of this is to update the existing controls systems at the campus to improve overall building optimization. Having all the DDATCS working in concert with each other will be critical in meeting energy goals and reducing building maintenance. Expanding the existing Tridium Niagara Framework at this facility and integrating the two other existing DDATCS into the Niagara Framework allows the system to monitor each and every device, so that it cannot only receive information, but also send control commands to the devices. The requirement for Tridium Niagara framework is not a limiting requirement, as it is used by various manufacturers of DDCATCS controls and various temperature control contractors (available to all). This framework was created for the purpose of integrating the existing disparate systems with different communications protocols into one cohesive and collaborate system seamlessly. The new Tridium-based panels specified as part of this construction contract are required to have an open license, which will afford the VA multiple choices for future service or system expansion.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as possible (including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by RFO Part 5 and, if not, which exception under RFO Part 5 applies):

Research has shown that in the industry, it is standard for most DDATCS to have their own proprietary software which prohibits communication between different manufacturers. There is just too much at risk from an operations standpoint to upgrade the two-existing proprietary DDATCS and not integrate all three into one cohesive and collaborative DDATCS with Tridium Niagara Framework as the head end. The Tridium Niagara Framework is the most prominent DDATCS in the local market that does allow communication with the existing controls at the Cincinnati VAMC campus. This system is an extension of the existing campus-wide DDC control system, which is based on the Tridium Niagara 4 platform. The capabilities of the Niagara Framework platform, and the availability in the local market, provides the Cincinnati VA with a system that can be serviced by multiple vendors, now and in the future. The VA facilities in Cleveland, Chillicothe and Dayton, all have the Tridium Niagara Framework for their main DDATCS, which shows the prevalence and versatility in this local market. This solicitation will be publicized via sam.gov. Market Research companies contacted were:

Jett’s Mechanical, LLC., Calvary Contracting, Inc., Armcorp Construction Company, Inc.

and JohnsonDanforth, Inc.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable:

Determination of fair and reasonableness of cost and price will be analyzed based on the IGE and other non-price related factors. The anticipated cost will be considered fair and reasonable. This project will be issued as an Invitation for Bid (IFB). Tradeoffs and Evaluation Factors are not applicable for this project. The cost for services will be compared with commercially published price lists and catalogs for similar products.

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8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the

Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

Market research has been previously conducted for prior projects, concerning this subject.

The Tridium Building Management Controls System is currently in use in the hospital. In addition, four (4) Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOSB’s) were contacted to inquire if they would be able to provide the Tridium system. All had indicated they would be able to provide this type of system.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition:

The ability of the Tridium Niagara Framework to integrate the existing facilities controls systems together makes this logical follow-on to the system to utilize for the upgrade.

Maintenance and system familiarity, while secondary to the issues of warranty or UL Listing, are other important factors to consider. Engineering is charged with maintaining this system.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

See Section 6 above.

11. A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any

Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required:

Solicitations for future requirements will utilize “brand name or equal” language, if it is in the Government’s best interest to do so. The current requirement must be solicited using a brand name description because the Government needs to create an exact copy of a system/item that is currently in use.

12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a

Bona Fide Need of the Department of Veterans Affairs and that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Mostafa Sabeh-Ayoun Date

Project Engineer, Engineering Service

VAMC – Cincinnati, OH

13. Approvals in accordance with VHAFAR Part 806.3 OFOC SOP FAR 6.304

a. Contracting Officer's Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Ron Heidemann Date

Contracting Officer

Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10