BN_Memo_AmegaView.pdf

BRAND NAME REQUIREMENT

(For Simplified Acquisitions)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED

The AmegaView temperature monitoring system is utilized in the laboratory to monitor temperature conditions in refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas. The temperature monitoring is a regulatory requirement of multiple federal and civilian agencies, to include the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the Joint Commission, and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). The AmegaView system currently consists of two wireless receivers located in the laboratory and basement storage areas.

The system is to be expanded to monitor various locations within the JBER, Alaska hospital where Point of Care Testing supplies are maintained in order to meet regulatory requirements. An additional receiver will be placed in the Pathology Holding Suite to monitor the morgue refrigerator.

2. JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLICITING AS A BRAND NAME

The current system has been in use in the laboratory since 2009. This request is to expand the existing system to other areas of the hospital to meet regulatory requirements. There are no compatible add-ons from other manufacturers. To replace the existing equipment would cost the government $78,000.00 in addition to 240 hours of retraining for approximately 100 hospital employees.

3. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION

The market was surveyed and there are other companies that sell temperature monitoring systems.

However, those systems are not compatible with the current equipment in possession by the hospital. Two companies were contacted and asked if their equipment would work with the current hospital equipment and both companies said no. AmegaView is the only compatible system with the current AmegaView system in place. There are three companies that were found that sell AmegaView equipment.

4. STEPS TO PRECLUDE FUTURE SINGLE SOURCE AWARDS

The current market has several major competitors for hospital temperature monitoring systems. At the end of the predicted life span for the AmegaView system, or mechanical failure whichever occurs first, new market research will be conducted to see if there are any new suppliers of temperature monitoring systems.

It will then be solicited as full and open competition on FBO. In the future the temperature monitoring system should be procured as a complete system to allow full and open competition for the entire system and negate the need for follow on brand name awards based on compatibility issues with other components previously procured.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S DETERMINATION

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a brand name is reasonably available.

Contracting Officer: __________________ ______ _________ Date: ____15 Apr 15__