B08_Attachment_1_Redacted_Brand_Name_Sole_Source.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, California Water Science Center.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. The USGS California Water Science Center requests a new firm-fixed price contract to Advanced Telemetry Systems to purchase acoustic receiver system and accessories. .

3. Description of Supplies or Services. One-time purchase Acoustic Receiver System that includes 1) Trident Acoustic Receiver, Remote Shore-based, 2) Hydrophone, 50 ft cable, 3) SS400-SB Acoustic Transmitter, Injectable, BR306, 4) RS-232 Ext. Modem Cable, and 5) Acoustic Trans, JSATS, Reference. The items being acquired are required to be fully compatible with the existing program’s telemetry infrastructure, including physical interoperability, software/firmware integration, and alignment with the current network and data architecture managed by the external program office. This compatibility is critical to maintain operational functionality and avoid integration risks.

4. Estimated Dollar Value.

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

6. Rational Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5.

Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) is the only source capable of meeting the Government’s requirements for this acquisition. The Acoustic Receiver System and accessories must be fully compatible with the existing JSATS-based telemetry network currently deployed and managed by the program office. This compatibility requirement is not limited to meeting listed specifications; it encompasses physical interoperability, software and firmware integration, and alignment with the current network and data architecture. ATS equipment is uniquely designed to support these requirements through its proprietary command structure and data protocols, which underpin all remote programming and database collection over cellular modems. Introducing a different vendor would require extensive reprogramming and integration efforts, creating unacceptable operational and lifecycle risks.

Therefore, ATS is the only source reasonably available under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)

7. Other Information. N/A

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

Market research was conducted using web searches such as Google, GSA Ebuy, and FPDS. The results provided that at least one OEM vendor and one reseller can provide the Acoustic Receiver System and accessories.

A Sources Sought notice was posted on SAM.gov on February 18, 2025, with a response deadline of February 20, 2026. One response was received, and assessed by the program staff and determined the vendor can provide the necessary items being requested.

9. Future Plans to Permit Competition. Any future, related procurement will be completed to the maximum extent possible. Market research will be conducted utilizing industry experts, project staff, Internet research, and related literature to identify valid sources.

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.

Catherine Ruhl, Hydrologist

11. Approval by the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – only one source reasonably available:

a. The price will be determined reasonable through comparison previous purchases for the same or similar types of carbon dating.

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

12. Approvals

Dayna Parkin Contracting Officer

Douglas Hill, Bureau Competition Advocate (Acting)