FAR 13 Limited Source Brand Name Justification V2 GAMS REDACT V2_Redacted.pdf

5. Justification Rationale

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), “Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(ii), “Where a single source is identified to provide a portion of a purchase because that portion of the purchase specifies a particular brand-name item, the documentation in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section only applies to the portion of the purchase requiring the brand-name item. The documentation should state it is covering only the portion of the acquisition which is brand name.” The software GAMS is the only software for Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) (U.S.M.P) model for regional and environmental simulations and Trade Liberalization of Agriculture. This model estimates interregional, interindustry transaction flows based on an interregional accounting framework and initial information of interregional shipments using GAMS on a large UNIX system. This is a unique system / framework that combines economic and geographical information system (GIS) data. However, the model solution calls for state-of-art formulation and solution algorithms that are available only in GAMS.

6. Best Value Determination

The Government cost is estimated at based upon previous quotes and historical research of prior procurements. Fair market value will be determined prior to purchase order award. Prices must be found fair and reasonable before an award can be made.

7. Market Research Market research has indicated that there is no alternative software available, however there are several re-sellers of the software. As indicated in the Market research Memo, there are six vendors who can provide the software and maintenance, and GAMS, the incumbent contractor, is the lowest price.

8. Additional Support

N/A

8. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Future Competition

Market Research is ongoing in an attempt to allow competition in the future if other contractors are available to provide the GAMS software and are authorized re-sellers.

All re-sellers were given fair opportunity while utilizing the best practice for competition. Market researcg will continue to be completed to determine if there are additional sources, however, research has continually shown that GAMS is the sole authorized supplier to the Federal Government and competition between authorized re-sellers will continue to be a proven method of procurement.