B08_Attachment_2_Redacted_Brand_Name_Sole_Source.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological

Survey, 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 USGS Energy and Minerals Science Center requests a new firm-fixed price contract to Thermo Electron North America, LLC. To purchase a Dual Inlet System to replace our existing obsolete Delta V Plus IRMS.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. One-time purchase of a dual inlet system from Thermo

Electron North America, LLC, that includes 1) dual inlet system including changeover valve, 2) differential pump module, and 3) spare parts for the dual inlet system. The dual inlet system is a sample and reference gas introduction and pressure-balancing system for the measurement of isotope ratios of gases on a gas-source isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). In this case, this dual inlet system is designed for installation in the preexisting Delta V Plus IRMS located in the

Geology, Energy & Minerals Stable Isotope Lab (GEMSIL).

4.

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. In the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science

Center (GEMSC), Mineral Resources Program research related to mineral sources, transformations from solid to dissolved phases during weathering, and transport of elements and critical minerals are traced by isotope fingerprinting techniques. The GEM Stable Isotope Lab

(GEMSIL) is equipped to do such isotope measurements. For example, the measurement of sulfur and oxygen isotopes of sulfate helps identify the sources of sulfur from mineral sulfides and processes that affect sulfur and critical mineral transport. The requested dual inlet system would allow for measurement of isotope ratios at higher precision than what is presently available in GEMSIL. In the case of some isotope measurements, such as triple oxygen isotopes

(16O,17O,18O), such higher precision is required.

New measurements made using the dual inlet system would use calibrated reference standards to normalize sample isotopic data to internationally recognized reference frames, thus maintaining continuity of data measured from before and after installation of the dual inlet would be installed, as well as between isotope labs. Thermo Electron North America, LLC is the manufacturer of the

Delta V Plus isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) and is the only manufacturer of the requested dual inlet system that can be retrofitted onto the Delta V Plus. The dual inlet system would be integrated into the existing Delta V Plus IRMS and thus its proprietary controlling software, Isodat.

7. Other Information. N/A

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

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

The end user has reviewed industry publications, commercial directories, Government source lists, and contacted other potential commercial or Governmental customers to identify sources known to them. A Sources Sought Notice was posted on SAM.gov and two responses were received. One from a Thermo Electron reseller and another from another manufacturer. Only

Thermo Electron can provide equipment to interface with existing Government inventory, though. Competition can be obtained among Thermo Electron North America, LLC posting the solicitation on SAM.Gov.

9. Future Plans to Permit Competition. USGS Energy and Minerals Science Center is continually searching for more competitive ways to conduct its research that would retain the integrity of the research through networking with professional societies and reading of professional literature. Future requirements will be completed at the maximum extent.

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.

11. Certifications from the Contracting Officer:

a. A fair and reasonable price will be determined through comparison among Thermo Electron

North America, LLC.

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

12. Approvals

Date

Date