Attachment F - Brand Name Chevy Tahoe.pdf

LSJ No: Page 1 of 2

03.21.2022 v.1.0

Brand Name Limited-Sources Justification

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Office of Contracting, proposes to award an Order on behalf of the Office of Protective Operations. This acquisition will be in accordance with FAR 13.106 but the reference for the brand name shall be FAR 13.501(a)(ii).

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

USSS intends to limit the competition by soliciting to a particular brand name.

The USSS is seeking the immediate purchase of (14) fourteen Chevrolet Tahoe Police Patrol Vehicles via the GSA Express Desk Urgent Need Request program. These vehicles will be purchased from the on-site inventory of vendors who have an active SAM registration. This will be a onetime purchase.

The purchase of these vehicles is being executed to enhance the current Uniformed Division Emergency Response Team’s Tactical K-9 ability to sustain and enhance protection and security of Presidential and Vice-Presidential operations.

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

These 14 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV will be Black 2024 or newer models from existing dealership inventory with 4WD, reclining bucket / captains’ chairs, remote keyless entry, and remote keyless start. These vehicles are being sought for immediate purchase and government pick up from point of sale location.

4. Authority and supporting rationale.

This acquisition will be in accordance with FAR 13.106, but the reference for the brand name shall be FAR 13.501(a)(ii). This brand name specification must be used as prior to 2016, the ERT tested and evaluated numerous canine vehicle platforms in an effort to identify the most advantageous platform to support USSS ERT Tactical K-9 function. Some of the vehicles evaluated include the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, Ford Explorer PIU, Ford Edge, Dodge Durango Pursuit, and Dodge Charger. Ultimately, the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV met all minimum requirements to facilitate the specific operational needs of the unit. Some of the factors taken into consideration were the size of canine kennel space (kennel insert), storage space (for handler and canine gear), accommodation of an ERT Technician in full duty gear (to include helmet and rifle), compatibility with patrol vehicle emergency equipment, as well as safety and reliability and capability operating in all weather and off-road conditions.

LSJ No: Page 2 of 2

03.21.2022 v.1.0

In the time since transitioning to the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, market research has shown the available options for canine deployment platforms have not changed considerably and the Tahoe remains the best available option for the unique mission of the ERT Tactical K-9. Deployment times are critical in the workspace of ERT to immediately respond to and intercept a potential threat. The size of the Chevy Tahoe affords more cover for operators exposed to a threat and its interior dimensions allow the operator and canine to deploy simultaneously. This an operational consideration specific to the ERT Tactical K-9 operations and not required by the Explosive Detection K-9 program. Currently, the Chevrolet Tahoe is the largest SUV offered in a police model which can best sustain the wear and tear of law enforcement canine deployment.

The results of recent market research indicate other manufacturer’s similar vehicles lack many of the particular/unique feature(s) mentioned above and do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the needs of Tactical USSS K9.

5. USSS intends to post this requirement as an open market simplified acquisition in accordance with FAR 13.106 that will be posted to SAM.gov.

6. Contracting Officer Certification and Approval.

I hereby determine that the circumstance(s) described herein exist and that the information is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)

Contracting Officer