A16_3-0034_SSJ_Under__250K_v2020_RAWS_BI_Signed_1.pdf

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: (Describe the actions taken to locate other capable sources or brands. List any sources that expressed in writing an interest in the procurement.)

No other vendors provide the sensors and components that meet National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) requirements, or supported by the RSFWSU depot for maintenance and calibration.

Text2: (Describe the market research conducted or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.)

The vendor that supplies the fixed RAWS has been tested and certified by National Interagency Fire Center's Remote Sensing-Fire Weather Support Unit (RSFWSU) to meet National Fire Danger Rating System requirements and currently the only system supported by the RSFWSU depot.

Text1: (Describe the requirement and any special circumstances pertaining to this acquisition.)

A permanently mounted Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) to provide fire weather observations for wildland fire forecasting and prescribed fire planning. This station would be added to a national network of over 2,200 stations all using the same sensors and components to ensure consistent and reliable data. This station would also meet national standards established for the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS).

Text4: (Describe the actions taken to overcome barriers to competition for any subsequent acquisitions.)

The vendor that supplies RAWS sensors and components has been tested and certified by the National Interagency Fire Center's RSFWSU.

Text6: (Include a statement by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost will be considered fair and reasonable and provide the basis used for this determination. Examples may include the results of the restricted competition, comparison of proposed costs/prices with costs/prices for similar supplies or services, commercial price lists, prior acquisition history, etc.)

Quote included. No other vendors can supply the required RAWS sensors or components.

Text5: (Provide a description to demonstrate, based on the proposed contractor's qualifications or the nature of the procurement, of the reasons for using that exception.)

Forest Technology Systems (FTS), a subsidiary of AEM, is the manufacturer of this equipment and is the only source available and approved by NOAA to communicate and provide fire weather information through it's satellite and information network.