B.04.28 J&A Brand Name SoftPLC.pdf

Control No. 20-0054

BRAND NAME DETERMINATION

SoftPLC Equipment

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCATION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District

(CENWW-CT) 201 North 3rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: Approval is being requested for a new firm fixed price contract with

SoftPLC to acquire Programmable Logic Controllers and Industrial C-Fast 8GB Cards. SoftPLC is a Small Business under NAICS code 511210 – Software Publishers. Estimated value is $93,290

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES OR NATURE OF CONSTRUCTION: This purchase is for the installation of GDACS, SoftPLC has provided pricing as shown below for required items:

Manufacturer Part Number Description Qty Total

SoftPLC

HB2-HDC2-2K-

ASSY

Hardbook SoftPLC Model HB2- HPQA USACE Assembly, 2k Runtime License

SoftPLC ICO-CFT8G Industrial C-Fast Card, 8GB 36

4. AUTHORITY CITED:

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1): Soliciting from a single source. (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. (i) Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

FAR 11.105(a)(1), Items Particular to One Manufacturer. The particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government ' s requirements , and market research indicates other companies ' similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency' s needs.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED:

a. Background: SoftPLC controllers are used to gather data, process and control Main Unit Generators and ancillary equipment in USACE Hydroelectric Powerhouses. The developed software base of GDACS (USACE custom software) is customized to SoftPLC controllers, and other vendor’s controllers are not compatible and would require costly reprogramming for non-SoftPLC controllers. The controllers are purchased and then configured in a daisy chain arrangement by USACE employees to work with GDACS software.

b. Justification: SoftPLC controllers are only offered by the SoftPLC Company. Other companies’ controllers are not compatible with SoftPLC controllers and software and would require extensive reprogramming of GDACS that is not required with SoftPLC controllers.

SoftPLC is sole supplier of the subject supplies.

c. Impact: USACE uses SoftPLC controllers and software. For continuity of operations it is in the best interest of the Government to use only like controllers at a specific location. Without this product, GMT engineers would not be able to develop and test new GDACS code. This development is necessary for requested new functionality at GDACS facilities, as well as support of existing functionality. Without this product, the new development will not take place, and the GMT mission will fail.

6. DETERMINATION OF FAIR AND REASONABLE COSTS: Price competition should result in a fair and reasonable price; however, no contract will be awarded unless the price is determined fair and reasonable.

7. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION: The GDACS configuration requires use of these specified items. Due to the need for compatibility of existing equipment we must use this brand name products.

SoftPLC is the only company to sell compatible controllers at this time.

8. ACTIONS TO INCREASE COMPETITION: All sources responding that can provide name brand items will be considered.

9. MARKET RESEARCH: The quote comes directly from the SoftPLC Company. Similar products are available but are not compatible for current system needs and would require a complete changeover, it is best to keep like controllers together to minimize programming issues of non-like controllers. Getting quotes for this product from other companies is not possible. Procurement history for like controllers and software include those listed below:

W9127N-17-P-0108 15 Aug 2017 $75,480.00 W9127N-16-P-0064 11 May 2016 $7,900.00 W9127N-14-P-0153 01 Aug 2014 $28,250.00

10. CONTRACT SPECIALIST: I certify that the information supporting this brand name determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge based on the supporting data provided by technical or requirements personnel.

Prepared by: Valerie Reller Title: Contract Specialist Signature: ____________________________

11. DETERMINATION: In accordance with the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) and based upon the foregoing, I hereby determine that a brand name procurement is authorized and is in the best interest of the Government.

Approved by: Sara Edwards Signature: ____________________________ Title: Contracting Officer

Reviewed by: Theresa Hampson Title: Attorney/Advisor Signature: ____________________________