Determination_to_solicit_from_a_single_source_under_SAT__FAR_13_redacted.pdf

Solicitation Number: 140R81Q0130 Page 1 of 3

WBR 1413.106-1 Template 1 (11/2020)

DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM A SINGLE SOURCE

Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

Pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(ii), when a single source is identified to provide a portion of the purchase as a Brand-Name, the documentation in paragraph 3 must state that this determination is only for a portion of the requirement.

1. Agency and Contracting Activity. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Acquisition Operations Branch, Denver, Colorado.

2. Name and Address of Single Source.

Manufacturer: Roctest, Ltd.

680 Avenue Birch Saint-Lambert, QC J4P 2N3 Canada

3. Description of Supplies/Services and Estimated Cost.

The goal of this acquisition is to procure a rock borehole dilatometer built for Reclamation to be used for testing rock borings on Reclamation projects. The system shall be capable of applying a bladder pressure of 4350 psi so that hard rock can be stressed. This will limit the delays associated with (multiple) paired borings resulting in a significant cost savings.

Customary dilatometers are only able to perform testing of rock boreholes up to 2.98-inch outside diameter (NQ). Reclamation has a need for both NQ and HQ (3.78-inch outside diameter) for its dilatometer. The system shall utilize hydraulic pressure. The required delivery date is 31 December 2022.

4. Description of Circumstances, including why only one source is reasonably available.

IAW FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(ii), specific characteristics of the Roctest brand dilatometer system that limit the availability to a sole source are its hydraulic pressure system that has a capacity of at least 4350 psi so that hard rock can be stressed. Roctest has been the only brand that the Engineering & Laboratory Services Division Geotechnical Laboratory & Field Support has utilized and been trained on. Roctest is also the only known vendor that has available proprietary designs that will allow it to have the ability to produce both NQ and HQ bore hole sizes. Due to the timing limitations for this requirement, there is not sufficient time for another company to develop new designs nor for the requiring activity to be trained on another brand’s equipment. Roctest is the only brand that will be able to provide this modified commercial item with the required specifications and within the required timeframe to the exclusion of others.

Solicitation Number: 140R81Q0130 Page 2 of 3

WBR 1413.106-1 Template 1 (11/2020)

5. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Price.

Prior to award, a technical evaluation will be conducted. Reclamation will utilize various price analysis techniques to include comparison with the IGCE (FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(vi);

comparison with current price lists, catalogs, or advertisements (FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(iii) and possibly audits of vendor costs to ensure that the price offered by Roctest is fair and reasonable.

6. Description of Market Research.

Extensive market research has been completed by the requestor and the Acquisition Operations Branch that confirmed that no manufacturers currently make the type of equipment required that provides dilatometers with hydraulic pressure of 4350 psi with both NQ and HQ diameter boreholes. Various sources of market research included the Internet, GSA Advantage, SAM.gov and SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search.

Other companies such as SolExperts and Oyo, that make dilatometer systems were identified, but their products did not meet the required specifications and when contacted, they had no options to make the modified version in these requirements, as Roctest does.

While the acquisition office also identified Linseis as a potential sources for dilatometers, this source’s product is considered a different technology that would not be used for downhole rock deformation measurements.

A Notice of Intent to procure sole source was posted to SAM.gov on 12 April 2022 with a response date of 22 April 2022. No responses were received from any vendors.

Roctest is determined to be the only source for this requirement.

SIGNATURES