j_and_a_for_sam.gov 5036.docx

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

JUSTIFICATION FOR LIMITED COMPETITION/SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR

ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

The following justification and approval for the use of sources limited to fewer than those required in FAR 8.405-1 is prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405-6(c). This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Multiple-Award Schedule Program (41 U.S.C. 251, et seq, and 40 U.S.C. 501). I hereby determine that the Lynx EVO microscope system listed on DJF-22-1800-PR-0005036 is available from only one manufacturer, and competition is precluded as there are no substitutes available.

1. This acquisition is restricted to the following manufacturer:

Company: Vision Engineering Company Address: 570 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776 Company Point of Contact and Phone Number: Click here to enter text.

2. The Lynx EVO microscope system is estimated to cost _____________ and is required to be delivered by 11/30/2022.

The Machining & Fabrication Group (MFG) is in need of a Lynx EVO microscope to replace a broken microscope in their electronics assembly lab. This microscope is required for use in inspection and hand soldering of fine pitch surface mount printed circuit boards (PCB) that are being assembled. The Lynx EVO microscope provides a feature that allows for 360 degree, side viewing of parts under inspection which is critical when trying to ensure solder balls and shorts are not present. This purchase will be a firm fixed price purchase for a microscope and accessories with an anticipated delivery time of 10-12 weeks.

3. Specific characteristics of the Lynx EVO microscope system that limit the availability to a sole source are the 360 degree side view provided by the Lynx EVO microscope as well as the single view window vs. traditional dual eye piece viewer. Only this suggested manufacturer can furnish the requirements, to the exclusion of other sources, because they are the sole manufacturer of the Lynx EVO microscope, which is the only microscope that meets the requirements of MFG. After researching microscopes and considering the microscopes already in use within the MFG electronics assembly lab, it was decided that the features of the Lynx EVO provide exactly what MFG needs for a PCB assembly microscope. All other microscopes in the lab are Vision Engineering, single view window microscopes so this model microscope will provide a continuous and familiar viewing experience. Other microscopes in this realm do not offer a 360 degree side view capability which is essential when inspecting reflow soldered parts. Other microscopes also do not offer a single viewing window, but have individual eye pieces for viewing which can be troublesome when working over the microscope for long periods of time. The Lynx EVO microscope is solely manufactured and distributed by Vision Engineering.

4. Check and fill in all that are applicable for an Open Market Buy:

|X| Other information to support a brand name only buy:

The Lynx EVO is the only microscope that MFG has found that will meet their needs for easy viewing while performing PCB assembly, and also 360 degree side viewing of the part under inspection.

5. A determination by the ordering activity Contracting Officer that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR 8.404(d).

The contracting officer will determine, after considering the level of effort and the mix of skills available for the tasks needed, that the proposed order or BPA represents a reasonable total price and will be the best value for the FBI.

6. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency will take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for supplies and services is made.

The Government will continue to research the market to obtain as many available sources as required in accordance with the FAR to ensure that there are other vendors out there that can satisfy this requirement. In addition, the customer will do due diligence in ensuring that barriers to competition are avoided to ensure we obtain the best value for the government.

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