Attachment 5 - Brand Name Justification - Des Moines IA.pdf

Project No. 636A6-21-109 Building 1 Level 1 Clinics Renovation – Construction – Des Moines, IA VAMC

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 1 of 8 Revision: 02 Effective Date: 11/15/23 Acquisition ID#: 36C263-25-AP-2667

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C263-25-AP-2667

1. Contracting Activity:

Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC) The proposed procurement , Invitation for Bid (IFB) is to provide construction for the Building 1 Level 1 Clinic renovations, at the Des Moines, IA VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Des Moines, IA.

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

This justification is to support the project #636A6-21-109: Building 1 Level 1 Clinics Renovations at the Des Moines VA Medical Center, that would be awarded as a firm-fixed price contract. This justification is for other than full and open competition for the procurement of certain construction materials. The use of a particular brand name for the items listed below accommodate standardization of these items throughout the facility.

a. Building Automation System Metasys System

i. Johnson Controls

b. Digital Camera Security System

i. Avigilon

c. Physical Access Card Readers

i. Hirsh

d. Electric Strike Door Contacts

i. HES

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

The scope includes everything necessary to complete the Building 1 Level 1 Clinics Renovation (Minor) Construction project at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System located at 3600 30th St. Des Moines, IA. that meets the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are four (4) brand name items listed for which the VA is not able to accept equal or alternate items. The value of the items is listed below. The VAAR construction magnitude for the entire project is between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000.

a. Building Automation System Metasys System

i. Johnson Controls

ii. Value:

iii. Description: This project involves the acquisition of Johnson Controls equipment and control panels to operate and monitor critical HVAC components, including one (1) Air Handling Unit, one (1) Energy Recovery Ventilator Unit, four (4) Variable Frequency Drives, two (2) Exhaust Fans, thirty-two (32) Variable Air Volume (VAV) Terminal Units with hot water reheat coil valves, two (2) Tertiary Loop Hot Water Pumps, two (2) Steam-to- Hot Water Heat Exchangers, two (2) Hot Water Radiant Heaters, and nine (9) Electric Radiant Heaters. All controls and monitoring capabilities will be fully integrated into the existing Metasys Building Automation System provided by Johnson Controls.

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b. Digital Camera Security System

i. Avigilon

ii. Value:

iii. Description: The perimeter security cameras are Motorola-manufactured devices designed to integrate seamlessly with the facility’s existing Avigilon perimeter security system. These cameras provide high-resolution electronic digital video imaging essential for VA Police and security personnel to monitor, detect, and respond to activity across the facility grounds. As an extension of the current surveillance infrastructure, these cameras are critical to maintaining full operational capability, ensuring continuous coverage, and supporting real-time security monitoring throughout the VA perimeter.

c. Physical Access Card Readers

i. Hirsh – Hirsch DS47L-HL (high int. orange)

ii. Value:

iii. Description: This project involves the acquisition of HIRSCH High Security

ScramblePad DS47L is a secure keypad access device engineered to integrate seamlessly with existing Hirsch DIGI*TRAC™ controllers and access control infrastructure. Featuring a scrambling display that randomizes digit locations with each use, the ScramblePad prevents pattern recognition and enhances code security.

This unit provides high-security PIN-based entry, supports dual-reader configurations, and includes built-in viewing restrictors for privacy. As a secure operator interface, the ScramblePad is essential for facilities requiring traceable, non-transferable access credentials and is critical to maintaining controlled, accountable entry to secure areas.

i. HES – 1006-630-LBSM - HES Electric Door Strike: 2 1/16 in Wd, 4 7/8 in Ht, Cylindrical, Stainless-Steel Item 28XN36Mfr. Model 1006 630 LBSM

ii. Value:

iii. Description: This project involves the acquisition of nine (9) HES 1006 Series

Electric Strikes with Satin Stainless Steel finish and integrated Latchbolt Strike Monitors. These electric strikes are designed for use with both cylindrical and mortise locksets, offering versatile compatibility for a range of door hardware applications.

Each strike enhances access control by electronically securing the latch, allowing integration with building security and entry systems. The Latchbolt Strike Monitor provides real-time feedback on door status, adding an extra layer of monitoring and safety. These units will be configured to operate in coordination with the existing electronic access control infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure entry management.

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

(X) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements per 41 USC §3304(a)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1;

( ) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per 41 USC §3304(a)(2) as implemented by FAR 6.302-2;

( ) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 3 of 8 Revision: 02 Effective Date: 11/15/23 Acquisition ID#: 36C263-25-AP-2667 or Expert Services per 41 USC §3304(a)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3;

( ) International Agreement per 41 USC §3304(a)(4) as implemented by FAR 6.302-4

( ) Authorized or Required by Statute per 41 USC §3304(a)(5) as implemented by FAR 6.302-5;

( ) National Security per 41 USC §3304(a)(6) as implemented by FAR 6.302-6;

( ) Public Interest per 41 USC §3304(a)(7) as implemented by 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):

These items have been standardized throughout the Des Moines Veteran Medical Center (VAMC) located in Des Moines, IA. Installing a different manufacturers’ systems will create significant duplication in costs for the facility, and in most cases the equipment will not function properly. The specific impact for not using the brand name items is listed below:

a. Building Automation System Metasys System

i. Johnson Controls

ii. Impact: The existing Building Automation System (BAS) at the Medical

Center is the Metasys system, provided by Johnson Controls. This system has served as the facility-wide BAS standard for over five years and was originally installed through a competitively awarded contract. Metasys is responsible for monitoring and controlling critical systems such as air handling units, refrigeration equipment, the boiler plant, and the chilled water plant.

The Metasys system plays an essential role in providing real-time data that supports the maintenance department in maintaining safe operations and ensuring compliance with Joint Commission standards—particularly in the management of boiler operations.

Continued use of the Metasys system is vital to meeting the Government’s operational and regulatory requirements. While alternative BAS platforms are available on the market, they are not capable of fully integrating with the existing Metasys infrastructure. Attempts to interface other systems have required separate platforms to monitor HVAC and related systems, but these efforts have not yielded effective results. Moreover, any alternative BAS would need to be compatible not only with the HVAC systems involved in this project but also with the existing boiler and chilled water plant monitoring systems.

Metasys enables centralized and efficient communication across HVAC, lighting, security, and life safety systems on a single platform. Since 2010, the BAS has been maintained under a Utility Energy Services Contract (UESC) with Johnson Controls, in coordination with the facility’s serving utility.

Authorized under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-486, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 8256), the UESC is a limited-source contracting mechanism for implementing energy and water efficiency improvements, as well as demand reduction services.

b. Digital Camera Security System

i. Avigilon

ii. Impact: The continued use and expansion of the Avigilon camera system is essential to maintaining the integrity, functionality, and security of the video

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 4 of 8 Revision: 02 Effective Date: 11/15/23 Acquisition ID#: 36C263-25-AP-2667 surveillance infrastructure at the medical center. Avigilon has been the standard surveillance system across the facility for several years, following a competitively awarded installation process. This system was originally selected to safeguard high-security areas such as IT closets, pharmacy rooms, and other sensitive locations throughout the campus.

Maintaining brand consistency with Avigilon products ensures seamless integration with the facility’s existing monitoring, recording, and control equipment. Introducing devices from other manufacturers may result in compatibility issues, unreliable performance, or a complete lack of interoperability—ultimately jeopardizing the effectiveness of the entire surveillance network.

The video surveillance system is a critical component in protecting patients, visitors, staff, and infrastructure against unlawful or unauthorized activities.

Any modification to the system that excludes original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or service not only risks technical failure but also compromises the facility’s ability to respond to security incidents effectively.

Additionally, the use of Avigilon products guarantees that emergency service and support are provided by factory-trained, OEM-authorized technicians within a limited travel radius. This proximity and level of expertise are essential to maintaining uptime, ensuring rapid repairs, and preserving the system’s full operational capability in the event of a failure.

In conclusion, continued use of Avigilon brand equipment is not only a matter of technical compatibility but a fundamental requirement for the reliable and secure operation of the facility’s surveillance system.

c. Physical Access Card Readers

i. Hirsh

ii. Impact: Hirsch Electronics has been the established standard for high-security access control across the facility, following a competitively awarded installation. Their system was originally selected for its ability to provide layered security for sensitive and restricted areas such as data rooms, medical supply storage, pharmacy access points, and controlled entryways throughout the campus.

Maintaining brand consistency with Hirsch products ensures seamless interoperability with the facility’s existing door control, alarm monitoring, credential enrollment, and centralized database management systems.

Introducing components from other manufacturers would likely result in significant compatibility issues, requiring additional integration software, extensive reconfiguration, and an increased risk of system errors or cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Such disruptions could compromise access control, delay response times during critical incidents, and reduce overall system reliability.

The access control system plays a vital role in protecting patients, staff, assets, and sensitive data by limiting unauthorized entry and enabling real-time monitoring and response. Any shift away from Hirsch OEM equipment

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 5 of 8 Revision: 02 Effective Date: 11/15/23 Acquisition ID#: 36C263-25-AP-2667 would not only undermine technical compatibility but may also result in non-compliance with VA security policies and federal access control standards.

Moreover, use of Hirsch-manufactured components ensures that maintenance and emergency support can be performed by factory-trained, OEM-authorized technicians—ensuring minimal downtime, expert troubleshooting, and the continued security of the facility’s infrastructure.

In conclusion, continued use of Hirsch brand access control equipment is a mission-critical requirement for the VA Medical Center’s secure, standardized, and uninterrupted physical security operations.

ii. Impact: HES Electric Door Contacts have been a critical component of the facility’s secure door monitoring infrastructure, selected for their proven reliability, precision, and compatibility with the existing access control system.

These contacts provide essential door position monitoring for secure areas such as behavioral health units, medication rooms, data centers, and other controlled access points.

Maintaining consistency with HES-manufactured components ensures seamless integration with the current door status monitoring, alarm annunciation, and access control platforms. Introducing non-HES alternatives would likely require additional adapters, recalibration, or software configuration, increasing installation complexity, service delays, and potential system errors. This would jeopardize real-time monitoring capabilities and delay emergency responses.

Door contact sensors play a crucial role in verifying whether secured doors are closed and latched, generating alerts if a door is propped or forced open—functions vital to the safety of patients, staff, and sensitive areas. A deviation from the established HES standard could compromise compliance with federal security protocols and facility-specific risk management policies.

Additionally, HES components are supported by a network of certified technicians and carry warranties aligned with VA maintenance standards.

Continued use of these OEM devices ensures technical support, streamlined replacement, and long-term operational reliability.

In conclusion, the sustained use of HES Electric Door Contacts is essential to preserving the integrity, interoperability, and responsiveness of the facility’s access control and monitoring systems.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable:

In accordance with the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), the components listed above are identified as brand name; however, the overall procurement will be competed as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small-Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for required Brand Name products will be posted to

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Contract Opportunities with the solicitation. General Contractors will have opportunity to compete brand name requirements among authorized retailers, if available.

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

The Government estimate was prepared by the VA team and confirmed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The anticipated price to the Government for the items requested to be brand name is approximately

The items for which brand name approval is being requested are subsequent components to the overall construction project. This procurement will be competed and based on competition; the CO will make a determination of fair and reasonable pricing prior to award.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

The market research for the equipment was conducted and prepared by the COR and shared with the CO for further review. The CO was in concurrence with information provided in the estimate that supported the brand name items. Approval of the items as brand name only is critical for the overall efficiency of the completed project and the entire Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Des Moines, IA.

The market research concerning the required brand name items was previously conducted when the procurement of these items were originally purchased. The manufacturers and products are exclusively acceptable for reasons outlined in this J&A.

An additional purpose of the market research was to ensure requirements of the Buy American Act (BAA) has been met for each of the brand name items identified. The A/E team reviewed each of the compliance standards for the BAA and compared it with the components in each of the brand name items. After their thorough review, they have concluded that each item is in compliance with the BAA. See an overview below for each item:

a. Building Automation System Metasys System

i. Johnson Controls

ii. Findings: Johnson Controls products, including the building and climate security control systems specified for this project, are manufactured domestically in compliance with the Buy American Act. The company’s United States headquarters, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, oversees the manufacturing of these systems, ensuring they meet federal sourcing requirements. This domestic production supports national industry standards and affirms the project’s alignment with Buy American provisions. (See Attachment 1 - Metasys BAS - Johnson Controls).

b. Digital Camera Security System

i. Avigilon

ii. Findings: The Avigilon digital video cameras are manufactured in in Plano, Texas. A news article was also published on October 5, 2017 discussing a new 50,000 square foot facility where all Avigilon products sold in the USA would be manufactured at that facility. Therefore, there are no concerns regarding the “Buy American” compliance. (See Attachment 2 - Avigilon Digital Video Cameras).

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c. Physical Access Card Readers

i. Hirsh

ii. Findings: The Hirsh card readers are available via GSA Advantage on contract number GS-07F-0439U. On GSA Advantage the country of origin United States of America. This is available for purchase with the following contractors, BCF Solutions, Inc., Identiv, Inc., Start Asset Security, LLC and Nobico, Inc.,. Therefore, there are no concerns regarding the “Buy American” compliance. (See Attachment 3 – Hirsh DS47L).

ii. Findings: The HES Electric Strick Door Contacts are available via GSA

Advantage on contract number GD-07F-9671S. On GSA Advantage the country of origin is United States of America. There is also supplemental product information that states that Environmental Product Declaration that the product is made by Assa Abloy and their manufacturing facility is located in Phoenix, AZ. This is available for purchase with the following contractors on the GSA contract: Star Asset Security, LLC, A&T Marketing, Inc., Craftmaster Hardware LLC, Jlogistics LLC, Caprice Electronics, Red Hill Ventures LLC, Noble Supply & Logistics, W.W. Grainger, Inc., Aviate Enterprises, Norex, Group, LLC, Keltner Group LLC, Wrigglesworth Enterprises Inc., and Wecsys LLC. Therefore, there are no concerns regarding the “Buy American” compliance.(See Attachment 4 – HES Electric Door Strike).

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

The new components (software and servers) must be able to tie into the existing and operational systems including the use of existing hardware. At this time, there are no competing vendors who have the programming rights to the systems, and products must be fully compatible with the existing systems being used at the Des Moines Veteran Medical Center (VAMC) located in Des Moines, IA.

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

Not applicable. It is the responsibility of the offerors, and the general contractor awarded the project to locate suppliers and obtain pricing for all materials and components, including the items listed in this justification.

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:

There will be competition for the overall procurement. It will be the responsibility of the offerors to obtain pricing from the suppliers of the items and to submit a competitive proposal for the project.

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.

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 8 of 8 Revision: 02 Effective Date: 11/15/23 Acquisition ID#: 36C263-25-AP-2667

Jeff McDonald Date

Contracting Officer Representative Des Moines, VAMC Engineering Technician

13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP:

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

William Henkel Date Contracting Officer Program Contracting Activity Central

JEFFERY

MCDONALD

Digitally signed by

JEFFERY MCDONALD

Date: 2025.06.09 13:50:23 -05'00'