FAR-13-Single-Source-or-Brand-Name-Justification-Less-Than-SAT-Nov-2024 (IvS)_Redacted.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Limited Source/Brand Name Justification

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – Simplified Acquisitions Control No. (if applicable) ______________________

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

1a. Requesting Activity Agency: USDA-ARS-PWA Crop Improvement and Protection 1b. Contracting Activity: USDA-ARS-PWA AAO ACQ/PER PROP

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

1,100 lettuce samples will be analyzed for at least 100 phytohormones, including groups of auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid.

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

The proposed contractor previously analyzed the same set of 1,100 lettuce samples using a widely targeted metabolomics approach (REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 1104212, prior awarded PO 12905B23P0206). To ensure consistency with the prior analyses, it is essential that the same instruments and analytical procedures are used. Additionally, the contractor will utilize the remaining tissue from the previous analyses, which will save the agency significant expenses by eliminating the need to grow new material—a process that would require several months of work from multiple personnel, as well as sample collection and preparation.

Furthermore, the proposed contractor was previously selected for performing metabolomics analyses due to their demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality data at the lowest cost among all contractors that applied.

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

The market research was not conducted at this time because the contractor who previously analyzed the same set of 1,100 samples needs to be used, employing the same chemistry to ensure consistency with the prior analyses.

5. Estimated price, including all options, if applicable.

6. Recommended source(s).

Bridging Pieces

Certifications

Supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel and which form the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Insert Name of Program or Technical Personnel Insert Title of Program/Technical Personnel

The information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), I hereby determine the circumstances described above deem only one source, or limited sources, reasonably available and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated in this document.

Insert Name of Contracting Officer Contracting Officer