J_A_Posting_to_SAM_1.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

https://www.blm.gov

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES

This document sets forth the justification and approval as required by 13.106-1(b)(1) & (2).

1. Contracting agency and activity.

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), requests the Utah State Office to contract on a sole source (including brand name) basis.

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

Immediate transfer case replacement and service of Fleet apparatus, License #I622479, Type 3 Engine. The truck is used to support the BLM Fire Program. The truck is disassembled at Rush Truck Centers located at 195 N 2000 W, Springville, UT 84663-5505.

3. Description of supplies or services.

The service required is the replacement of the transfer case in the apparatus #I622479. During the official use of the apparatus, the transfer case would not engage the low range setting. The engine showed no signs of problems other than not engaging in low range. The apparatus was taken to Rush Truck Center for diagnosis of the issue. Upon inspection and disassembly of the transfer case, it was determined that the bearings within the transfer case had separated, causing major damage to the transfer case.

4. Estimated dollar value.

The estimated amount for the repair is $14,056.68. This estimate includes cost of a new transfer case, labor, new fluids, and freight of the new transfer case.

5. Statutory authority.

__X_ 41 U.S.C. 1901 – Simplified acquisition procedures (use when the simplified procedures for purchases of property and services for amounts (1) not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold

____ 41 U.S.C 1903 – Special emergency procurement authority (applies when in support of a contingency operation as defined in section 101(a) of title 10 or to facilitate the defense against or recovery from nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack against the United States).

https://www.blm.gov/

6. Rationale supporting use of the authority stated in paragraph 5.

Rush Truck Centers has first-hand knowledge of the apparatus and the repairs needed as they performed the original inspection and diagnosis of the issue and is an international truck vendor.

The apparatus is currently at Rush Truck ready to be serviced, which will decrease the amount of time taken to have the apparatus fully repaired and ready for use in emergency situations for the government. Rush Truck Centers would need to reassemble the damaged parts of the apparatus in order for it to be towed to another location, this reassembly is estimated to cost $2,000, and towing of the apparatus is estimated to cost $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the location of the destined repair shop. Along with the additional reassembly/towing costs, timeframes for any potential repair work would be extended or possibly delayed.

7. Other information.

Extending the timeframe of the repair by utilizing a different vendor would put an undue burden on the Government in the middle of a critical 2024 fire season, leaving the program short of an emergency resource. Not only would there be a delay in repairs due to the time taken to reassemble the apparatus, but also in the setting up and towing of the vehicle. Currently, Rush Truck Centers has the needed transfer case in stock and ready for install. Delay could result in the transfer case being used for a different customer and would result is having to send the damaged transfer case (CORE) and wait for the new transfer case leading to a 6–8 week delay for the part to arrive. Supply shortages have been a problem for some time now and delaying repair would likely result in substantial delay for replacement transfer case.

8. The efforts to identify additional sources including the market research conducted.

Market research was conducted by obtaining repair estimates from two other vendors who provide similar truck repair services. Estimates ranged from $20,321.80 to $22,775, which is at least $6,265 higher in cost than Rush Truck Centers. The estimate provided by Rush Truck Centers offers the overall lowest cost alternative to meeting the Government’s need and represents the best value to the Government.

9. Future plans to permit competition.

This action is meant to be a one-time requirement due to the situation and immediate timeframe requirements of the program. No future action is anticipated.

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10. The ordering activity Contracting Officer’s certification that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of the Contracting Officer’s knowledge and belief and evidence that the supporting data that form a basis for the justification have been certified as complete and accurate by technical/program personnel.

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.

//Signature on File//

Luis Rivera Date Fire Management Specialist Contracting Officer’s Representative

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

//Signature on File//

Temujene H. Makua Date Contracting Officer