Cages_Sole_Source.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

1. Contracting Activity

USDA/ARS/AFM/EBSC/Acquisition Branch 2150 Centre Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80526 Adam R. Goldstein, Contracting Officer

2. Nature/Description of Action

The proposed action would be a firm-fixed-price purchase order, issued IAW the Commercial-Item test program (FAR 13.5). The proposed contractor is:

Ford Dickison (2000) Inc 53 Wellington Street S Mitchell, ON Canada

3. Description of Supplies/Services

The USDA/SEA/SEPRL has a requirement for custom fabricated poultry cages.

The estimated cost of the procurement is approximately $230,000.

4. Statutory Authority

In accordance with FAR 6.302-1 and 41 USC 253(c)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

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

Requires use of the Authority Cited

FDI Cage Systems uses a unique integrated feeding system that, by using a 2-3/4” International Pitch flat feeder chain and special feed trough, ensures economy of feed delivery through reduced spillage and even feed distribution. This chain drive is the only type that will work with the single-row cages that are necessary for SEPRL’s current and future animal-rearing buildings. This type of drive also allows for regulation of the amount of feed available to birds throughout the day, and helps reduce feed waste, which translates into cost savings for intensive poultry research performed by the Government. The feed system also includes integrated steps in the feed trough, making worker access easier for the top row of cages, which facilitates maintenance and promotes employee safety compliance in multi-tiered cage system environments. While other commercial vendors may use similar feeder chain systems using 20gauge steel and similar features, FDI utilizes a unique 2-3/4” INP feeder chain. This, combined with FDI’s custom fabrication to ARS building design specifications to maximize cage system placement within constraints imposed under

Congressionally-mandated Ten Small Building (TSB) limits, make FDI exclusively qualified to fabricate the required items.

6. FedBizOpps Announcement/Potential Sources The Contracting Officer issued a sources sought notice to FedBizOpps during September 2015.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost

A fair and reasonable cost will be determined at the time of contract award based on market research for related items.

8. Market Survey

The primary market research conducted was the aforementioned sources sought notice. The requiring activity also conducted market research in the summer of 2014 by directly contacting three major custom fabricators of poultry cages, including FDI.

Of those, only FDI expressed any interest in the requirement.

9. Additional Support

N/A

10. Other Interested Sources

No other sources expressed written interest in this requirement.

11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition

Based on the life expectancy of these items, it is not anticipated that there will be a need for related items during the next several years.

12. Certifications

Requirements/Program Office:

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

Dr. David Swayne Date Director, U.S. National Poultry Research Center

Contracting Officer:

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

Adam R. Goldstein Date Chief, EBSC Acquisition Branch

Adam.Goldstein Typewritten Text The Government did not receive any responses to the notice.

Adam.Goldstein Typewritten Text The other vendors contacted were

Adam.Goldstein Typewritten Text Chore Time and Big Dutchman.

Adam.Goldstein Typewritten Text That contact was made by the requiring activity in summer 2014.

Adam.Goldstein Typewritten Text Additionally, the EBSC reviewed availability in September 2015 from Chore Time, Big Dutchman, and Valco, in conjunction with the requiring activity, and none of their products met the necessary performance characteristics.