DnF for OTFOC Johnson (REDACTED) - TA Instruments.doc

BRAND NAME DETERMINATION & FINDINGS FOR OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

(ACTIONS SAT AND BELOW)

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT: Quantity (qty) one (1) TA Instruments Differential Scaling Calorimeter (DSC) Model 250 and other ancillary pieces of equipment.

2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER:

TA Instruments – Waters LLC 159 Lukens Dr Historic New Castle, DE, 19720

CAGE: 0MJS5

UEID: SV5VEP8C43D8

Business Size: Other Than Small Business

3. ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE: $[REDACTED]

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: The statutory authority permitting sole source is 41 USC 1901(e), implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i):

X Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

5. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE:

The item(s) listed in section one above is available from only one source and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available.

X Compatibility: The item(s) must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. Describe the equipment you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system:

X Experimental Continuity: The item(s) must be consistent with prior materials in order to ensure experimental continuity. Describe the conditions that necessitate the use of experimental continuity:

The Energetics Synthesis and Formulation Branch (ESFB) of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is presently seeking to acquire one (1) TA Instruments Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) Model 250, along with various ancillary equipment components.

The DSC Model 250 serves as a pivotal analytical tool within our branch, dedicated to gauging the thermodynamic characteristics of materials. Functioning by heating materials at controlled rates, it meticulously records both the energy releases during decomposition and the energy absorptions during melting processes. This instrument holds paramount importance within our operations, serving as the cornerstone for discerning crucial parameters such as melting points, relative energy performances, and safety considerations for explosive materials. Every material and newly formulated composition developed by our branch undergoes meticulous evaluation through DSC analysis, marking the initial phase in gauging a material's viability and safety profile.

Currently, the branch possesses two (2) additional DSCs and four (4) other TA-branded instruments—Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA), and Rheometer—all of which work harmoniously together. Therefore, it is imperative that the new acquisition, the DSC Model 250, is compatible not only in terms of manufacturer but also in software and data collection methods. This compatibility ensures seamless integration with existing systems and preserves the continuity of data collected over decades, safeguarding the integrity of past research efforts.

As stated previously, maintaining experimental consistency is paramount, and only TA Instruments solutions align with the Government's minimum specifications. Moreover, there are no identified authorized resellers of their products, further underscoring the necessity of procuring directly from TA Instruments to ensure adherence to required standards.

Declining to award this contract would necessitate investing thousands of manpower hours in recreating extensive databases containing decades' worth of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data. This, in turn, would result in significant financial losses for the government ~$[REDACTED] in lost productivity. Moreover, the absence of functional DSCs poses a serious risk to staff safety, potentially leading to injuries or even loss of life, as critical data required to assess explosive safety parameters would be unavailable.

[REDACTED], a seasoned Chemical Engineer boasting more than 13 years of expertise, undertook market analysis in March 2024. His methods encompassed probing Government-wide contract databases, scouring GSA federal supply schedules, and exploring various internet platforms. Based on his findings, it is concluded that TA Instruments (Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)) stands out as the most fitting candidate for this contract. Consequently, a sole source procurement is advised, deemed in the best interest of the Government.

6. FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE DETERMINATION:

It has been determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable and that approval of this recommendation is in the best interest of the government. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Template last updated 4/23/2018