C02_J and A_Redacted.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Justification to Restrict Competition

Identification Number: 1171025

Rev. 11/6/2025

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.102 (b), the following justification documents the decision to restrict competition for this acquisition.

(1) Mission Area and Contracting Activity.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Information Technology Division, proposes to enter into a contract on a basis other than full and open competition.

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

This J&A authorizes and approves the award of a sole-source, firm-fixed price contract for the procurement of Animal Management software in support of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The Animal Care Compliance Office, IBC must be able to track and manage the use of rDNA, hazardous and biological toxins using plants and research animals, their use of history, meeting agendas and minutes, and veterinary care records of each animal as required by law.. The new contract will continue to provide the critical resources needed for the IBC to continue their statutory mission.

These services are commercial in nature and will be procured utilizing the procedures listed in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15.

The suggested contractor is:

A-Tune Software Inc.

8110 Cordova Rd Ste 119 Cordova, TN 38016-0552

UEI: VRALK4PK8CE3

(3) A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

This contract for this Integrated Research Animal Management System is an electronic information management system which will manage research animals used at the USDA. Additionally, this management system will aid the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) in oversight of recombinant DNA research for research using animals or plants, and the Institutional Biosafety Subcommittee in oversight of infectious and hazardous agents. In accordance with the Animal Care Compliance Office, IBC must be able to track and manage the use of rDNA, hazardous and biological toxins using plants and research animals, their use of history, meeting agendas and minutes, and veterinary care records of each animal as required by law.

One specific goal of this system is to maintain an efficient and secure electronic solution that meets the current needs of USDA, their customers/stakeholders and comply with security and confidentiality regulations and requirements.

(7) A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this J&A will be fair and reasonable based on a thorough comparison of historical pricing data from the prior contract and the development of an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) using current market rates.

(8) A description of the market research conducted, and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

Extensive market research was conducted to identify alternate sources and potential substitutes that could meet the government's requirements with only minor modifications. Further market research involved reviewing industry standards, examining acquisition histories, and consulting with subject matter experts to identify any potential alternate equipment or substitutes. Despite these efforts, no viable alternatives were identified that could offer specialized materials, maintenance, and technical/engineering support necessary without significant compromises or extensive modifications. Please see the attached Market research analysis for detailed information.

(9) Any other facts supporting use of other than full and open competition, such as:

Several additional factors support the use of this justification for a sole-source contract with A- Tunes Software LLC. The highly specialized nature of the Animal Management Software relies on proprietary technologies, methodologies, and materials that have been uniquely developed and refined by A-tunes Software LLC.

(10) A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in the acquisition in writing.

A sources sought was posted to SAM.gov on June 24, 2026. Two responses were received:

1. New Tech Solutions stated that they could provide A-tunes software. However, a discussion with A-tune clarified that they do not have any authorized resellers. Purchasing A-tunes through New Tech would only add a layer in between the users and the technical experts.

2. Quadyster provided a capabilities statement and past performance documentation. However, none of the information submitted showed a product that was capable of meeting NBAF’s specific software requirements, only that Quadyster has performed IT contracts for the government in the past.

In addition to the sources sought, the program identified several potential alternate sources to fill this requirement:

1. TOPAZ Elements is a mature, highly configurable platform from an industry veteran, offering a comprehensive suite of modules that share a common data storage system.

2. Cayuse Research Platform provides a modern, cloud-native suite that covers the entire research lifecycle, from pre-award grant finding to post-award compliance, with a strong emphasis on user experience and integrated analytics.

3. Tech Software's OneAegis platform is distinguished by its powerful workflow automation engine and unmatched flexibility, allowing institutions to precisely model their unique internal processes.

(11) A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition of the supplies or services required.

The agency will take actions to remove or overcome barriers to competition in future acquisitions by refining requirements to be performance‑based and vendor‑neutral, conducting expanded market research, increasing industry engagement, ensuring data portability and avoiding unnecessary proprietary constraints, and reviewing prior solicitations to eliminate terms that may have limited vendor participation. In addition, a Sources Sought notice was posted to SAM.gov in an attempt to locate additional vendors whose product could meet this requirement. These steps will help maximize competition in subsequent procurements for the required supplies or services.

(12) Certifications & Approvals

Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

Date

Contracting Officer’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.