JA_000056 - Alford.pdf

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A) FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND

OPEN COMPETITION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH 41 U.S.C. 3304 (A) (1)

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-25-000056

Date: 10/17/2024

Estimated Contract Dollar Value: $30,993.00

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Acquisition Programs Unit (NAPU), has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition to acquire Bootbangers, Bottlers, DemiMods, Modular Large Vehicle Disruptors (MLVDs), and MajorMods on behalf of the Hazardous Devices School (HDS), Critical Incident Response Group

(CIRG).

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source, limited competition, establishment of a new source, etc.

The proposed action is to acquire Alford Technologies brand name Bootbangers, Bottlers, DemiMods, MLVD’s, and MajorMods. This procurement will be advertised on the SAM.gov website as a brand name only, open market requirement. Authorized resellers of Alford Technologies brand products will be encouraged to submit a competitive quotation. The resultant contract is intended to be awarded as a one-time, firm-fixed price, purchase order.

The award will be made to the lowest price technically acceptable offeror.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.

The requirement is to provide: 12 each Alford Bootbangers, 147 each Alford DemiMods, 12 each Alford MLVD Mk2s, 25 each Alford Bottlers, and 12 each Alford MajorMods at an estimated $30,993.00. This requirement is needed for continued support of HDS’s public safety bomb technician training/certification course delivery.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 3304 (a)(1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 entitled, “Only One

Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.” – Application for Brand Name.

5. Demonstrate the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

Alford Technologies is a United Kingdom (UK)-based company that specializes in explosive tools and services military, government, and commercial sectors. Alford Technologies holds the patent for these tools, ensuring exclusive rights for their design, development, and use. Specific characteristics of the Alford Technologies tools that limit the availability to a brand name are that the public safety bomb squads across the nation, who are trained by HDS, have tested, and utilized these disrupters for several years. The thorough testing has enabled the characterization of the different situations in such a way that the bomb technician can predict how the disrupters will function during a render safe mission.

These devices and tools are used in practice applications to expose trainees to a wide range of scenarios that may be encountered when deployed. Certain situations require the usage of the Alford Bootbangers, DemiMods, MLVD’s, and MajorMods to disrupt or immobilize explosive devices for the safety of the surrounding area and those within it. The special design of the Alford Technologies products has proven to be particularly effective in disrupting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), offering advantages over other methods in certain applications. Teaching more than one way to disrupt an IED gives the bomb technician options during different circumstances, thus reducing the risk to life, limbs, and property.

Continuing to utilize the Alford tools/disruptors for training at HDS will comply with existing curriculum requirements and public safety bomb technician common practices. There are multiple types of disrupters used to render an IED safe, so HDS must train bomb technicians on a variety of tried-and-true tools.

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 Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

This requirement will be posted on the SAM.gov website, as a brand name only, open market requirement. This announcement will give an opportunity for authorized resellers of Alford Technologies products to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI's specific needs through a submission of their technical capabilities and cost information.

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The anticipated dollar value of this acquisition is $30,993.00. Prior to issuing an award, the Contracting Officer will determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 13.106-3.

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

The FBI’s CIRG utilized several market research methodologies to include reviewing historical contract details on previous contracts for the same or similar tools and contacting knowledgeable individuals in Government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements. In addition, the FBI queried internet databases such as the GSAAdvantage! website for potential suppliers. This market research revealed that Tactical Electronics is the sole distribution partner to Alford Technologies within the United States; however, Tactical Electronics has multiple authorized resellers of Alford tools and devices.

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

There are no other facts other than what has been stated in previous paragraphs.

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

Since the procurement was not advertised, no other companies have expressed an interest either orally or in writing.

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/CIRG/HDS will continue to examine the market in the future for alternative solutions or new sources before executing any subsequent acquisitions for the same requirements. 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.