Other than Full Airgard Redacted.pdf

DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY

8725 John J. Kingman Road, Stop 6201

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (Brand Name)

1. Nature and/or Description of Action

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Office of Acquisition, Finance, and Logistics Directorate, Enginerring and Logistics Department, Supply and Transportation Division (AL- ELT) has a requirement, estimated to be $800,000, for the AIRGARD chemical detection system. The nature of this memorandum is to provide justification for a limited source procurement of this system, including software, support, and sustainment services from authorized resellers of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), MKS Instruments, for use at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Central Processing Facility (CPF) at Fort Belvoir, VA and Kirtland AFB, NM.

2. Description of Requirements

The CPF at both locations requires the continued use and support of the AIRGARD chemical detection system to ensure accurate and continuous real-time monitoring of airborne chemical threats. This system is essential to protect personnel, equipment, and mission-critical processes involving sensitive chemical materials.

The procurement includes:

- AIRGARD system hardware and components

- Software updated licensing

- Calibration kits and consumables

- Technical support and system sustainment services

3. Statutory Authority

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. §2304(c), FAR Subpart 6.302-1(c)

– Only one responsible source and no other supplies or service will satisfy the Agency’s requirement (brand name).

4. Applicability of Authority

MKS Instruments is the sole manufacturer and exclusive provider of the AIRGARD system and its associated software and support infrastructure. MKS has two authorized resellers capable of supporting this requirement: KD Analytical and Leidos.

- Proprietary System Design: The AIRGARD system incorporates proprietary detection technology and analytics software that are not available from other vendors. KD Analytical and Leidos retains all rights to the design, programming, and configuration of the system.

• This system is designed to provide real-time monitoring for the presence of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in critical infrastructure and high-risk facilities, such as the Chemical Processing Facility (CPF).

• MKS Instruments (and therefore the authorized resellers, Leidos and KD Analytical) has demonstrated specialized capabilities in chemical threat modeling, low-concentration analyte detection, and sensor validation-skills not readily available in other vendors.

• The Airgard system's ability to adapt and improve detection algorithms based on real-time environmental feedback is mission critical.

- Operational Integration: The AIRGARD system is already deployed and fully integrated into CPF operations. Any alternative solution would require significant reconfiguration, revalidation, and retraining—leading to delays and increased cost.

- Sustainment Exclusivity: Only KD Analytical and Leidos are authorized to provide system updates, repairs, calibration services, and replacement parts. Use of unauthorized vendors could void warranties and introduce operational risks.

- Mission Impact: Interruptions in chemical threat monitoring capabilities at CPF would severely compromise DTRA's ability to meet its mission and safety objectives.

AIRGARD fulfils the requirements to sustain these capabilities and, in the case of this procurement, would do so without interruption.

5. Effort to Solicit Potential Sources

The KO will comply with FAR 5.201 and post a synopsis of the proposed contract action to SAM.gov.

6. Fair and Reasonable Costs

The anticipated price of this contract action to the Government will be determined to be fair and reasonable based on price comparisons between the two authorized resellers. A lack of alternatives that are certified to perform the required actions means that their prices make up the market. Additionally, the Technical Subject Matter Expert and Program Manager for this effort have provided input that identifies their pricing as reasonable, and the IGCE corroborates this.

7. Market Research

Market research was conducted via industry review, market surveys, and database searches (GSA Advantage, SAM.gov, and FedMall). No alternative vendors were identified who could provide a system with equivalent capabilities that meet CPF’s performance, compatibility, and sustainment requirements.

A Sources Sought Notice was posted on SAM.gov on 8/12/25. No responses were received from industry.

The OEM, MKS, has confirmed via written correspondence that only Leidos and KD Analytical are authorized to provide the AIRGARD chemical detection system and all associated services.

8. Other Facts

While AIRGARD units were previously procured by DTRA, there was not an associated plan for preventative maintenance. As such, this is a new requirement, rather than a follow-on.

Based on the technical, operational, and proprietary constraints, it is recommended that DTRA compete this requirement amongst the below authorized resellers and award to the lowest priced technically acceptable vendor:

KD Analytical Consulting, Inc.

604 East McKeesport Blvd North Versailles, PA 15137 Website: www.kdanalytical.com Phone: (866)-308-7102

Leidos 1750 Presidents St.

Reston, VA 22190 Website: www.leidos.com Phone: (202) 757-9040

This procurement is essential to maintain uninterrupted monitoring capabilities and operational safety at both Central Processing Facilities, National Capitol region and Kirtland AFB NM in support of DTRA’s broader chemical threat reduction mission.

9. Interested Sources

None, other than the two authorized resellers.

10. Subsequent Actions

DTRA will continue to perform extensive market research for any future requirements for equipment replacement or maintenance services and promote competition when able. If any other brands become available and able to meet requirements, they will also be considered along with any other authorized resellers.

Technical Certification

I certify that the data and information forming the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date Technical POC/Contracting Officer Representative

Contracting Officer Certification and Determination

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Additionally, I determine that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR Subpart 6.302-1(c).

Date Contracting Officer

General Counsel Coordination

This justification is/is not legally sufficient.

Attorney Date

Approval

Based on the above justification, I hereby approve accomplishment of this acquisition by means of limited sources.

Competition Advocate Date