Brand_Name_Justification_-_Redacted.pdf
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- Attached to
- 7G--Semtech AirLink RX400 Modems - Brand Name Only Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 140G0326Q0063
About this file
Brand Name Justification Summary
This is a Brand Name Justification document for a sole-source procurement by the Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, Earthquake Science Center (ESC) in Pasadena, California. The ESC requests authorization to purchase thirty (30) Semtech Wireless AirLink RX400 modems with an estimated dollar value of $25,500.00. The procurement is intended to replace end-of-life modems and upgrade communications capabilities at remote ESC stations. The justification for sole-source procurement is based on FAR 8.405-6(b)(1), citing items peculiar to one manufacturer.
The rationale for the brand-name procurement centers on the ESC's exclusive use of Semtech Wireless's FedRamp-approved "AirVantage" cloud management platform, which manages approximately 90 modems deployed across the network. The AirVantage system is essential for maintaining firmware, distributing configuration changes, and providing backup connectivity during network failures. No other manufacturer's equipment is compatible with this management platform. The ESC's use of a single unified portal simplifies operations and provides continuity across the USGS, with the ACIO managing ESC cellular contracts exclusively through this system. To overcome barriers to competition, the procurement will be conducted via Request for Quote (RFQ) on SAM.gov through small-business resellers, with future requirements to be competed to the maximum extent practicable. The Contract Specialist will determine price reasonableness based on competitive quotes in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(1).
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Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Sol_140G0326Q0063_Amd_0001.pdf | ||
| Sol_140G0326Q0063.pdf |
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Text version
BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION
Semtech Airlink Modems
1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, Earthquake Science Center (ESC) of Pasadena, CA.
2. Nature of Action Being Approved. The ESC requests the award of a brand-name procurement for thirty (30) Semtech Wireless AirLink RX400 modems.
3. Description of Supplies or Services. This procurement is for thirty (30) Semtech Wireless AirLink RX400 modems to replace models which have reached end-of-life and to upgrade communications at remote ESC stations.
4. Estimated Dollar Value. $25,500.00
5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority FAR 8.405-6(b)(1) Items peculiar to one manufacturer.
6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. To manage the ~90 modems deployed across our network, the ESC uses Semtech Wireless’s “AirVantage” cloud management tool.
This tool is invaluable for maintaining the latest firmware, distributing configuration changes, and providing an essential “back door” for recovering connectivity during non-device network failures, often without a field visit.
The FedRamp-approved AirVantage system is crucial for ESC network management and works exclusively with Semtech Wireless modems. The ESC’s exclusive use of Semtech Wireless modems simplifies operations by managing all cellular telemetry from a single online portal.
Switching to a non-compatible modem would necessitate maintaining multiple services, losing the unified portal advantage, and require significant effort and at prohibitive cost. Additionally, ACIO manages ESC cellular contracts using this system exclusively, allowing for continuity of operations for our center and across the USGS.
7. Other Information. N/A
8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted.
No other manufacturer’s equipment works with the AirVantage management platform as described above.
The buyer conducted market research by conducting internet searches and found that the AirLink modems are available through several small businesses.
9. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition. Competition for these modems will be ensured through small-business resellers via RFQ on SAM.gov, with future requirements being competed to the maximum extent practicable.
10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a limited source basis. I certify that technical data which form a basis for this justification, that are the responsibility of requirements personnel are complete and accurate.
Ryan C. Turner, Geodesist Date
11. Certifications and Approval from the Contracting Officer:
a. The Contract Specialist will include a determination in the file that the price is considered fair and reasonable based on competitive quotes in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(1).
b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
13. Approvals
Elizabeth Adam Date Contracting Officer
Douglas T. Hill Date Acting Bureau Competition Advocate
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .