BNJA_Von Duprin_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: 36C263-26-AP-1638

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:

A NRM construction project with need for brand name item – Von Duprin emergency exit door hardware. This is partial requirement for project 636A8-22-001 (Renovate 6th Floor for

Clinical support), which will renovate approximately 22,500 square feet of 6th floor in building 1 of ICVAHCS. Project calls for emergency exit door hardware to be Von Duprin brand. Von Duprin is widely recognized in industry for manufacturing high-quality emergency exit door hardware, including exit devices, panic bars, and locking mechanisms that are frequently specified in medical and institutional construction projects.

This justification only covers portion of acquisition that is name brand within construction documents of acquisition.

The estimated material cost for Von Duprin emergency exit door hardware for this project is

$10,000.00.

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.

Specified emergency exit door hardware is physical security standard at ICVAHCS. The Brand Name intent is to install the same brand and type of emergency exit door hardware throughout medical center to provide interchangeable parts/components that are compatible with existing emergency exit door hardware. Standardization of medical center’s physical security system is an essential part of overall facility security setup. Also, harmonization of emergency exit door hardware across facility is essential to ensuring highest physical security system integrity through hardware reliability, parts availability, and maintenance familiarity. This process ensures that the chosen products align with the facility’s long-term maintenance strategies and safety objectives. These products are chosen for their reliability, durability, and ability to meet stringent safety and fire code requirements. In many cases, the specification of Von Duprin as a sole source is justified by the need to maintain uniformity across facility infrastructure, given the compatibility with existing building systems and established maintenance protocols.

NRM (Non-Recurring Maintenance) construction projects, such as the renovation of clinical spaces within healthcare facilities, often require specialized supplies and services to ensure operational continuity and regulatory compliance. Selecting name brand items like Von Duprin emergency exit devices is common practice when the project demands proven performance, warranty support, and integration with other building security and safety systems.

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, Von Duprin. This partial requirement is minor extension of facility’s existing emergency exit door system. Currently, there are no competing vendors whose products are fully compatible with ICVAHCS’s existing emergency exit door hardware setup. If alternative hardware brand is found, that provides interchangeable components and maintains same high level of security as Von Duprin door hardware, 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