BNJA_Square D_636A8-22-001-signed.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Brand Name Awards IAW RFO 13.101(b) For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Acquisition Plan Action ID: VA-26-00035241

1. Contracting Activity:

Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 23, Network Contracting Office 23 (NCO 23)

Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS)

Project #: 636A8-22-001, Renovate 6th Floor Clinical Support

2237 #: 636-26-4-8822-0046

2. Brief description of supplies/services required and intended use/estimated cost:

This justification is to support the Renovate 6th Floor for Clinical Support project at the

ICVAHCS. This justification is for other than full and open competition for the procurement of certain construction materials. The use of a particular brand name for the items listed below accommodate standardization of these items throughout the facility.

• Square D Electrical Distribution Hardware

This justification only covers the portion of the acquisition that is brand name within the construction documents of this same acquisition. This project has a need for the use of the devices and boards provided by Square D. This system includes providing and installing all electrical panel boards and overcurrent devices from Square D.

The approximate value of the Square D electrical distribution hardware is $6,000.00.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to one source, with reason no other supplies or services can be used:

This is a brand name justification in support of RFO 11.204, Items Peculiar to One

Manufacturer.

The ICVAHCS’s existing installed panelboards and overcurrent devices are primarily

Square D brand. In general, addition of new panelboards and overcurrent devices must be compatible with existing facility electrical distribution hardware. Harmonization of electrical distribution equipment across facility, is essential to ensuring highest system integrity through hardware reliability, parts availability, and maintenance familiarity.

The current electrical system is already exclusively Square D equipment. Using another brand's panelboards might lead to a system shutdown or outright incompatibility, as components from other manufacturers may not fit or function within the existing system.

Mismatched components could compromise the safety, reliability, and integrity of the entire electrical system. The ICVAHCS has an existing standard for using Square D equipment across its facilities, simplifying maintenance, inventory, and training for personnel. Using non-standard equipment could void warranties or complicate technical support from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The cost and disruption associated with a total redesign and replacement of the entire existing electrical distribution system to accommodate a different brand would be significantly higher than the cost of procuring the specific brand-name item.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Market research was conducted prior to selecting this manufacturer as facility standard.

This justification is specific to manufacturer, Square D. This project is a minor extension of existing facility electrical distribution panelboards and overcurrent devices. Currently, there are no competing vendors whose products are fully compatible with existing ICVAHCS electrical distribution systems. If a brand is found that meets facility’s requirements, then it will be considered acceptable. None to date is known, or shown, to be available.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification:

Purchase is approved in accordance with RFO 13.101(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CALVIN L. COURTNEY

Contract Specialist Network Contracting Office 23

JENNIFER JOHNSON

Contracting Officer Network Contracting Office 23