J_A-0044019273_Redacted.pdf

PR 44019273

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.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Geology, Energy &

Minerals (GEM) Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

(RBPGL) requests procurement on a brand name basis of a Thermo Scientific Dionex Inuvion

RFIC ion chromatograph.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The Thermo Dionex Inuvion RFIC System quantifies low-molecular weight organic acid anions in groundwater, surface water, wastewater, drinking water, and leachates.

4. Estimated Dollar Value. The estimated dollar value of this procurement is

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a brand name only basis under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. The instrument we seek to replace with this purchase is a Dionex ICS-2100, which is 15 years old nearing its end-of-life and has become unreliable and malfunctioning.

. The Dionex ICS-2100 is operated by a much older version of Chromeleon CDS (software) and has been used to generate data for long-term studies over the last 15 years. This software is not operable on modern PCs or Windows operating systems.

We require a new instrument with software that allows us to have continuity in our analyses – using the same method and column currently in-use – and allows us to access, process, and work with our historical data. Only the Dionex Inuvion can satisfactorily meet the required specifications and software while maintaining continuity of data. No other manufacturer can meet the Government’s minimum requirements for this equipment.

7. Other Information. N/A

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

RFI posting indicated there are small business resellers of the equipment for which we can post a competitive request for quotes. Market research included web-based searches in Google Scholar, EPA methods, and reviews of other manufacturer’s instrument specifications.

9. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition. Competition will be sought amongst resellers of this equipment. This procurement is expected to be a one-time requirement. There are no planned acquisitions for, or related to, this requirement, and none are likely to develop. Future purchases of other instruments will be competed to the maximum extent possible.

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office

PR 44019273

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.

Bridgette Polite, Biologist Date

11. Certifications and Approval from the Contracting Officer:

a. A fair and reasonable price will be determined through comparison of the same/similar item(s) and competition among resellers.

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

13. Approvals

Jenna Dunning, Contracting Officer Date

Doug Hill, Bureau Competition Advocate Date