B08_Solicitation_Attachment_3_-_Single_Source_Justification_Brand-name_IMPLAN_FE.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FROM: Department of Interior US Fish & Wildlife Service Joint Administrative Operations Contracting Activity: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Team

SUBJECT: Single Source/Brand-name Justification for portion of a purchase specifying a particular brand-name item (IMPLAN).

PROGRAM NAME: Economic analysis for sagebrush habitat restoration

I. BACKGROUND

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) states for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization).

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(ii) states where a single source is identified to provide a portion of a purchase because that portion of the purchase specifies a particular brand-name item, the documentation in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section only applies to the portion of the purchase requiring the brand-name item. The documentation should state it is covering only the portion of the acquisition which is brand-name.

II. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE

The Department of the Interior (DOI), through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), has initiated a project requiring an economic analysis for three sagebrush habitat restoration projects funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This project aims to complete an economic analysis requiring collaboration with the selected contractor to gather pertinent data on project activities and expenditures from the USFWS. Beyond the ecological and recreational benefits typically communicated by the conservation community, the project seeks to raise awareness of additional benefits derived from conservation efforts, such as healthcare savings and clean water. Effective communication of these benefits can empower communities to advocate for habitat conservation more compellingly.

The primary deliverable for this project is the production of final reports, which will encapsulate the findings and insights derived from the economic analysis conducted for the sagebrush habitat restoration projects. It's crucial to emphasize that the IMPLAN software serves as the means to execute and accomplish this deliverable effectively and is essential to the USFWS requirement.

SINGLE SO URCE JUSTIFICATION/BRAND-NAME JUSTIFICATION

III. RATIONALE FOR USE OF BRAND-NAME (IMPLAN) FOR PORTION OF PURCHASE

IMPLAN (Impact Analysis for Planning) is a widely used economic modeling system designed to assess the economic impacts of various activities or events within a specific geographic region. It is often utilized by government agencies, consulting firms, academic institutions, and other organizations for a wide range of applications, including policy analysis, project evaluation, and economic planning

Using IMPLAN as the brand name for the software portion of the requirement to complete the required analysis and reports is essential for several reasons.

A. Compatibility and Integration: The USFWS's databases are specifically configured to provide inputs that IMPLAN requires. This indicates a seamless integration between the USFWS's existing infrastructure and the IMPLAN model. Choosing IMPLAN ensures compatibility and efficiency in data transfer and analysis.

B. Consistency and Comparability: By using IMPLAN in its economics work, the USFWS ensures that future studies can be easily compared and expanded upon. This fosters a consistent approach to economic analysis within the organization, allowing for benchmarking against previous analyses.

C. Data Standardization: IMPLAN provides a standardized framework for economic analysis, ensuring uniformity in methodology and results across different projects. This standardization enhances the credibility and reliability of the study outcomes.

D. Previous Success and Reliability: IMPLAN has proven track record of success and reliability in similar projects or applications within the USFWS. Choosing a known and trusted tool like IMPLAN will likely mitigate risks associated with using unfamiliar or untested modeling systems.

Therefore, based on the aforementioned, selecting IMPLAN as the brand name software here not only aligns with the USFWS's existing infrastructure, but it also ensures consistency and comparability, and data standardization.

IV. DETERMINATION FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Only one source/brand-name, IMPLAN, is reasonably available because the brand-name is an essential means to the Government’s requirements, thereby precluding consideration of use of a product manufactured by another company (such as Regional Economic Models, Inc. or Regional Input-Output Modeling System).

This justification shall be posted with the solicitation in accordance with FAR 5.102(a)(6).

V. APPROVALS

Requirements Owner

Contracting Officer