FAR 8 JA.pdf

Limited Sources Justification FAR

8.405 Federal Supply Schedules

Multiple Award Schedule Program

1. PPS Contracting Office: CSA#2

2. Description of Action: Karen Larsen, Natural Resources Manager for Recreation requests a firm fixed price contract with DEERE & COMPANY

3. Description of Supplies/Services: Purchase of one (1) John Deere Zero Turn Mower model Z930R.

• Gas Powered

• Minimum of 25 hp engine, with min. 800 cc displacement

• Maximum 54-inch side discharge mower deck

• Parking brake – with foot actuation

• Electronic hand controls for raising/lowering deck and disengaging mower blades

(safety feature)

• Adjustable suspension seat (not a stand on)

• Safety roll bar

• Cutting range, 1” to 5.0”

• Flat free tires

• Overall maximum dimensions (to fit on existing trailer) o Maximum of 84” length o Maximum of 70” overall width o Weight not to exceed 2500 lbs.

• Parts and Servicing available within 50 miles of the district office

4. Authority Cited: FAR 8.405-6(a) (1) (B) Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized

5. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition

The John Deer model Z930R Commercial Zero Turn Mower was the only piece of equipment found to meet all of these specifications. In particular, no other model had all of the safety features (roll bar, electronic hand controls for mower deck braking and adjustments, and specialty flat free gripping tires for rugged, uneven terrain). In addition, parts, and service of this brand of mower is available in the immediate locale which is critical as this piece of equipment is essential to operations of our recreation sites and down-time must be limited.

The Forest Service visited numerous equipment dealers to research zero turn mowers that would meet the agency needs. John Deere, Spartan, and eXmark mowers were reviewed in person and discussed with dealers. Although all the models were very similar, and met many of the specifications required, only the

John Deere Z930R met all of them. One of the features that set this mower apart is that it was the only model with built in electronic hand controls that allow the operator to raise/lower, adjust cutting height and disengage the blades on the mower deck . Also, this model has wider, airless, more “gripping” tires that reduce sliding when mowing on inclines. The Forest Service takes these important safety features into our determination when operating under the rugged field conditions our sites present. .

There are unusual and specific requirements associated with this type of equipment. Mission requirements and specifications are set forth by the U.S. Forest Service IOT (IN ORDER TO) to provide a Safe

Equipment that will be subjected to extreme heat, steep slopes, rocky terrain, swamps, bogs, dusty conditions, forested landscapes, all risk conditions to include but not limited to hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

In addition, competition is determined inadequate based on the procurement cost-benefit analysis. It will lower administrative costs and the contract price reflects the best value to the government. Serval costs associated with competition have been considered to determine if competition will save taxpayers’ money.

Only few dealers/repair facilities are available in the mission area and mowers spend quite a bit of time having maintenance done to them and having a John Deere plant/facility within short distance of the district helps cut down repair time and costs of travel.

6. Market Research: Market research was performed in accordance with FAR Part 10 to procure the tractors and found that required items are available through GSA MSA.

There are a lot of companies that provide gasoline powered, commercial zero-turn mowers with a variety of engine hp, mower deck size, and safety features. However, the Forest Service found that the John Deere

Z930R met all of specifications that satisfy the mission requirements. This mower is capable of providing the requirement in support of the Forest Service operations effectively without the safety concerns and additional cost to the government.

Thus, based on the above findings, the Forest Service has determined that there is no reasonable expectation that acceptable offers will be obtained from at least three vendors that can fulfill this requirement. In addition, the Forest Service determined that no additional vendors can fulfill the requirement could be identified despite reasonable efforts to do so in accordance with the FAR Part

8.405-1(d)(3)(ii).

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

$10,791.36

7. Recommended source(s).

DEERE & COMPANY

2000 JOHN DEERE RUN,

CARY, NC27513

Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

KAREN LARSEN

Natural Resources Manager for Recreation

Approval

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of the tractors for other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(B), only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized, and provided that the property herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.

JOSH CHOI

Contracting Officer