single-source-justification_SAP_Redacted.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

PR#F4F5AU3052A001 ESTIMATED AMOUNT: $85,199.96

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES REQUIRED

Senior research associate in the following areas:

Batch and column studies aimed at understanding how nanomaterial’s such as Nano scale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and bi-metallic nZVI (nZVI coated with Pd, Ni and Ag) may be applied to remediate DOD relevant contaminants (e.g., chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) such as carbon tetrachloride (CT), trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) such as TNT and RDX). Development of a photo-catalyst, such as gold- or silver-coated titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can be used to remediate DOD relevant contaminants using natural light. Column studies aimed at understanding how nonmaterials such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which may pose human and environmental risks, are transported by groundwater. Development of sensors using nonmaterial that can be used to detect compounds of DOD interest (e.g., organophosphates).

Proposed Source:

Dr. Sushil Kanel, PhD Kanel Foundation 2950 Hobson Way Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433

2. JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLICITING FROM A SINGLE SOURCE

The funding for this research was provided in response to a research proposal AFIT submitted to the Air Force Medical Support Agency (AFMSA). The proposal, which was competitively awarded, specifically included Dr. Kanel’s curriculum vita, demonstrating his expertise in the research area.

AFMSA’s decision to fund the proposal was based on the understanding that Dr. Kanel would be available to direct the studies

Dr. Sushil Kanel has conducted a series of funded research projects at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), starting August 2010. The projects have studied the fate and transport of nanomaterials in the subsurface environment, and remediation of contaminants of DOD interest using nanomaterials. As is typical in an academic research stream, the results of these early studies have led to more research questions. The statement-of-work involves extension of the work that Dr. Kanel has already accomplished.

Awarding this work to anyone but Dr. Kanel will result in the loss of considerable time and money, due to the need to get a new contractor "up-to-speed" on what Dr. Kanel has accomplished to date. Also, AFIT students must graduate at a specified date. Dr. Kanel has been supporting our students for a number of years, and is familiar with their requirements. The time needed to get a new contractor up-to-speed on the student support requirements could jeopardize the ability of a student to complete his or her research prior to the graduation date.

3. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION

Dr. Kanel was originally hired under the National Research Council Research Associate ship Program. He was selected to conduct the research in an extremely competitive process, with doctoral-level applicants from throughout the country.

AFIT continually monitors the latest technical journals and major universities, looking for post-doctoral scholars who can assist with our research program. We are unaware of anyone more qualified than Dr. Kanel to conduct the specified research.

AFIT also has professional relationships with other organizations within the DOD acquisition community (such as SAF/AQ, HQ AFMC. AFIT inquired through these relationships about possible sources for qualified instructors. No other providers, within DOD or the commercial realm, were found.

4. STEPS TO PRECLUDE FUTURE SINGLE SOURCE AWARDS

AFIT will continue to explore the feasibility of hiring actions and review the capabilities of commercially available sources for future requirements through market research. Such market research may include seeking sources through professional and market research conducted by other organizations (such as the contracting office).

5. 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.

Contracting Officer: __________________ ______ _____ Date: ____________________ http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/13.htm#P119_17056