PT Samples_JA Signed_Redacted.pdf

Source Selection Information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4

NOV 2024

Sole Source Justification (SSJ) for Requirements under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

1. Identification of the Agency and Contracting Activity: The Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A), Defense Health Agency (DHA), United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA)

2. Description of Action: The DCPH-A Laboratory Sciences Directorate (LAB) has a requirement for Proficiency Testing (PT) samples from a PT provider that is accredited to the ISO 17043 standard and accredited by a Proficiency Testing Providing Accreditor that meets the TNI requirements.

New Requirement Purchase Order Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Order against BPA # Order against Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract Order against Single Award IDIQ Contract # Order against Federal Supply Schedule Contract #

Follow-on Requirement to Contract/Order # W81XWH-20-P-0106 Modification against existing Contract/Order and Modification #

Contract Type

Fixed Price Time & Materials/Labor Hours Cost Reimbursable Hybrid

3. Description of Services or Supplies and Estimated Value: This is a non-personal services contract to purchase Proficiency Testing (PT) samples and enrollment in a PT Program that provides a final report that has statistically evaluated the DCPH-A Laboratory Science (LAB) Directorate’s results against the acceptance range limits of each PT sample reported to the Contractor by the DCPH-A LAB.

Period Period of Performance

Estimated Value

Type of Funding

Base Period 6/17/2025 – 6/16/2026 Option Period 1 6/17/2026 – 6/16/2027 Option Period 2 6/17/2027 – 6/16/2028 Option Period 3 6/17/2028 – 6/16/2029 Option Period 4 6/16/2029 – 6/16/2030

4. Authority:

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name, or industrial mobilization).

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(A) Urgent and compelling need exists, and following the procedures would result in unacceptable delays.

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.

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(C) In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures.

FAR 8.405-6(b)(1) Items peculiar to one manufacturer. A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiar to one manufacturer.

FAR 16.505(a)(4) Items Peculiar to One Manufacturer FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A) The agency need for the supplies or services is so urgent that providing a fair opportunity would result in unacceptable delays.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C) The order must be issued on a sole-source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency because it is a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given a fair opportunity to be considered for the original order.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D) It is necessary to place an order to satisfy a minimum guarantee.

5. Reason for Authority Cited: Environmental Resource Associates, Inc. (ERA) is the only vendor that meets the requirements of the contract’s PWS.

a. ERA is the only PT vendor that is available that is accredited to the ISO 17043:2023, Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for the Competence of Proficiency Testing Providers standard, is accredited by a Proficiency Testing Providing Accreditor that meets the TNI Volume 3: General Requirements for Environmental Proficiency Testing Providers:2016 requirements and offers all the required PTs that the DCPH-A LAB is required to purchase to maintain their accreditation.

b. The DCPH-A LAB’s mission is to provide analytical services for environmental samples in

Department of Defense (DoD) operating environments and military bases. To execute the DCPH-A mission, the LAB is required by the Army Regulation (AR) 40-5 and Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 40-11 “Army Public Health Program,” and Federal Law to be accredited. To maintain the DCPH-A LAB’s accreditation the DCPH-A LAB must purchase PT samples for all environmental methods performed by the DCPH-A LAB. If the DCPH-A LAB is unable to purchase the PTs available from ERA, the DCPH-A LAB will lose the required accreditation and will no longer be able to perform their mission, resulting in the inability to perform analysis of environmental samples

6. Market Research:

Market research was conducted in December 2024 by via an internet search to identify potential sources in the marketplace that could meet the DCPH-A LAB’s requirements.

Market Research identified other ISO 17043 accredited PT providers that were accredited by a Proficiency Testing Providing Accreditor that meets the TNI requirements. However, the potential sources did not offer Radiochemistry water nor Radiochemistry wipe PTs as required by DCPH-A LAB. Only one source has been identified that can meet the all of the PTs required by the DCPH-A LAB.

The requirement was synopsized on the Governmentwide Point of Entry (SAM.gov) via a Notice of Intent to Sole Source on 27 February 2025 for a period of 15 days (in accordance with FAR subpart 5.2). The synopsis did not receive any responses from capable vendors for this requirement that would result in additional competition for the PT Sample Services.

7. Other Facts:

a. Procurement History:

(1) Is this a new requirement? No

(2) If 7.a.(1) is No, was the action just prior to this one competed? No

(3) If 7.a.(2) is Yes, what has changed where this action cannot be competed? Not Applicable

b. Additional Information: The requirement for these services has been a reoccurring requirement for the DCPH-A LAB since 2006. ERA has been the only vendor that has been able to meet the requirements of the DCPH-A LAB since 2006.

7. Technical Certification:

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

8. Requirements Certification:

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

9. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

Basis for Determination: The basis for determination to determine a fair and reasonable price based upon price analysis in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(vi).

10. Contracting Officer Determination:

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