DNA-Backpack-sampler_3-0034_Single_Source_Justification.pdf
PDF 2 MB Posted
- Attached to
- AL-WARM SPRINGS FTC-BIL-EDNA BKPK SMPLRS
- Solicitation number
- 140F1B24Q0021
About this file
This document is a Single Source Justification for the procurement of two eDNA Sampler Backpack Combos and two eDNA Sampler Transect Poles from SmithRoot. The justification explains that SmithRoot owns the U.S. patents for the eDNA backpack sampler technology, preventing other vendors from providing similar products for sale in the U.S. The Smith-Root equipment is required to meet the needs for water sampling to support the BIL-funded Early Detection, Rapid Response Molecular Lab Network, including the use of self-preserving filters and GPS logging capabilities not available in other products. The price of $7,995 per backpack combo is deemed fair and reasonable based on comparison to previous USFWS and USGS contracts. The procurement will be conducted as a sole source acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| A06_Specifications_and_Requirements_for_an_eDNA_backpack_sampler.pdf | ||
| Clauses_eDNA.pdf | ||
| Sol_140F1B24Q0021.pdf |
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Text version
FWS Form 3-0034 (Rev. 10/2020) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1. Description of Need
3. Other Capable Sources
2. Market Research Conducted
Pursuant to FAR subpart 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances deem only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).
Instructions: The information in the text boxes are provided as sample language or to indicate a needed fill-in. Sample language should be removed from the final document. All text boxes require information and shall not be left blank.
SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION
(UNDER SAT)
JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
Acquisitions Operations
4. Barriers to Competition
5. Contractor's Qualifications
6. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost
7. Recommendation and Certification by Program Office
Based on the above justification, I recommend this acquisition to be conducted using sole source acquisition procedures. I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Program / Project Officer
8. Contracting Officer Certification and Approval: Under SAT
Based on the above justification, I hereby certify and approve the use of sole source acquisition procedures under FAR Part 13 for this purchase.
Contracting Officer
Text3: Market research found another company, Halltech, that offers eDNA backpack samplers.
1) Halltech cannot sell their eDNA backpack samplers in the United States due to SmithRoot's patent. Market research finds there is no other source for an eDNA backpack sampler that can be sold in the US.
2) The Halltech sampler requires manual insertion of sampling membranes into the sampler, rather than being compatible with self-preserving membranes that come already packaged as an easy attachment like the Smith-root system. The smith-root option is required to limit potential contamination associated with additional handling of the sampling membrane. The halltech cartridges also require manual sterilization to be used multiple times in the field, which is not possible when performing required replicate sampling in the field. In contrast, the Smith-root system uses fully attachable and detachable filters that does not require sterilization between sampling events.
3) The Halltech machine does not have a GPS logger. Automatic GPS logging with each sample is required to efficient and error-free field work.
| Text2: Market research has found there are no other U.S. vendors for eDNA backpack samplers other than SmithRoot. SmithRoot owns U.S. patents for the eDNA backpack sampler technology that precludes the existence of other capable sources that can sell samplers in the US (see these two websites: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11307118; https://www.smith-root.com/about/legal/patents). |
| Text1: In order to sample water for environmental DNA (eDNA) in a manner that follows best practices, we need an automatic backpack sampler that can utilize self-preserving water filters. The standard piece of equipment for this work is the SmithRoot backpack automatic eDNA sampler. Given the amount of fieldwork that will be accomplished to meet mission-critical objectives for the BIL-funded Early Detection, Rapid Response Molecular Lab Network, we need two of the eDNA Sampler Backpack Combos (see here for more details: https://store.smith-root.com/collections/edna-water-samplers/products/edna-sampler-backpack-lith-combo). A lithium battery for both machines is needed because they are lighter, have a longer life, have a lower self-discharge rate, and are more environmentally friendly than the lead-acid battery alternative. |
Itemized List:
1) Two, eDNA Sampler Backpack Combo with Lithium Battery (https://store.smith-root.com/products/edna-sampler-backpack-lith-combo)
2) Two, eDNA Sampler Transect Pole (https://store.smith-root.com/products/edna-sampler-trident-pole)
| Text4: SmithRoot's patent is a barrier to competition as it prevents other vendors from providing eDNA backpack sampler technology to be sold in the US. | |
| Text6: The price of $7,995.00 is considered fair and reasonable as this cost was compared to previous USFWS and USGS contracts and found to be similar to this acquisition. | |
| 2024-06-10T08:51:05-0500 | |
| NATHAN WHELAN |
Text5: Other USFWS and USGS offices exclusively use the Smith-root machine. Smithroot's machine has met the requirements and their registrations are current.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .