Brand Name Justification.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(FAR 6.303–2)

For Brand-Name Required, Open-Market Procurement

Malcom Randall VA Medical Center – NF/SGVHS

1. Agency and Contracting Activity

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, North Florida/South

Georgia Veterans Health System, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, submits this

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for the procurement of brand-name Square D electrical distribution components for Main Switchgear B.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Approved

This justification approves the use of other than full and open competition for the procurement of brand-name Square D WA6AAR74A3CFFFWSXA draw-out circuit breakers and Square D S144A Micrologic 6.0A trip units. These supplies are required to restore emergency electrical system redundancy at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. The acquisition will be conducted as an open-market commercial products procurement under

FAR Part 12.

3. Description of Supplies or Services Required

The VA requires brand-name Square D WA6AAR74A3CFFFWSXA 800A draw-out circuit breakers (2 each) and Square D S144A Micrologic trip units (6 each) to restore the emergency spare inventory consumed during restoration efforts following a water intrusion incident. These items are essential to ensuring safe operation of Main Switchgear B, which supports critical hospital electrical distribution systems. The estimated value of this procurement is $72,054.00.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition

This procurement is authorized under FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No

Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Only OEM Square D components are compatible with the facility’s existing Square D WA-series switchgear.

5. Demonstration That the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or the Nature of the

Acquisition Requires Use of the Authority Cited

Square D is the original manufacturer of the switchgear installed at Malcom Randall VAMC.

Its breaker frames, control wiring, racking assemblies, trip units, and protective relay interfaces are proprietary. No other manufacturer produces physically or electrically compatible components. Use of non-OEM components would void UL ratings, violate NFPA

70 and NFPA 99, compromise arc-flash safety, and jeopardize critical hospital operations.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers From as Many Offerors as Practicable

Market research was conducted consistent with FAR Part 10. Research confirmed the items are not available on GSA or FSS contracts but can be purchased on the open market from multiple authorized distributors. Competition will be sought among authorized Square D distributors to the maximum extent practicable.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost

The estimated cost of $72,054.00 is based on a market research quote from an authorized distributor. Additional quotes will be solicited from other authorized Square D vendors.

Pricing will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness using historical pricing, OEM data, and competitive quotes.

8. Market Research

Market research confirmed that only brand-name Square D components are compatible with the existing switchgear. Multiple commercial distributors exist, but all must provide

OEM Square D components. No equal or substitute items exist.

9. Any Other Supporting Facts

A water intrusion event on October 27, 2025 damaged multiple breakers within Main

Switchgear B. The facility used its only OEM spare breakers to restore power and currently has no replacement units available. The absence of spares poses a significant risk to hospital operations and patient safety in the event of another electrical failure.

10. Statement of Actions to Remove Barriers for Future Competition

This brand-name restriction is due to existing proprietary equipment. Future switchgear upgrades may allow for open competition. No unnecessary barriers are created by this action.

11. Technical Certification

Engineering Service certifies that only OEM Square D components satisfy the facility’s technical and safety requirements for this application.

12. Contracting Officer Certification

The Contracting Officer certifies that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge.

Approved By:

John H. Shultzaberger

Contracting Officer