Instron SAMgov jofoc.pdf

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-24-000622 Version 2.2 Page 1

FAR 6.302-1, “ONLY ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE AND NO OTHER SUPPLIES OR SERVICES WILL

SATISFY AGENCY REQUIREMENTS”

Under Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-25-000622

Date: 24 January 2025

Estimated Contract Dollar Value: _________

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Procurement Section (PS), National Acquisition Programs Unit (NAPU) has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition on behalf of the Laboratory Division (LD), Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) Section, TEDAC Improvised Explosives Detection and Synthesis (TIEDS) Center.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

In accordance with a statutory exception to the fair opportunity process, the FBI contemplates the award of a one-time, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, commercial product contract to Instron, a division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (ITW, Inc.), [CAGE Code 80160], 825 University Avenue, Norwood, Massachusetts, 02062 for one (1) Model 68SC-2 (2 kN) Single Column Tabletop Testing System.

3. A complete description of the supplies and/or services required to meet the agency’s needs. Provide the estimated total value to complete the work (including any options, if any).

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) in Atlantic City, NJ supports the maturation, evaluation, and certification of explosives detection technologies. TSL helps the detection equipment industry meet performance requirements established by TSA and other Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) stakeholders. TSL collaborates with: Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The two (2) satellite facilities at the Tyndall Reactive Materials Group (TRMG) located in Panama City, FL and the Joint FBI-TSA-S&T Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) Improvised Explosives

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-24-000622 Version 2.2 Page 2

Detection and Synthesis (TIEDS) Center in Huntsville, AL provide TSL with the capability and flexibility to quickly respond to emerging threats.

The mission of the TIEDS Center is to protect the nation from physical and economic harm caused by the threat, real or perceived, of attack using explosive devices.

The FBI’s requirement is for one (1) Instron Model 68SC-2 (2 kN) Single Column Tabletop Testing System with Bluehill Operator Dashboard. An Instron 68SC-2 compression instrument is a universal testing machine that can perform a variety of mechanical tests on materials, components, and products. This instrument can be used for many different explosive packing and/or tamping operations that support multiple research projects and activities at the TIEDS Center.

Currently, TIEDS personnel must compress explosives by hand, and this method is not consistent or precise. The Instron 68SC-2 compression instrument is fully automated and will eliminate these imprecise and inconsistent errors.

The acquisition of the Instron 68SC-2 testing system will enable TIEDS personnel to utilize the same laboratory standards and processes that the TSL uses for explosive packing and tamping operations.

The Model 68SC-2 (2 kN) Single Column Tabletop Testing System is manufactured by Instron and is Made in the USA. This acquisition includes the following:

• Model 68SC-2 Single Column Materials Testing System, Force Capacity 2 kN.

• Compression Anvil

• Manual Side-Action Grips

• Various Jaw Faces

• Bluehill Universal Testing Software

• On-site Installation and Integration

• On-site Software Integration and Training

• On-site Computer Integration

• ASTM Verifications

• Standard One (1) Year Warranty

• Extended Warranty Agreement

• Connect Agreement for New Systems or Software Upgrades/Updates

• Shipping to the Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, 35808

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-24-000622 Version 2.2 Page 3

4. Identification of the exception to fair opportunity and the supporting rationale, including a demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the exception cited.

For purposes of this acquisition, the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is delineated at 41 U.S.C. 3304 (a) (1) and implemented at FAR Part 6.302-1, “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.”

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

The Instron 68SC-2 compression instrument is a universal testing machine designed to perform tensile, compression, flex, peel, puncture, friction, shear tests, and more. This testing machine can conduct mechanical tests on raw materials, components, composite materials, adhesives, reactive substances, accessories, and products.

The major components of an Instron electromechanical testing system are: the load frame with integral controller; load cell mounted to the crosshead; grips for tension testing or table-mounted anvils on a platen for compression testing; and an Instron approved computer system with Instron Bluehill software.

Materials testing systems are potentially hazardous. Materials testing involves inherent hazards from high forces, rapid motions, and stored energy. TIEDS personnel must be aware of all moving and operating components in the testing system that are potentially hazardous, particularly force actuators or a moving crosshead. The Instron 68SC-2 hardware controls consist of: 1) Emergency Stop Button, [to be used whenever you need to stop the crosshead immediately because an unsafe condition exists]; 2) Limit Stops, [these must be set before each test session to protect the operator and load string components against unexpected crosshead movement]; 3) Indicator Panel, [indicators showing the status of the testing system];

and 4) Handset, [holds all the controls for the testing system].

The 68SC-2 compression instrument features:

• Auto Positioning: Saves the correct fixture separation starting location for each test method. This ensures operators run each test the same way.

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-24-000622 Version 2.2 Page 4

• Operator Protect: Instron’s patent-pending Operator Protect architecture. An intelligent workflow keeps equipment and operators safer by controlling system status from setup to test completion.

• Safety Coaching: Clear visual feedback regarding system status always. Users will easily understand when the system is in a safe setup mode and clearly reminded to exit the test space once these safety limits are removed.

• Smart-Close Air Kit, (an optional item): Finger pinch hazards from pneumatic grips are reduced through lower grip-closing pressure and restricted speed during the setup phase of your test.

• Collision Mitigation: Reduce damage to equipment and delicate specimens by stopping the crosshead if force is detected upon return or during a jog.

• An all-new ergonomic handset mounted directly into the base of frame with customizable Soft Keys, Specimen Protect, and Fine Position adjustment wheel.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

The FBI will publicize the notice of intent to award a sole-source contract on the SAM.gov website. This announcement will give an opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI’s specific needs through a submission of technical capabilities and cost information.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

Before awarding a contract, the Contracting Officer will perform a determination of price reasonableness in accordance with FAR 13.106-3.

Instron’s proposal includes a 12.6 percent discount.

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-24-000622 Version 2.2 Page 5

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results.

Market research was conducted using commercial manufacturer websites; technical calls with presentations; and internal requirement meetings between the FBI’s TIEDS Unit Chief (UC), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Portfolio Manager, and the Project Manager.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

See section 5 above.

10. A listing of any sources that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

A synopsis will be posted on the SAM.gov website. This synopsis will give an opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI’s specific needs through a submission of technical capabilities and cost information.

11. A statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

The FBI will continue to conduct market surveys and research available through industry shows and technology releases in the form of papers and journals on subsequent acquisitions.

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-24-000622 Version 2.2 Page 6

Reviews and Approvals (Not exceeding $750,000.00)

Requestor:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, and which form a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

___________ Date Management and Program Analyst TIEDS Center Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

Contracting Officer:

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

Bryan Lane Date bvlane@fbi.gov National Acquisition Programs Unit Quantico, Virginia mailto:bvlane@fbi.gov