Attachment 5_Justification and Approval_12760426Q0074.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: LMR PR1169517 R4 WR20266353 (2) Microwave Systems Payette NF

Rev. 3/4/26

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) FAR

12.102 (a), the following documents the decision to restrict competition for this acquisition.

(1) Mission Area and Contracting Activity.

Mission Area: Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).

Contacting Activity: 127604.

Requisition Number: PR 1169517.

Requesting Activity Agency: USDA Forest Service.

(2) Estimated Value.

(3) Brief Description of Supplies or Services.

The acquisition is to procure Cambium Microwave PTP-700 Point-to-Point ODU equipment and accessories for the Payette NF in Region 4 to establish a direct microwave link between the Payette Interagency Dispatch Center and Brundage Mountain Radio Repeater Site. The existing transport system consists of an obsolete commercial T1 circuit which is unreliable and incurs excessive monthly lease costs. The Cambium PTP-700 ODU Microwave Systems and equipment enable secure, high-bandwidth communications that support critical US Forest Service (USFS) Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Systems. The Cambium Microwave Systems ensure the USFS has uninterrupted high-quality data communications that are crucial for the LMR backbone infrastructure and operational requirements for an Interagency Dispatch Center and the remote mountain-top radio repeater site. This equipment is critical for LMR communications for wildland fire fighters, first responders, law enforcement and USFS employees.

Suggested Source.

Cambium Networks 3800 Golf Road, Suite 360, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, USA

(888) 863-5250

(4) Justification for Restricting Competition and the Basis for that Decision.

A. Explain the unique qualifications/characteristics of the proposed contractor or product and why no other contractor or product/service can meet the Government's need.

This Brand Name Justification restricts the procurement of microwave radio components to Cambium Networks. This is essential for the USFS—including Region 4—to guarantee compatibility with presently installed systems. The PTP-700 system meets federal spectrum and FIPS security requirements for controlling Land Mobile Radio (LMR) equipment. The specific rationale for utilizing Cambium equipment for all system replacements, upgrades, and spare component stocking is as follows:

United States Department of Agriculture Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: LMR PR1169517 R4 WR20266353 (2) Microwave Systems Payette NF

Rev. 3/4/26

Seamless Compatibility & Security: The USFS utilizes Cambium Broadband Microwave Radio equipment nationwide. Many non-federal commercial systems lack FIPS validation and operate on unapproved frequencies.

Optimized Maintenance: The proprietary nature of Cambium systems requires their exclusive replacement parts to eliminate compatibility risks, prevent configuration errors, and optimize spare inventory.

Minimized System Complexity: Using non-OEM equivalents would add unnecessary operational complexity to the agency's established local and national networks

B. Describe market research conducted and the results or the reason why no market research was conducted.

Market research was conducted using the GSA Market Research as a Service (MRAS) Platform, reviewing existing contracts such as GSA’s Contract Directory for similar systems, and open market analysis to verify the availability of comparable Microwave Systems from other vendors.

This included analyzing product specifications and consulting with industry contacts, and peer institutions. The responses and findings confirmed the right supplies and solutions were identified and that no other Microwave Systems met USDA FS required compatibility and performance criteria.

Certifications & Approvals

Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

LMR Architect/COR

Contracting Officer’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification.

Contracting Officer