City Chemical Single Source Justification FAR 13.501 FY26_TW MP 6.11.26 Signed JT MP.pdf

Transportation Security Administration

SECTION I: Introduction

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Requirements & Capabilities Analysis (RCA), Chemistry & Explosives Branch (CEB), and Contracting and Procurement propose to solicit and issue a purchase order based on soliciting only one source. (FAR 13.106-1 (b)(2))

The procurement request number is PR267573B103, and the Contracting and Procurement’s tracking number is JA- ‘2026’-01-1354.

This acquisition is conducted under FAR Part 13, Simplified Procedures for Noncommercial Acquisitions.

SECTION II: Description of Action Being Approved The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), through the Chemistry & Explosives Branch (CEB), has a requirement to procure Potassium Chlorate (PC), Potassium Perchlorate (PPC), and Ammonium Nitrate (AN) in support of ongoing and new critical operations under the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program

(NEDCTP).

SECTION III: Description of Supplies or Services The vendor must provide a one-time bulk purchase for Potassium Chlorate, Potassium Perchlorate, and Ammonium Nitrate with the following requirements within 60 days after contract award. They include:

Product 1: Potassium Chlorate

• Product #: P1349G, ACS, 99+%, 10-20 mesh (CAS 3811-04-9)

• Quantity: 250 kilos

• Specialized Packaging: 10 buckets / 25 kilos per bucket

Product 2: Potassium Perchlorate

• Product #: P2415, ACS, 99+%, 10-20 mesh (CAS 7778-74-7)

Product 3: Ammonium Nitrate

• Product #: A1110, ACS, 10-20 mesh (CAS 6484-52-2)

The federal government will test the product to ensure at least 99% purity within 10 business days of receipt. If the purity is not acceptable, the vendor shall exchange the product at no cost to the government. The original manufacturing date/shift code shall be the same for the entire order, and the product must be the same brand and type and sealed in the original manufacturer’s container with the seal unbroken. The vendor must also provide Safety Data Sheet and Product Information Documentation.

SECTION IV: Identification of the Single Source Justification FAR 13.106-1(b)

Only one source is capable of responding due to the unique or specialized nature of the work.

Brand Name Only

An urgent and compelling need exists and soliciting more than one vendor would result in unacceptable delays.

Single Source Justification

A licensing agreement is required as a part of this purchase order, which is available from only one source.

SECTION V: Description of Rationale In February 2026, CEB conducted thorough market research to identify a qualified supplier for Potassium Chlorate (PC), Potassium Perchlorate (PPC), and Ammonium Nitrate (AN). This research included strategic market insights and consultations with SME explosives specialist personnel in the CEB, who provided valuable input regarding the technical specifications and requirements for these materials.

CEB searched the General Services Administration’s Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative and DHS’s Security Strategic Sourcing; the Small Business Administration’s Dynamic Small Business Search database; the AbilityOne’s Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act database; UNICOR; and the GSA’s Schedule, or GSA Advantage, in order to identify potential vendors that meet mandated set asides or strategic sourcing schedules. The GSA Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative and DHS Strategic Sourcing search produced no options available, as was the same for SBA, AbilityOne, and UNICOR. While GSA Advantage appeared to provide the products available, none of them met all the requirements of quantity, purity, and mesh size (e.g. JLogistics, The Office Group, Bethesda Scientific.).

The Open Market (Internet, Phone and Email) search produced two options available –Thermo Fisher Scientific and City Chemical- and only City Chemical met all bulk requirements. Thermo Fisher Scientific indicated they were unable to procure PPC and could not provide a definitive timeline for its availability.

Further consultations with subject matter experts within CEB and additional reviews of City Chemical's capabilities led to the conclusion that they were the only vendor capable of meeting all requirements. City Chemical confirmed they could supply the requested materials with the necessary quality, quantity, packaging, and purity certifications within the required timeline. City Chemical has a proven track record with TSA, having previously supplied PC, PPC, AN, and Sodium Chloride. Their consistent and reliable performance in supporting TSA further validates their ability to meet TSA's requirements.

Given this established relationship, successful past performance, and the lack of viable alternatives capable of fulfilling TSA’s needs in a timely manner, City Chemical was determined to be the only vendor that can fulfill the full scope of this requirement, justifying a single source procurement.

SECTION VI: Contracting Officer’s Determination that the Order Represents the Best Value Based on market research conducted by TSA, it was anticipated that adequate price competition could be achieved for this requirement. However, due to the specialized nature of the materials being procured, a sole source award to City Chemical represents the best overall value to TSA.

City Chemical meets all technical requirements, offers a favorable delivery schedule, and has a proven record of reliable performance with TSA, having previously supplied the CEB with similar materials without issue. Awarding this requirement to City Chemical for the provision of Potassium Chlorate, Potassium Perchlorate, and Ammonium Nitrate ensures technical compliance, timely delivery, and leverages their strong past performance, resulting in the best value to the government.

SECTION VII: Market Research Description In February 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducted comprehensive market research to identify qualified suppliers capable of providing the required chemicals in the specified quantities and purity. Two vendors were identified as potentially capable sources: City Chemical and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Both vendors were contacted and provided information regarding their ability to meet the requirements.

City Chemical confirmed their ability to supply the full requirement, including all chemicals in the specified quantities, purity, and within the required timeframe. Thermo Fisher Scientific indicated that they were unable to provide one of the required chemicals. Based on this market research, TSA determined that only City Chemical is able to provide the precise products and quantities needed within the required delivery schedule. Accordingly, City Chemical is the only known source capable of fulfilling the agency’s requirements at this time

SECTION VIII: Contracting Officer Certification

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

Melany Pollock Name (Printed) Signature Date

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

Pete Jones, ES Name (Printed) Signature Date

SECTION X: Concurrence and Approval The required levels of concurrence and approval of this justification for single source solicitation depends on the estimated total value of the procurement. Concurrence and approval must be obtained for that level and each previous level.

Estimated Procurement Value:

$2,000 and greater for Construction $2,500 and greater for Services

$10,000 and greater for Supplies, up to $250,000 Concurrence:

Program Manager:

John Townsend, Director Name (Printed) Signature Date

Acquisition Official Approval:

Contracting Officer:

Melany Pollock

Name (Printed) Signature Date