Brand_Name_Justification.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Agency and Activity The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document sets forth the justification and approval for an award to brand name Nortek Vector 3D. This document sets forth the justification and approval as required by FAR 13.106-1

2. Nature of Action being Approved The Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) intends to contract a new award through a Brand Name Justification with Nortek USA, Inc for work related to the collection of field data to support ecological studies in the Upper Mississippi River.

3. Description of Supplies of Services The Nortek Vector 3D velocimeter records high resolution near-bed velocities to study turbulence and wave-induced velocities. The unit acquired must have high sampling rate capacity (>16 Hz) to adequately monitor objectives.

4. Statutory Authority The proposed action may be awarded through a Brand Name Justification in accordance with FAR 13.106-1.

5. Rationale Supporting Us of Citation in NO. 5.

The Nortek Vector 3D velocimeter is the only equipment that meets the USGS requirements, including:

Sampling rating of 16Hz Logging capacity of 16 GB Must be field-deplyable Must be self-contained power (30 days at 16Hz)

These features are unique to the Norteck Vector 3D velocimeter and no other equipment is known to meet these requirements for adequately monitoring near-bed turbulence for extended periods of time.

6. Other Information N/A

7. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted

The Contracting Officer contacted Nortek USA and was advised that they do have resellers for this product. Also, a sources sought was posted for three days to see if other manufacturers could meet the minimum requirements and no response was received.

UMESC performed market research in preparation for this purchase which included internet searches and speaking with other researchers who actively use this kind of equipment. Additionally, UMESC worked with commercial research organizations to identify any new sources for equipment. No alternative sources were found that meet the Governments requirements.

8. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition

If future requirements arise, the UMESC will conduct continued market research to identifiable sources to the maximum extent practicable.

9. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on the basis of other than full and open competition. I certify the technical data which form a basis for this justification that are the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel are complete and accurate.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) considers employee signatures to be Personal Information and therefore all employee signatures have been redacted. By posting this document, the Contracting Officer attests all appropriate signatures have been obtained.