BNJA_Yale_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:

Project 636A8-22-001, entitled "Renovate 6th Floor for Clinical Support," comprises the modernization of approximately 22,500 square feet located on the sixth floor of Building 1 at the ICVAHCS. This NRM construction initiative will be solicited as a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and executed under a firm fixed-price contract. The requirement for Yale brand mortise locksets is integral to ensuring compatibility and uniformity within the facility’s security infrastructure. This sole source justification pertains exclusively to the Yale mortise locksets specified within the construction documents for this renovation.

Brand Name justifications for name brand products, such as Yale mortise locksets, are commonly employed when specific manufacturer standards are essential to maintain interoperability with existing systems, uphold facility security, and meet performance requirements outlined in project specifications. In accordance with federal procurement guidelines, such justifications are subject to detailed review to ensure that no other compatible alternatives exist and that the selection is in the best interest of the government.

The partial requirement detailed herein is limited to the acquisition of Yale brand mortise locksets, as identified in the construction documents, and is not intended to address any additional elements of the overall project procurement.

Estimated material cost for Yale mortise locksets for this project is $20,000.

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 door mortise locksets is physical security standard at ICVAHCS. Sole source intent is to install same brand and type of door lockset hardware throughout medical center to provide interchangeable parts/components that are compatible with existing door lockset hardware. Standardization of medical center’s physical security system is an essential part of overall facility security setup. Also, harmonization of door lockset hardware across facility is essential to ensuring highest physical security system integrity through hardware reliability, parts availability, and maintenance familiarity.

Interchangeability of Parts and Components: The specified door mortise locksets possess unique compatibility with all existing hardware installed throughout the ICVAHCS, ensuring seamless interchangeability of parts and components. This mitigates the risk of mismatched or incompatible hardware, which could compromise operational integrity, security, and maintenance effectiveness. Industry standards and guidance from comparable institutions affirm that interchangeable components are critical for sustaining facility-wide security consistency and streamlining replacement procedures.

Standardization of the Physical Security System: Restricting availability to a sole source supports the established physical security standard of the medical center. Uniformity in brand and type of locksets is recognized in federal and healthcare facility guidelines as essential for maintaining consistent security protocols, simplifying inventory management, and facilitating unified training for maintenance personnel. Standardized systems also enable rapid responses during emergencies and minimize vulnerability to breaches via hardware variation.

Reliability of Hardware and Familiarity in Maintenance: Utilizing a single source for lockset hardware guarantees reliable performance and efficient maintenance, as staff members are already acquainted with the installed systems. Sole source procurement is frequently referenced in security industry best practices, as it minimizes operational downtime, ensures the ready availability of replacement parts, and preserves the highest possible integrity of a facility’s security infrastructure. Moreover, continuity in hardware eliminates confusion and reduces training time for new personnel, thereby enhancing overall facility safety.

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, Yale. This partial requirement is minor extension of existing facility door mortise lockset system. Currently, there are no competing vendors whose products are fully compatible with ICVAHCS’s existing door lockset system.

If alternative brand is found, that provides interchangeable components and maintains same high level of security as Yale’s mortise lockset, 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