Attachment 3 - Brand Name Justification (Biosafety Cabinet).pdf

This is a Single Source Justification document from the Department of State for procuring six Baker SteriLGARD® Class II Type A2 Biosafety Cabinets for the WRAIR-AFRIMS Virology unit in Thailand. The procurement supports two critical field-based surveillance projects focused on dengue, vector-borne, and respiratory disease research in Southern Thailand. The cabinets will be used for virus isolation, molecular diagnostic testing, handling infectious specimens, and research on immunological responses to pathogens.

The specific equipment includes two 3-foot and three 4-foot biosafety cabinets, plus one 6-foot cabinet, all with UV light and channel stand accessories. Each unit must meet detailed technical requirements including HEPA filtration, ergonomic design, safety controls, and compliance with NSF/ANSI 49 biosafety standards. The justification for sole-sourcing the Baker brand is based on its proprietary airflow stabilization technology, low noise levels, energy efficiency, and the laboratory's existing standardization on these units, which would make introducing an alternative brand complex and potentially disruptive to ongoing research operations.