IFB Attachment 10 - Brand Name Justification - Charleston EHRM Data Center.pdf

Project No. 534-24-706 EHRM Data Center Upgrades for JSA-FDS

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 1 of 4 Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#: 36C776-26-AP-1848

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A for Other Than Full and Open Competition)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C776-26-AP-1848

1. Contracting Activity:

Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC) The proposed procurement, Invitation for Bid (IFB) 36C77626B0027, is for the EHRM Data Center Upgrades for JSA-FDS project at the Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Approved:

This justification is to support the EHRM Data Center Upgrades for JSA-FDS project at the RHJ VAMC, that will be awarded as a firm-fixed price contract. This justification is for other than full and open competition for the procurement of certain construction materials. The use of a particular brand name for the items listed below accommodate standardization of these items throughout the facility.

a. Fire alarm system

i. Gamewell FCI

b. HVAC Controls

i. Siemens Desigo

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs:

This procurement is for the EHRM Data Center Upgrades for JSA-FDS project at the RHJ VAMC. The scope includes everything necessary to complete the EHRM Data Center Upgrades for JSA-FDS project that meets the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are two (2) brand name items listed for which the VA is not able to accept equal or alternate items. The value of the items are listed below. The VAAR Construction magnitude for the entire project is between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.

a. Fire Alarm System

i. Gamewell FCI

ii. Value:

iii. Description: Complete installation and programming of fire alarm initiating and notification appliances matching existing to ensure and maintain proper operation of the existing fire alarm system for life safety.

b. HVAC Controls

i. Siemens Desigo

ii. Value:

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 2 of 4 Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#: 36C776-26-AP-1848

iii. Description: Complete installation and programming of HVAC matching existing to ensure and maintain proper operation of the existing building management system.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition:

(X) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will

Satisfy Agency Requirements per 41 USC §3304(a)(1) as implemented by

RFO 6.103-1;

( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per 41 USC §3304(a)(2) as implemented by RFO 6.103-2;

( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services per 41 USC §3304(a)(3) as implemented by RFO 6.103-3;

( ) (4) International Agreement per 41 USC §3304(a)(4) as implemented by RFO 6.103-4

( ) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute per 41 USC §3304(a)(5) as implemented by RFO 6.103-5;

( ) (6) National Security per 41 USC §3304(a)(6) as implemented by RFO 6.103-6;

( ) (7) Public Interest per 41 USC §3304(a)(7) as implemented by RFO 6.103-7;

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority):

These items have been standardized throughout the RHJVAMC. Installing a different manufacturers’ systems will create significant duplication in costs for the facility, and in most cases the equipment will not function properly. The specific impact for not using the brand name items is listed below:

a. Fire Alarm System

i. Gamewell FCI

ii. Impact: Complete installation and programming of fire alarm initiating and notification appliances matching existing to ensure and maintain proper operation of the existing fire alarm system for life safety.

b. HVAC Controls

i. Siemens Desigo

ii. Impact: Any other devices and equipment not of the existing manufacturer may not provide correct interface and operability with the existing HVAC Controls System. The HVAC Controls system is critical for humidity and temperature control. Modifications of the existing without the correct OEM components and service can compromise the integrity of the entire system.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as possible (including whether a notice was or will be

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 3 of 4 Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#: 36C776-26-AP-1848 publicized as required by RFO Part 5 and, if not, which exception under RFO Part 5 applies):

In accordance with the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), the components listed above are identified as brand name; however, the overall procurement will be competed as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small-Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. This Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition will be posted to Contract Opportunities with the solicitation.

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable:

The Government estimate was prepared by the VA team and confirmed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The anticipated price to the Government for the items requested to be brand name is approximately .

The items for which brand name approval is being requested are subsequent components to the overall construction project. This procurement will be competed and based on competition; the CO will make a determination of fair and reasonable pricing prior to award.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

The market research for the required brand name items was conducted and prepared by the COR. This information was then shared with the CO for further review. The CO was in concurrence with information provided that supported these brand name items. Approval of the items as brand name only is critical for the overall efficiency of the completed project and the entire RHJVAMC.

An additional purpose of the market research was to ensure requirements of the Buy American Act (BAA) has been met for each of the brand name items identified. The A/E team reviewed each of the compliance standards for the BAA and compared it with the components in each of the brand name items. See an overview below for each item:

a. Fire Alarm System – Gamewell FCI

i. Based on extensive online research, it has been confirmed that the country of origin for these components is the United Sates (Northford, CT). Therefore, there are no concerns regarding “Buy American” compliance.

b. HVAC System – Siemens Desigo

i. Based on extensive online research, it has been confirmed that the country of origin for these components is the United Sates. Therefore, there are no concerns regarding “Buy American” compliance.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition:

The new components must be able to tie into the existing and operational systems

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Page 4 of 4 Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#: 36C776-26-AP-1848 including the use of existing hardware. At this time, there are no competing vendors who have the programming rights to the systems, and products must be fully compatible with the existing systems being used at the RHJVAMC.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

Not applicable. It is the responsibility of the offerors and the general contractor awarded the project to locate suppliers and obtain pricing for all materials and components, including the items listed in this justification.

11. A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or

Overcome any Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required:

There will be competition for the overall procurement. It will be the responsibility of the offerors to obtain pricing from the suppliers of the items and to submit a competitive proposal for the project.

12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a Bona Fide Need of the Department of Veterans Affairs and 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.

Jonathan Stecko Healthcare Engineer Ralph H Johnson VA Healthcare System

13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP:

a. Contracting Officer Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Joelle Mascarenas Contracting Officer VHA Program Contracting Activity Central

JONATHAN

STECKO

Digitally signed by

JONATHAN STECKO

Date: 2026.07.15 12:11:02 -04'00'

JOELLE

MASCARENAS

Digitally signed by JOELLE

MASCARENAS

Date: 2026.07.15 09:06:46 -10'00'