Department of the Air Force: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

CUI

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For use when a justification and approval as described in RFO 6.104 is required, to include restricting competition under Part 12 for acquisitions valued over SAT.

Dollar Value of this Acquisition: < $10M > $10M and < $100M > $100M and < $500M > $500M

CERTIFICATIONS: CO certification serves as J&A approval < $10M, See J&A Template Guidance at https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/ AFCC/AQCP/KnowledgeCenter/SitePages/DAF-Contracting-Compass/Part-6---Competition-Requirements.aspx#exceptions-to-full-and-open-competition-mandatory J&A Template Guidance tab

Date

17 June 2026

Contracting Officer, SSgt Levi R. Mowrey [ SSgt Levi R. Mowrey ]

Signature

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date Technical and Requirements Personnel (RFO 6.104(b)) [Name ]

Signature

I certify that the supporting data herein, which is my responsibility, is accurate and complete.

COORDINATION

APPROVALS ( RFO 6.104-2(a) Table 6-1 & R-DFARS 206.104-72 Table 206.1)

See J&A Template Guidance (https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/AQCP/KnowledgeCenter/SitePages/DAF-Contracting-Compass/ Part-6---Competition-Requirements.aspx#exceptions-to-full-and-open-competition-mandatory) - Justification Approvals tab

NOTE 1: A signature block will appear here (replacing these notes) based on the "Dollar Value of this Acquisition" selected above. Since most digital signatures that include date/time-stamps are redacted before they are made publicly available, always insert the date in the “Date” cell when affixing a digital signature to this document.

MOWREY.LEVI.ROY.155

3585682

Digitally signed by

MOWREY.LEVI.ROY.1553585682

Date: 2026.07.15 12:28:04 -05'00'

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I. Agency and Contracting Activity (RFO 6.104-1(a)(1)):

Agency: Department of the Navy Contracting Activity: NPTU Charleston

II. Nature and/or description of the action being approved (RFO 6.104-1(a)(2)):

This document is for the Justification and Approval of a Brand Name or Equal solicitation for a Seekere EDK.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs (RFO 6.104-1(a)(3)):

Item Description: SEEKERe-EDK - Automated Colorimetric Handheld Explosive Detector Kit.

Manufacturer: DetectaChem Inc.

Part Number: SEEKERE-EDK Kit Quantity: 2 Estimated Cost:

Required Delivery Date: 30 Days ADC

IV. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(4)):

10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

V. Rationale for Use of Authority (RFO 6.104-1(a)(5)):

Market research confirms that the SEEKERe-EDK, manufactured by DetectaChem Inc., is the only product that possesses the specific combination of features essential to meet the mission requirements of NNPTC security forces.

Proprietary Technology and Sole Manufacturer: DetectaChem Inc. is the sole manufacturer of the SEEKERe device and its associated consumables. As stated in the manufacturer's provided letter, "No other entity is licensed to manufacture, repurpose, or alter it in any way mechanically, electronically, or via programming, and all aspects of the product are proprietary to Detectachem Inc." Therefore, any vendor must procure the item from the original manufacturer, establishing a sole-source environment.

Mission-Critical Automation: The mission requires a detector that provides simple, automated analysis to minimize the potential for human error in high-tempo security environments. The SEEKERe-EDK provides fully automated, on-screen colorimetric detection and delivers a clear, unambiguous result ("Threat" or "No Threat"). This feature is critical for operators at Entry Control Points who are not trained chemists and require immediate, definitive results to ensure security and maintain traffic flow.

Integrated System: The SEEKERe-EDK is an integrated system where the hardware, software, and proprietary detection cards are designed to work together. This ensures reliability and accuracy that cannot be guaranteed by mixing components or using alternative systems.

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VI. Integrated Market Analysis and Efforts to Solicit Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(6), (8), and (10)):

Market research was conducted via searches on the GSA Advantage portal and evaluation of commercial vendor quotes.

GSA Advantage: Research identified the SEEKERe-EDK through Laurus Systems Inc. (Contract: GS-07F-0147T). However, no other products were found on GSA that met the salient characteristic of automated colorimetric detection.

Commercial Vendors: Estimates and information were analyzed from three vendors: DetectaChem (the manufacturer), Laurus Systems Inc., and Anchortex Corp. Research showed that third-party vendors are providing SeekerE products which confirms expectations that the SeekerE EDK is the only product currently available that meets the requirements of this acquisition.

Market Research emonstrates that no other commercially available product meets the government's minimum requirements. Specifically, competing products lack the required automated colorimetric analysis that removes operator subjectivity, which is a key mission-critical requirement.

VII. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (RFO 6.104-1(a)(7)):

The Contracting Officer is responsible for evaluating, determining, and documenting the anticipated contract cost/price is fair and reasonable in accordance with RFO Subpart 15.4, Contract Pricing.

VIII. Any Other Facts Supporting the Justification (RFO 6.104-1(a)(9)):

The requesting unit has identified the need for a detector that is both highly reliable and extremely simple to operate in the field. The SEEKERe-EDK is specifically designed for this purpose, while other market options are geared toward laboratory environments or require more extensive operator training and interpretation. Procuring any other device would require a change in security protocol and introduce an unacceptable level of risk due to the potential for operator error.

IX. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(11):

Continuous Monitoring: "The security department will continue to monitor the market for new entrants in the automated colorimetric detection space."

Specification Review: "For future requirements, specifications will be reviewed to determine if mission parameters can be adjusted to allow for a broader range of detection technologies without compromising officer safety."