Attachment 2 - Sole Source Justification-Redacted.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 4March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 3 of 4 integrate with the fire monitoring system. The fire alarm brands ability to integrate with the network is paramount as alternative brands of Fire Alarm Systems will not communicate with PSFB Alarm Shop and PSFB Fire Department resulting in safety and emergency risks and issues.

The fire alarm network resides on a closed loop fiber network which utilizes KTI (model KC-300D-C) media converters and Lantronix (model UDS2100) servers to allow the EST fire panels to communicate on the network. The Lantronix server gives remote network control of the device to the technicians. Currently, other brands or models would not function as this system was designed and established utilizing the existing EST brand fire alarms currently in place and the use of an alternate brand could cause catastrophic failures within the system.

A sources sought was posted to SAM.gov in attempts to identify any alternate brands capable of integrating with the existing system. No alternatives were identified or submitted; however, several companies were identified as authorized resellers of the EST fire alarms with the capability to provide and install the required systems. Five vendors were contacted directly to gauge interest and capability in the requirement, with four positive responses received. The Government have attempted to solicit other brands of fire alarms of equal capability and gained testimony (Attachment 2 - Technical Expert Justification for Edwards System Technology) from a technical expert and distributor of a competing fire alarm system, Mr. Mike Morgan of Western States Fire Protection, stating, "Unfortunately, Notifier fire alarm systems will not be able to sit on / communicate with the EST fire alarm network. The EST fire alarm network is used to relay all base fire alarm signals to central dispatch for both Peterson and CMAFS. Pardon the expression, but you are married to the EST product line for better or for worse”.

Furthermore, Edwards System Technology branded fire alarms are the only system the CE technicians are trained on, for maintenance and repair. CE maintains an adequate level of spare parts to enable their technicians to accomplish repairs and replacements through already established means and methods.

Switching Fire Alarms Systems at this point would require a replacement and overhaul of all base systems requiring new training procedures, new licensing, and additional maintenance contracts for future repairs. We currently have a service contract (FA251720P0055) for Edwards Fire Alarm System maintenance for the entire Peterson installation. Switching brands now would not be advantageous to the Government as it would include the replacement of the existing EST units not at end of life that are operable.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

A search through GSA Advantage did not provide any small or large business capable of providing the required brand of fire alarm. Additionally, there was a sources sought posted to SAM.gov in attempts to identify any alternate brands capable of integrating within the existing system. No alternatives were identified or submitted; however, several companies were identified as authorized resellers of the EST fire alarms with the capability to provide and install the required systems. Five vendors were contacted directly to gauge interest and capability in the requirement, with four positive responses received including numerous small businesses. The fire alarm division manager for Western States Fire Protection Co responded stating that he previously served as the EST fire alarm designer for both Peterson and CMSFS systems, and he confirmed that his current companies fire alarm system would not be compatible the the systems already installed throughout Peterson and CMSFS.

To obtain the maximum amount of competition, this requirement will be solicited on SAM.gov as Full and Open, in regards to small versus large business, and all interested businesses the opportunity to compete due to the non-manufacturer rule IAW FAR 19.505. The only restrictions to competition will be in regards to this brand name justification and the EST's proprietary nature.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

Based upon various Market Research results, the Contracting Officer anticipates offerors independently submitting

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 4 of 4March 2023 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 4 of 4 quotes for the required items and the price with be determined fair and reasonable IAW FAR 13.106-2 based upon competition, historical prices paid, or any method reasonable for the action.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

The Contracting Officer conducted market research to determine the availability of competitors and similar products in within industry. It was determined that while competitors with similar products exist, no other products will offer the full fire system integration needed to fulfill the requirement. Other products would not meet the customer's needs in full and would also require additional training and maintenance.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

N/A

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

The following vendors were contacted directly and expressed interest in this acquisition:

Low Voltage Wiring, LTD; Driver Technology, LLC; Norel Service Co, Inc.; Western States Fire Protection Company; and LW Enterprises, Inc.

XI. 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.

The Peterson SFB Design guide is reviewed yearly by 21 CES for updates on paragraph 6.1 Fire alarm systems, to add any additional brands of fire alarm system compatible with the current EST System. However, until a time at which alternate brand capability is identified this brand name restriction is not expected to change.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my signature above, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my (our) responsibility, is both accurate and complete.