FAR 13.5 Justification and Approval NRE LIBS Z-903f.pdf

Justification & Approval Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Mission Area

United States Department of Agriculture Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.5, 41 U.S.C. 1901

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

This action will be awarded by the U.S. Forest Service, Procurement and Property Services (PPS), National Procurement Operations, National Contracts Branch.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The Forest Service proposes to enter a sole source brand-name firm-fixed-price ID/IQ contract with SciAps, Inc., a Small Business, using the Simplified Procedures for certain commercial items under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.5. This is to provide handheld Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Analyzers, as well as Delivery, Technical Support, Training, and GeoChem App.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

To help prevent illegal trade of timber, the US Forest Service International Programs seeks the procurement of that can be distributed internationally to partner institutions, laboratories, and local governments. USFS IP will donate the equipment and provide technical training for the use thereof with the goal of identifying illegal wood and wood products.

A Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Z-903 analyzer used for wood species identification is required. The LIBS measures elemental emissions and is used by forensic chemists to identify wood species. The Z-903 model measures every element in the periodic table of elements and has an extended spectrometer range of 190-950nm along with a 100um laser spot size for elemental heat mapping. This instrument is valued at approximately $50,000-60,000, including shipping and basic training (of the equipment itself, not as it relates to the applied use in wood species identification) by the contractor.

Access to the GeoChem Pro application is estimated between $2,500-3,500 per licenses.

The LIBS system also requires high purity argon gas. The Forest Service anticipates the need of multiple LIBS analyzers.

Estimate:

Base Year: ~ $1M - $1.26M Option Year 1: ~ $100K - $180K Option Year 2: ~ $250K - $360K Option Year 3: ~ $250K - $360K Option Year 4: ~ $150K - $240K

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

FAR 13.5: 41 U.S.C § 1901 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures up to $7.5 million, as authorized by FAR 13.500(a) and implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

The technical needs for further research of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy uses towards wood identification are handheld LIBS Z-903 analyzers with 3 internal spectrometers for increased number of emissions and sampling range that can measure the elemental makeup of wood and wood products. The LIBS analyzer in order to be used for wood identification must be capable of detecting a large array of elements (including Li, Be, C, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ba, Pb, H, B, N, O, F, P, S, Cl, K, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, In, Sn, Sb, Ce, Pt, Au, and Hg) which requires a 190- 900 nm sampling range. An argon-purge system is required in order to clear moisture and oxygen away from the sampling area to increase precision and accuracy of measurements. All data must be stored internally when the instrument is in field use and then exported as csv files upon connection to a laptop. The instrument must have a warranty period of at least 1-year, and access to replaceable components in the event of normal wear as well as rapid heat dissipation technology. An additional requirement for the LIBS analyzer is access to ongoing training and to qualified technicians in the case that troubleshooting is required.

SciAps, Inc. is the only vendor that will provide proper results for the objective of identifying timber species using this type of advanced technology. Other manufacturers’ models of LIBS, while comparable in many aspects, lack argon purge capabilities limiting the detection range (200-800 nm) and focus on measuring carbon content as well as other metallic compounds causing significant changes in the chemical fingerprint on the analysis from what is needed for USFS scientists to conduct species identification on wood samples. Further explanation is given in Section 8 below and in the accompanying “Customer Market Research” document.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

USFS-IP conducted primary research on potential manufacturers of mass spectrometers with internet searches for equipment that fit within the budget and technological requirements necessary to achieve results of the program. Secondary research was also conducted in the form of speaking to other US government agencies (USGS in particular) and academic partners specializing on the use of spectroscopy for timber species identification.

It should be noted that the same brand of LIBS must be used; this is because exact scientific settings and calibrations must be consistent across each spectroscopy analyzer to create and use the same database. This combination of primary and secondary research covered as many sources as practicable that could meet the government’s needs.

As a result, USFS was advised that only one manufacturer would provide the proper results for the objective of identifying timber species using this type of advanced technology. Due to the limited market a determination was made that brand-name specifications were needed.

This requirement was needed in the past and the LIBS from SciAps, Inc. was procured as a Sole Source award and met all needs. Since additional LIBS will be needed in the future, The USDA International Programs is seeking an ID/IQ award.

A SAM.gov announcement will be posted upon approval of this document as a notice of intent to award Sole Source.

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

A government estimate has been provided and will be utilized to negotiate a fair and reasonable price to the government. The Contracting Officer will also use previous pricing from USFS awards as well as other agency awards.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a highly specialized field, meaning it involves advanced scientific and technical knowledge, requiring expertise in laser technology, spectroscopy, and materials analysis. This field is characterized using laser pulses to generate plasma on the surface of a sample, which is then analyzed to determine its elemental composition. Such technology demands precision, specialized equipment, and significant expertise to interpret the results accurately. Market research was conducted via internet searches and reaching out to companies for instrument specification information, which revealed immediate shortcomings in the capabilities of the handheld LIBS Analyzers produced by Thermo Fisher Scientific, StellarNet Inc., and Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science. SciAps is the only company with the required instrument specifications for this project as well as access to ongoing training and support.

As stated above, SciAps, Inc. is the only vendor that will provide proper results for the objective of identifying timber species using this type of technology. Other manufacturers’ models of LIBS, while comparable in many aspects, lack argon purge capabilities limiting the detection range (200- 800 nm) and focus on measuring carbon content as well as other metallic compounds, causing significant changes in the chemical fingerprint on the analysis from what is needed for USFS scientists to conduct species identification on wood samples. Discussion with a SciAps representative confirmed that replacement parts for the SciAps instrument are made in the US, making them readily available in the event of regular maintenance. Immediate availability of replaceable parts from Thermo Fisher Scientific, StellarNet Inc., and Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science could not be confirmed. Discussion of different SciAps instrument purchases with the US Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory staff gave background on how SciAps provides customer and technical support as well as ongoing training. The USFS IP market research identified no other companies that could provide a handheld LIBS Analyzer that had the capabilities of the SciAps, Inc. instrument for applications to wood identification.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

Technical data packages, specifications, engineering descriptions, statements of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed or are not available for several reasons:

1. Specialized Nature of Technology: The handheld Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) analyzers required for this procurement possess highly specialized capabilities that are essential for identifying timber species accurately. The technology's complexity, which involves the use of laser pulses to generate plasma on the surface of a sample and analyze its elemental composition, necessitates very specific instrument specifications. The advanced nature of this technology means that only certain manufacturers, specifically SciAps, Inc., can meet these requirements. The technical specifications and performance standards of the SciAps Z-903 model, including its 190-950nm spectrometer range, 100um laser spot size, and argon-purge system, are unique and not matched by other available models.

2. Consistency in Scientific Calibration: The requirement for consistent scientific settings and calibrations across each spectroscopy analyzer is crucial. Using different brands or models could lead to variations in the data, compromising the integrity and accuracy of the timber species identification process. This uniformity is necessary to create and use a standardized database, which is integral to the success of the USFS’s mission to prevent illegal trade of timber.

3. Previous Successful Implementation: The USFS previously procured LIBS analyzers from SciAps, Inc., which have successfully met all the needs for timber species identification. The proven reliability and performance of the SciAps instruments justify the continued use of this specific brand to ensure consistent and reliable results.

4. Market Research Findings: Extensive market research, including internet searches and direct communications with potential vendors, revealed that only SciAps, Inc. could provide the necessary instrument specifications and support. Other manufacturers' models lack essential features such as the argon purge capability, which is critical for the required detection range and precision.

5. Ongoing Training and Support: SciAps, Inc. offers access to ongoing training and qualified technicians for troubleshooting, which is crucial for the effective use of the technology. The availability of replacement parts, made in the US, further supports the choice of SciAps, Inc. as the sole vendor capable of meeting the government's needs.

These factors collectively justify the use of other than full and open competition for this procurement. The unique requirements and the specialized nature of the technology, necessitate the selection of SciAps, Inc. as the sole source vendor.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

None.

11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

The technical specifications for this requirement are unique and do not support full and open competition currently. International Programs will reassess the need for a sole source by conducting new market research just as we have done this time since the last purchase of a LIBS in 2022.

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data that form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

☒ The information provided for this justification has been reviewed and certified accurate and complete by Erin McClure-Price (Forensic Chemist) and Kelly Kayuni (Operations and Outreach Manager).

The information contained in this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Cassandra Carey Contracting Officer

Additional Reviews & Approvals

Signatures are required at each threshold up to the total estimated dollar value of the acquisition

Advocate for competition for the procuring activity (if over $750,000, but not exceeding $15 million). I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Therefore, unless additional approvals are required as prescribed below, as advocate for competition for the procuring activity, I hereby approve this justification.

Mission Area Advocate for Competition

CUSTOMER MARKET RESEARCH DOCUMENTATION

(Required for all new awards unless planned as a Task Order/Delivery Order/BPA Call using an existing FS or USDA contract/BPA)

IMPORATANT NOTE: Market research must be based on information independently obtained by the Government and should not allow ANY contractor to receive an unfair advantage over another. Use your market research information, not a contractor’s quote, to obtain the independent government estimate.

Requisition No.:

Description of Requirement: A handheld LIBS Analyzer with the following capabilities: argon-purge; data collection of Li, Be, C, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ba, Pb, H, B, N, O, F, P, S, Cl, K, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, In, Sn, Sb, Ce, Pt, Au, and Hg in the 190-900 nm range; three spectrometers for increased number of emissions and sampling range; data export software.

Estimated Value: (including all options and extensions) $1,888,950.00 ___ _____

SOURCE OF MARKET RESEARCH METHOD (check all sources that were reviewed):

Sources Considered (*Mandatory sources listed in descending order of priority – FAR 8.002)

☒ *Existing Inventory

☐ USDA Contract Portal

☐ *Excess from other agencies

☐ SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search Tool

☐ *Federal Prison Industries

☒ Internet search

☐ *Ability One Products or *Ability One Services

☐ Exchanges with industry/vendors

☐ *Wholesale Supply Sources (GSA stock programs; DLA, VA, military control points, etc.)

☒ Prior Purchase History

☐ GSA Federal Supply Schedules (E-libraries)

☒ Other (specify): USFS IP WISC works closely with USFWFL which purchased an analyzer from the SciAps company and they appreciate the quality of the analyzer and have found the customer and technical support offered to be unmatched. In addition, we ultimately want to be sure that the data that we collect on our LIBS instruments matches that of the USFWFL and of the instrument currently used at USFS IP WISC.

☒ GSA Advantage!

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Throughout our research we evaluated the following potential vendors:

· SciAps

· Thermo Fisher Scientific

· StellarNet Inc

· Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science

In addition to these companies, GSA was also searched for any existing BPA’s or products listed. Upon assessing these options, SciAps, Inc. is the only company that can provide instrumentation that meets all the required specifications for this project.

NOTE: Most actions must be awarded to only small businesses and all vendors must have an active SAM Registration.

Information Source

Vendor Name

Vendor DUNS

Contract # (if applicable)

Internet search

SciAps, Inc

078799432

NA

MARKET RESEARCH SUMMARY:

Based on my independent market research, the above vendor appears capable of meeting this requirement.

PREPARED BY:

Name: Erin McClure-Price

Title: Forensic Chemist

Date: October 26, 2023

Attachment(s): (Please attach supporting documentation (i.e., print outs from website, e-mails, MFRs, etc. to support your market research))

Below is the market research results of the SciAps Z-903 model:

Fig. 1: SciAps, Inc. specification sheet and information for the Z-903 series handheld LIBS Analyzer

Other vendor searches:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Fig. 2)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is one of the manufacturers of LIBS analyzers. The Niton Apollo LIBS Analyzer has argon purge capabilities and is less than a kilogram heavier than the SciAps Z-903 model, but it is specialized at measuring carbon content as well as other metallic elements such as C, Al, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, W. This would drastically restrict the chemical fingerprint of elemental analysis of wood. Additionally, Thermo Fisher’s LIBS analyzer has not been tested on wood samples and the operational abilities of the instrument are unknown for the stated needs.

Due to the technical requirements of the project, the Niton Apollo LIBS Analyzer does not meet the technical requirements and therefore Thermo Fisher Scientific cannot meet the needs of the system.

StellarNet Inc. (Fig. 3)

StellarNet Inc. is a manufacturer of LIBS analyzers, their model, the StellarCASE-LIBS Analyzer has three internal spectrometers and is handheld, making it capable of field analysis. However, the analyzer does not have the argon-purge capability and collects limited elements in the 200-800 nm range.

Because the StellarCASE-LIBS Analyzer does not have the argon-purge option, it does not meet the technical requirements and therefore StellarNet cannot meet the needs of the project.

Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science (Fig. 4)

Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science has a line of LIBS analyzers specified for a small range of elements, their most advanced LIBS analyzer, the Vulcan Expert+ is limited to stainless steels, low alloy steels, tool steels, and Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, Sn, Ti, and Zn alloys. It does offer a pre-burn option to clean a sample surface but lacks the argon-purge capability.

Because the Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science LIBS analyzer is limited in elemental range and lacks the argon-purge option, it does not meet the technical requirements of the project.

Fig. 2: Thermo Fisher Scientific spec sheet on the Niton Apollo LIBS Analyzer

Fig. 3: StellarNet spec sheet for the StellarCASE-LIBS Analyzer

Fig. 4: Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science spec sheet for the Vulcan Expert+ LIBS analyzer

Version – January 2024 Page 1 of 1

Source Selection Information

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