Competition Requirement_Redacted.pdf

multiple times to and from forest staging areas, after installation of radio equipment and antennas if required.

This justification is specific to one Brand Name and is based on the following critical requirements which PEPRO meets:

a) Minimal Ground disturbance: Integrated fixed radio sites require no foundation or excavation. This eliminates the need for geo-technical, environmental impact and or archeological studies. No guy wires, guy stakes, or permanent foundation required.

The shelter can be installed in less than a day.

b) Faraday cage technology: The use of a patented faraday cage system to protect from lightning strikes, Electromagnetic pulses, electromagnetic interferences, and radio frequency interferences. The faraday cage offers lightning protection of less than 10 micro joules penetration inside the enclosure. 70 dB RFI attenuation from 20 MHz to

3.39 GHz. EMI 40dB attenuation magnetic field. This allows clearer and more reliable communications in austere environments.

c) Articulating tower: Eliminates the need for tower climbing. The tower extends horizontal to the ground allowing cable and antenna work before being raised into position. All antennas can be mounted and connected while the tower is in the horizontal position.

d) Turnkey site installation service: A company that is able to manufacture/purchase, ship, and install the communication shelter. This reduces the chance of delays and errors in installation, warranty issues, and reduces cost.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

A request for quote was posted on SAM.gov in January of 2025 and 6 quotes were received. Two quotes provided proof of having a PEPRO Shelter Installer certification which is required by PEPRO to honor the company’s 20-year shelter warranty.

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

Internet searches of similar contracts within the federal government reveal industry standards and consistent standard pricing was used. Based on this research, it is expected that the anticipated costs will be found fair and reasonable and in line with historical pricing.

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

Market Research has determined that only the salient characteristics available through PEPRO brand name would work for certain environments. These characteristics are not available through other brand name products and the products cannot be modified to meet the Agency’s needs,

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

The Forest Service has done due diligence to ensure that the actions they are taking are within the Federal Acquisition Regulations. This is a brand name specific solicitation and will be competed against all other vendors. By providing industry the opportunity to respond to this requirement with any possible “or equals” the barriers will continue to be tested through future market research and RFI’s.