Attachment_-_Brand_Name_Justification.pdf

This is a Brand Name Determination Memo for a Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) commercial product acquisition by the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center. The document (Reference: PR 0044053152) justifies a sole-source procurement of a Parr 300 mL titanium alloy high pressure high temperature (HPHT) reactor from Parr Instrument Company, located at 211 Fifty Third Street, Moline, IL 61265.

The USGS has exclusively used Parr reactors and associated equipment for hydrous pyrolysis experimentation since 1991 across multiple laboratories. Over the thirty-five years of experimentation, the agency has accumulated an extensive library of custom-fit ancillary equipment (tubing, connectors, manifolds, heaters, controllers), developed extensive expertise in Parr instrumentation maintenance and operation, and maintained a library of spare and replacement parts. The new reactor will be integrated into an existing customized laboratory software environment and analytical setting featuring a uniquely configured gas injection manifold. Procurement of a reactor from any other manufacturer would require separate purchase of heating and controlling systems and adaptation to a newly purchased customized effluent collection manifold, creating prohibitive cost and delay constraints. Market research conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10 confirmed no alternate manufacturers can supply a compatible reactor for retrofitting into the existing laboratory environment without cost-prohibitive and extensive additional customization and new software requirements. Competition will be sought among resellers. The certifying official confirms that the facts presented support that only one source is available to meet the Government's requirements under FAR 12.102(a).