DnF for OTFOC - REDACTED 23Q0152.doc

DETERMINATION & FINDINGS FOR OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

(ACTIONS SAT AND BELOW)

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT: One (1) Solartron 1470E Potentiostat/ Galvanostat Celltest System with one (1) 1400A (8-slot chassis) and two (2) 1455A Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA) (1MHz) module

2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER:

Advanced Measurement Technology (AMETEK) 801 South Illinois Ave Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0895

(914) 763-5370 Business Size: Large CAGE Code: 23070 Unique Entity ID: HHJACBKXAWN6

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 Other reasoning to support a sole source buy:

The [REDACTED] Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires one (1) Solartron 1470E potentiostat/galvanostat Celltest System with one (1) 1400A (8-slot chassis) and two (2) 1455A frequency response analyzer (FRA) (1 megahertz (MHz)) modules. The required system must be capable of providing a current capacity of up to four (4) amperes. Its purpose is to facilitate electrochemical testing and analysis [REDACTED], which includes a potentiostat/galvanostat Celltest System that offers a current capacity of [REDACTED]. Additionally, the system must have auxiliary measurement channels for investigating multiple anode/cathode electrodes.

The Solartron 1455A series FRA modules need to be connected to the 1470E to conduct [REDACTED]. These FRA’s have the capability to operate in single sine correlation or multi-sine, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis mode, ensuring exceptional speed, precision, and accuracy. The 1455A FRA excels in providing high-performance impedance measurements across a frequency range of 10 microhertz (µHz) to one (1) megahertz (MHz). The FRA’s will also help to enhance the testing capabilities, temperature-controlled ovens and furnaces that will be integrated into the system. These can be conveniently controlled from a personal computer (PC) through a serial communications link, enabling the testing of cells at various temperatures. For instance, the system can handle testing of solid oxide fuel cells at temperatures as high as 1000 degrees Celsius (°C). Obtaining equipment from alternative companies to fulfill the same requirements will lead to additional costs, as it requires the purchase of an external current booster to conduct required testing and analysis. Such a booster would be a one-time purchase and likely more expensive compared to acquiring the equipment directly from AMETEK. Additionally, the Government would need to spend time learning new software from another manufacturer, as it is not the same as the current software being used.

Market research was conducted by [REDACTED] at ARL. [REDACTED] searched the General Supply Schedule (GSA), contacted knowledgeable people and subject matter experts within Government and industry to include [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] and searched the web for potential offerors. A similar potentiostat with one (1) to three (3) channels was found at Biologic USA (https://www.biologic.net/potentiostat-galvanostat/), but after discussions with a sales representative, the current is limited to 500 Milliampere (mA) and would not meet the Government’s requirements without the purchase of an additional external 10 Ampere (A) booster to perform this effort and without the ability to support future scale-up applications, as a second booster would need to be acquired. Additionally, the Government would need to spend time learning new software, as it is not the same as the current software being used. Market research found that Advanced Measurement Technologies (AMETEK) is the only company capable of meeting the Government’s minimum requirements of one (1) Solartron 1470E potentiostat/galvanostat Celltest System with the aforementioned characteristics.

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