BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION_REDACTED VERSION FOR RFQ_MICRO METER ACQUISITION.docx

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

REFERENCE: REQUISITION 1126740 – Micro Motion Meters

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

This requisition is for the US Forest Service (USFS), National Technology & Development Program (NTDP), San Dimas Technology & Development Center located in San Dimas, CA, for the Washington Office Procurement Support Branch.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

USDA proposes to enter a new, limited source, brand-name only, firm fixed-price contract with the direct product supplier OR an authorized distributor of Micro Motion Inc., products using the simplified acquisition procedures for commercial items under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs, including the estimated value.

This requirement is to purchase five (5) Micro Motion CMF300 ELITE Sensors, part number: CMF300M355N2BAEZZZ and six (6) 5700R Transmitters, part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG.

In addition, this acquisition will have an optional line to purchase 1 additional Micro Motion ELITE Sensor, part number: CMF300M355N2BAEZZZ. This requirement will also have an optional line to procure an additional four, (4) Transmitters, part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG.

The period of performance for this action is estimated to be 90 days after contract award for delivery of all items.

Description of Micro Motion ELITE Sensor and the 5700R Transmitters

The meters consist of two pieces a sensor and a transmitter.

The sensor is a metal structure with an inlet and outlet of 3-inch flanged plates. The flow of retardant is split into pair of matching tubes that are u shaped and joined to the outlet flange. The tubes are vibrated by a drive coil. The movement of the tubes is measured by pickups. The power used to vibrate the tubes and displacement as the tubes and temperature are reported to a core processor. The information is streamed through a connecting cable to the transmitter.

The transmitter outputs a list of data that is displayed on a screen including the weight, density and temperature of the retardant loaded onto a fire-fighting air tanker.

The transmitter also processes two remote inputs, outputs to larger display the weight and density simultaneously shown on the display and at the end of each load a printed ticket documents details of that load. When these operations are completed, the display is reset for the next loading operation.

The meters will be assembled and deployed to the field through personal property.

The part numbers/quantities being requested are listed below:

*This Amount includes the following FUNDED line items:

Part number 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG CLIN 0001: Part number: CMF300M355N2BAEZZZ: 4 EACH CLIN 0002: Part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG: 4 EACH CLIN 0003: Part number: CMF300M355N2BAEZZZ: 1 EACH CLIN 0004: Part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG:

CLIN 0005: Part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG:

The following are OPTIONAL line items (not yet funded):

CLIN 0006: Part number: CMF300M355N2BAEZZZ: 1 Each UNFUNDED CLIN 0007: Part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG: 1 EACH UNFUNDED CLIN 0008: Part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG: 1 Each UNFUNDED CLIN 0009: Part number: 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG: 1 Each UNFUNDED CLIN 0010: Part number 5700R12ABAAZZXAAAAA_36667TG: 1 EACH UNFUNDED:

CLIN 0011: FREIGHT:

4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 13.106-1(b)(1), soliciting from a single source for purchases not exceeding simplified acquisition thresholds.

5. Demonstration of a brand name product’s unique attributes: unique characteristics of the proposed brand name item and why no other similar item will suffice.

Micro Motion is the only brand that can meet these needs for the USFS Air Tanker Bases. The brand name Micro Motion, Inc. Equipment is compatible in all aspects with existing systems/equipment presently in use allowing personnel in the field to interchange parts in the event of mission critical, impromptu field repairs to maintain continuity of service during critical fire mission times. No other manufacturer is compatible or can interchange with the Micro Motion Inc. proprietary parts without voiding existing warranties and posing safety risks to equipment and operators.

Additions to the Micro Motion meter inventory will enable airtanker base expansion projects (additional pits) and increase cache inventory for surge capability to respond to aerial wildfire fighting. Thus far, acquisitions for new meters and transmitters have been provided by Micro Motion Inc, a division of Emerson Process Management. With Micro Motion as the manufacturer of the flow meters and transmitters currently in inventory and deployed in the field, in order to maintain consistency in training, operation, and familiarity of meters and transmitters by tanker base personnel, Micro Motion is the only brand that can meet these needs for the USFS Air Tanker Bases. Furthermore, equipment is compatible in all aspects with existing systems/equipment presently in use allowing personnel in the field to interchange parts in the event of mission critical, impromptu field repairs to maintain continuity of service during critical fire mission times. No other manufacturer is compatible or can interchange with Micro Motions proprietary parts without voiding existing warranties and posing safety risks to equipment and operators.

In summary, implementation of any other brand of product would not meet the government’s criteria for performance, safety, and compatibility. Introducing any other brand of product would require extensive customization, testing, and potential disruptions, resulting in considerable costs and delays. Utilizing Micro Motion Inc. ensures continuity and minimizes transition and mission disruption.

5. Description of efforts to ensure offers were solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice will be publicized and, if not, which exception applies.

To ensure maximum competition, this solicitation will be posted with this brand name justification to SAM.gov as a Small Business set-aside.

6. Determination by the CO that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable.

Anticipated costs will be reviewed for fair and reasonableness based on current market prices and price competition of submitted quotes.

7. Description of the market research conducted and results, or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Market research through internet search and utilization of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and System for Award Management (SAM) search engines have revealed at least two (2) authorized distributors of Micro Motion throughout the United States. These business entities are determined to be small business vendors capable of providing the needed Micro Motion equipment.

8. Statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the services/supplies.

The only potential scenario for overcoming the barrier to competition will not occur until the next cycle when the Forest Service would replace the current fielded equipment once it becomes obsolete or un-serviceable. The equipment has operated for the past 20 to 30 years, when the meters were initially acquired. This projected opportunity for overcoming the barrier to competition will likely not occur until approximately 15 years from now.

Certifications

Acquisition initiator:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification and form a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

Acquisition initiator’s signature: <affix signature>

Name/title of acquisition initiator: <insert>

CO:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CO signature: <affix signature> Erin Kirchoff Contracting Officer Procurement and Property Services, SPOC E Branch