B08_Attachment_1_Brand_Name_Justification_Redacted.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document sets forth the justification and approval for award of a brand name Pro-Oceanus Systems Inc. CO2-Pro CV sensors and pump with accessories on a limited source basis as required by FAR 13.106.1.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. New firm fixed price award for a Pro-Oceanus Systems Inc. CO2-Pro CV sensors and pump with accessories

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) Oklahoma Branch Office has a requirement for a new contract to purchase a Pro- Oceanus Systems, Inc. CO2-Pro CV sensors and pump. The sensors measure partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) using infrared detection for research on coastal environments. This acquisition is needed for research on coastal environments, specifically in the context of a project that involves the installation of a new Ocean and Coastal Acidification (OCA) monitoring station in Galveston Bay. This station aims to establish baseline conditions for carbonate system stressors and to develop a framework for understanding current and future coastal acidification that integrates monitoring data from the multiple monitoring efforts across the Gulf of America.

4. Estimated Dollar Value.

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority FAR 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. The USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center is conducting research in Galveston Bay in collaboration with ongoing coastal and ocean acidification (OCA) research in Tampa Bay by USGS scientists in the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center. As part of this effort, a new OCA monitoring station equipped with in situ sensors will be installed in Galveston Bay to establish baseline conditions for carbonate system stressors and to develop a framework for understanding current and future coastal acidification. The USGS seeks to acquire two ProOceanus CO2-Pro CV sensor for installation at this monitoring station.

The methods used for carbonate system data collection must provide data at high accuracy and precision to detect small changes over decadal timescales. Currently, sensors utilizing infrared detection, the technology used by the ProOceanus CO2-Pro, produce in situ pCO2 measurements at the highest accuracy and precision. The ProOceanus CO2-Pro is the only in situ sensor of its type that measures pCO2 at an accuracy of ±0.5% and a resolution of 0.01 ppm while requiring minimal regular maintenance and no use of liquid chemical reagents, resulting in data of appropriate quality to meet project objectives. A lower accuracy would compromise data comparability between stations and hinder the identification of small changes over decadal timescales, preventing the USGS from achieving project objectives. Additionally, the CO2-Pro has a tubular interface and enhanced biofouling resistance to ensure stability for long-term field deployments and is factory calibrated using WMO traceable standard gases to improve accuracy.

An objective of this project is to compare OCA conditions across estuaries in the Gulf of America. USGS scientists use the ProOceanus CO2-Pro CV in Tampa Bay. To ensure data comparability and consistency between the Galveston Bay and Tampa Bay sites, it is essential that the measurement instruments, methods, and accuracy for pCO2 data remain the same.

One of the project's objectives is to develop a methodology to incorporate OCA sensor data into the USGS National Water Information System. Utilizing the same sensor across different stations will facilitate the standardization of telemetry programs, database variables, and measurement units, thereby ensuring that project objectives related to data integration are met.

The ProOceanus sensor integrates effectively with the existing equipment, Campbell CR1000x Datalogger and allow physical integration with a Seabird SeapHOx, to allow external pump use being installed at the station and with established USGS telemetry procedures. Its dimensions and deployment specifications are suitable for the enclosure where the sensors will be deployed.

7. Other Information. N/A

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

The technical end user found that no other manufacturers of pCO2 sensors can provide a system that meets all the necessary criteria for the project's objectives. Specifically, no other commercially available pCO2 sensor utilizing infrared detection can collect data with the same level of accuracy and precision as the ProOceanus CO2-Pro. While some products were identified that meet certain accuracy criteria, they either employ different measurement methods or have limited compatibility with station design and existing instrumentation, which could adversely affect data comparability and standardization of data integration.

A sources sought notice, 140G0125Q0170, was posted on SAM.gov from July 14, 2025 to July 21, 2025. No responses were received.

Market research indicates competition may be available among Pro Oceanus resellers.

9. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition. USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center will conduct market research for future requirements to identify potential new sources if they were to become available. Future requirements will be competed if allowed by project objectives and data quality requirements.

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a limited source basis. I certify that technical data which form a basis for this justification, that are the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel are complete and accurate.

11. Certifications and Approval from the Contracting Officer:

a. The anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable based on competition amongst resellers and/or previous procurement history.

b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

13. Approvals