GSSI_Brand Name only Justification_Redacted.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document sets forth the justification and approval for award of Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. 200 hyperstacking (HS) and multiple low frequency (MLF) ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems with SIR 4000 acquisition control unit on a limited source basis as required by FAR 13.106-1.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. Purchase one GSSI 200 HS GPR system and one set of MLF antenna from Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI) or its resellers.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC) requires the purchase of 2 GPR antenna systems. The 200 HS system uses a 200 MHz center frequency pulse to measure changes in geologic and hydrologic structure in an area as changes in electromagnetic impedance with depths from less than one meter to over 21 meters deep. When connected to the SIR 4000 acquisition control unit, the 200 HS has an improved signal-to-noise ratio, enabling very shallow (< 0.5 m deep) and very deep (21+ m deep) targets to be identified even in highly conductive environments, such as areas with high clay content and saline groundwater. The 200 HS is unique compared to other 200 MHz GPR antenna systems in that it has a much greater stacking ability (up to 2047 stacking), meaning it can sample the ground at a much greater rate and provide information about subtle changes in hydrology and geology. Connecting the MLF antenna to the SIR 4000 control unit provides geologic and hydrologic information at depths up to 50 meters, as the MLF antenna length can be adjusted in the field from 16 MHz to 80 MHz without having to carry multiple antenna.

4. Estimated Dollar Value.

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority of Section 201 of the Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 USC 501) and FAR 13.106-1.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5.

The PCMSC’s minimum needs are (1) a 200 MHz GPR system that is WiFi capable, has an internal GPS with accuracy approximately 2m or greater, can connect to external differential GPS antenna via Bluetooth, capable of stacking up to 2,047, includes a noise band removal filter for high clay environments, water resistant and floats, minimum operating temperature at least - 20 degree C, and built-in dithering technology to filter ambient RF signals enabling quality data collection in built environments; (2) a multiple low frequency GPR system that is lightweight (less than 40 lb), capable of operating at frequencies between 80 MHz and 16 MHz without having to use multiple antennas (i.e. no need to carry multiple antenna systems into the field), and is capable of breaking down into carrying cases no longer than 1.5 meters (for ease of shipping and field deployment). Both GPR antenna systems must be capable of being operated via an independent stand-alone control acquisition unit that is WiFi capable, Bluetooth capable, rugged, has the ability to swap out WiFi antenna in the field (if antenna is damaged), and has the ability to connect via a hard-wired connection to GPR systems. No firm other than GSSI can meet these needs per the market research detailed in paragraph 8.

7. Other Information. N/A

8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted.

Other sources were considered; however, no other source meets PCMSC’s needs. No other manufacturer sells and supports a multiple low frequency antenna system and 200 MHz system with hyperstacking, both essential to geologic and hydrologic investigations in a range of adverse environments. Given that the significant majority of the current Sensors and Software GPR system at the PCMSC is entirely incompatible with newer components, the significant improvements in GPR technology over the past 20+ years, and the sensitivity of modern Sensors and Software GPR equipment to rain and other environmental conditions, it is not possible to upgrade or update the Sensors and Software system to meet current research requirements.

Integrating a 200 MHz central frequency antenna with high stacking (i.e. improved signal-to-noise ratio) and a multiple low frequency antenna system is only possible with the GSSI GPR systems.

A sources-sought pre-solicitation 140G0320Q0180 was posted on beta.SAM.gov contract opportunities to determine the availability of businesses capable of providing the GPR systems.

No responses were received. Competition is anticipated among GSSI resellers.

9. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition.

Future requirements will undergo market research be competed to the maximum extent practical.

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a limited source basis. I certify that technical data which form a basis for this justification, that are the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel are complete and accurate.

Date

Physical Scientist

11. Certifications and Approval from the Contracting Officer:

a. The contracting officer determines the order represents a fair and reasonable price to the Government based on market research and competitive quotes received for the GPR systems.

b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

13. Approvals

Cheryl Ciccarelli, Contracting Officer Date

Jennifer Kelley, Bureau Competition Advocate Date