B08_Attachment_3_Redacted_Brand_Name_or_Equal_Justification_Redacted.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, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document sets forth the justification and approval for award of 8.405-6 on a limited source 13.106-1.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. This is a requirement to obtain GPS Satellite location-based tracking, messaging, and lifesaving SOS for 70 SPOT X Satellite Messenger devices and to manage devices through SPOT, LLC. The service is needed to initiate satellite tracking and communication system for the safety of field personnel in the US Geological Survey-Oklahoma-

Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) while out in the field as well as to efficiently coordinate emergency field activities. The services/products include subscription and network access fees for SPOT devices.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. SPOT, LLC provides the necessary satellite communication services to continuously track the whereabouts of USGS-OTWSC personnel while in the field, to provide notifications of entry and exit to and from the field each day, and of the location, launch points and duration of work from watercraft. SPOT X communication devices and services will ensure the safety of personnel in the field by providing a mechanism to secure assistance in an emergency and notify management of emergency situations using satellite systems and two-way communications.

SPOT, LLC is a unique provider of satellite communication equipment and satellite communication services capable of routing tracking signals and messages via Internet (email), SMS (cell phone text messaging) and RSS feed utilizing small wearable personal tracking and communication devices which will be issued to each person in OTWSC engaged in field work.

GPS location information is continually provided to OTWSC management ensuring personnel are safe while working in the field and provide communications to support Float Plans filed during watercraft operations. When necessary, these devices communicate directly with emergency personnel to quickly pinpoint location of personnel, ensuring our workers the peace of mind that medical assistance is just the push of a button away, including two-way communication with Supervisors.

4. Estimated Dollar Value. The estimated dollar value is as follows:

• Base Year:

• Optional Year 1:

• Optional Year 2:

• Optional Year 3:

• Optional Year 4:

Total =

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority FAR 13.106-1.

owned SPOT X technology. A memo was provided by SPOT, LLC stating they are the only provider of the GPS satellite services for the SPOT X devices.

b. All of the requirements of the Competition in Contracting Act, (41 U.S.C. 253), as implemented in the Federal and Interior Acquisition Regulations, have been considered in preparing this justification. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

13. Approvals

Contracting Officer Date

Bureau Competition Advocate Date