3._Brand_Name_Justification.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

March 2018 Page 1 of 2

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: Department of the Air Force, 374th Contracting Squadron, Unit 5228, Bldg 620, Yokota Air Base Japan

Project/Program Name: Metrohm IC Professional Vario System

Purchase Request/Identification Number: 0011224782

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $99,999.75

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

This is a brand name justification for the purchase of a Metrohm IC Professional Vario system for the U.S.

Army's Public Health Command - Pacific (PHC-Pacific). The Metrohm IC Professional will be able to detect bromate and bromide (in drinking water and bottled water) with required Minimum Detection Limit.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

This system is capable of meeting a lower detection level than the current EPA 300.1 method - which is half of the regulated level. Bromate and bromide analysis in drinking water is necessary to ensure that regulatory standards are met and that safe drinking water is available to the soldier, and the military community as a whole, throughout the Pacific. Currently, this analysis in not able to be performed and samples must be forwarded to a contract laboratory because the existing Ion Chromatograph is un-serviceable and has reached the end of support from the manufacturer. This poses significant issues as MEDCOM Japan is not able to provide expedient results in the event of a contaminated water supply. These analyses are essential in identifying and re-mediating contamination problems, as soon as possible, when they occur. With the purchase of this equipment, analysis can be performed within the Pacific region.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Metrohm is an open market and GSA manufacturer whose IC products are only available through Government Scientific Sources, Inc. and Metrohm area representatives. However, the main IC system (29402500 - Professional IC Vario Two/SeS/PP) is only available on the open market.

Market Research was conducted (Internet and GSA searches) and it was determined that the Ion Chromatograph supplied by Metrohm was the only one on the market that is capable of meeting a lower detection level than the current EPA 300.1 method. An RFQ (request for quotation) will be posted on FBO.gov to solicit more prospective vendors in order to aid competition.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

Market research will be continually conducted to see if other sources/vendors exist in the industry. Attempts will be made to seek out vendors that could potentially be resellers or partners with Metrohm. In addition, continual research will be conducted to see if Metrohm, Inc. will commercialize their service. However, as their current business model stands, there is no other vendor able to provide the detection level needed.

March 2018 Page 2 of 2

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

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

Date

21-Aug-2018

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer Ms. Naomi Chiba

374 CONS/PKAB - DSN: 315-225-7613

Signature of Contracting Officer

March 2018 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

9.0.0.2.20120627.2.874785

374 CONS/PKAB - DSN: 315-225-7613

Signature: