BNJ.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLE SOURCE or BRAND NAME SPECIFIED (Simplified Acquisitions <$150K)

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b), the Contracting Officer determines if the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available or a portion of the purchase specifies a particular brand-name item. This determination must be supported with full justification for Sole Source or Brand Name from the Technical/Requirements personnel. When the Technical/Requirements personnel describe an item with a purchase description which limits the competition, the justification must explain why the item is the only one that will meet the Government’s requirement. The Technical/Requirements personnel shall provide the following information:

1. Organization/Line Office:

National Ocean Service (NOS), Engineering Division

2. Procurement Request Number:

NCNT1000-15-01524

3. Description of Action being Approved:

Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order

4. Description of item or services required to meet the Agency’s needs (including estimated value):

Meteorological Instruments and parts for measuring wind-speed and air-temperature that will be used in support of the National Water Level Observation Program and Physical Oceanographic Real Time System.

Option Period: N/A

5. List the proposed contractor (name and address) or brand name and describe the unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source (explain why the suggested source is the only source which can provide the supplies or services):

R. M. YOUNG COMPANY

2801 Aero Park Drive Traverse City, Michigan 49686-9171

The NOAA National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) and Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®) employs standardized sensors and equipment in order to help maintain a robust, reliable, and cost efficient system of water level, oceanographic, and meteorological observatories. Sensor and instrumentation compatibility and interchangeability are critical to the operations and maintenance of these systems. In addition, standardization helps to ensure that the data gathered is suitable for post analysis, assessment, and use in updating tidal datum, currents tables, and navigational charts.

Furthermore, the sensor interoperability helps to reduce the cost of maintenance through ease of replacement and component upgrade. The RM Young Model 05103 Wind Monitor is the standard wind monitoring sensor used at CO-OPS environmental monitoring stations on the Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and throughout the Pacific.

• The CO-OPS operating system requires that all environmental monitoring sensor that have not been previously approved must be subjected to a series of laboratory and field tests to ensure the quality of the data produced by that sensor and the sensor performance meets NOAA CO-OPS’ published standards and requirements. These tests usually include bench testing under controlled conditions and physical measurement, controlled environmental testing to check a sensor’s reliability under different conditions, and long term comparison testing with accepted sensors at multiple real world locations. These tests and the analysis of the resulting data consume a large amount of time, money, and staffing resources to conduct.

• CO-OPS stations mounts and integrated systems have been designed to accommodate easy installation and maintenance of the RM Young mechanical wind monitors. A change of sensor type will result in a need to redesign existing stations to accommodate a new sensor. New mounting hardware would need to be developed and purchased to accommodate a different sensor.

• The data collection platforms at CO-OPS stations are programmed to collect data from the RM Young mechanical wind monitor. Use of a different sensor would require costly software and database ingestion development.

• CO-OPS field personal are trained in the use and maintenance of the RM Young mechanical wind monitors. Use of a different sensor would require the development of new SOPs and extensive field training field training on the use and maintenance of a new sensor.

• Existing spares kits and calibration equipment support the RM Young mechanical wind sensors. Using a different type of sensor would require the costly procurement of new calibration systems for in-lab use, as well as adding additional spares equipment to field support travel cases.

NOAA has invested significant time and resources in developing mounting systems, brackets, survey procedures, and sensor partnering to help maximize data returns at NWLON and PORTS observatories. Procurement of a different type of wind sensor would require system integration research, extensive testing, engineering mounting hardware development, spares inventory build-up, and would delay / negatively impact operational meteorological data support to the coastal users and the maritime industry, potentially impacting maritime navigational safety.

6. Describe how the Government will determine the cost to be fair and reasonable:

Orders issued under this class limited sources justification represent the best value to NOAA as the agreed to prices will be based upon competitive quotes received from authorized retailers of the brand in a competitive environment. Therefore the price paid will represent the best value and result in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the needs of NOAA

7. Description of market research conducted:

Any vendor or company that sells RM Young Wind Monitor and parts can supply the required items. CO-OPS employs these wind monitors at coastal observatories located nationwide. Replacement sensors, parts, and spares are needed to maintain the existing systems in acceptable operational working condition. The Alpine Wind Monitors and associated parts are used exclusively at observatories that experience extreme cold weather and icing conditions.

8. Statement of actions, if any, to remove barriers to competition in the future:

NOAA CO-OPS undertakes a system analysis and evaluation of standardized equipment and sensors every 3-5 years and re-evaluates requirements and other manufacturer’s systems. If equipment or a sensor representing a better value to the government that meets CO-OPS’ requirements is identified, CO-OPS will take action to begin procuring the newly identified equipment or sensor for integration into the NCOP surveys.

9. Any other facts supporting justification:

10. Certification:

Technical/Requirements Personnel:

I certify the requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the facts, representations, and data included in this justification are complete and accurate.

Digitally signed by MOWERY.SCOTT.VERNON.1136390445 DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DoD, ou=PKI, ou=OTHER, cn=MOWERY.SCOTT.VERNON.1136390445 Date: 2015.06.18 10:36:54 -04'00'

Signature Date

Contracting Officer:

I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.