B08_Attach__A_Redct_SSJ.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS), Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) plans to contract on a sole source basis.

This document sets forth the justification and approval as required by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. The requested procurement is for award of a non-competitive purchase order to BioRad. This is a new contract for a maintenance plan with a period of performance from October 12, 2023, to October 11, 2028 (Base + 4 Options).

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The USGS FORT requests the award of a non-competitive procurement to BioRad for the purchase of an annual maintenance contract for a QX200 AutoDG Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) System. This maintenance service package covers a preventative maintenance service visit as well as technical assistance and service in case the equipment breaks down. The system is comprised of 2 instruments: an Auto Droplet Generator (SN 773BR3319) and a Droplet reader (SN 771BR9296) that are currently covered by a one-year factory warranty that will expire on 10/11/2023.

4. Estimated Dollar Value. The estimated value of this procurement is $. The value of the base year is $

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – only one source reasonably available.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. USGS FORT Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL) owns, maintains, and operates a QX200 AutoDG Droplet Digital PCR System from BioRad extensively in environmental Deoxyribonucleic Acid (eDNA) sample analysis. The system was purchased in 2022 under purchase order 140G0222P0220 for $. There is only one responsible source, and no other service providers will satisfy the agency’s requirements due to its proprietary software from the manufacturer, Bio-Rad Laboratories. Additionally, according to the manufacturer’s official letter statement, no other entities or individuals receive the extensive training Bio-Rad Laboratories provides for maintaining and repairing this instrument in North America. Only one responsible source exists; no other supplies of services will satisfy the agency’s requirements.

7. Other Information. N/A

8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted.

The Contracting Office (CO) posted a sources sought announcement DOIGFBO230077 for six

(6) business days seeking small businesses capable of providing intended service and one response was received. However, the capability statement did not demonstrate that the vendor could meet the Government’s minimum need.

9. Future Plans to Permit Competition. The Government will conduct market research and compete future purchases related to this system to the maximum extent practical.

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a sole source basis and certify the above statements are true and accurate.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) considers employee signatures to be Personal Protected Information, and therefore all employee signatures have been redacted. By posting this document, the Contracting Officer attests all appropriate signatures have been obtained.