JA for Under SAT Dark field microscope Olympus BX53 Microscope _DP75 Camera and components-Redacted.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: 12639526Q0084

Rev. 3/4/26

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) FAR

12.102 (a), the following documents the decision to restrict competition for this acquisition.

(1) Mission Area and Contracting Activity.

Requisition Number: 1166017

Requesting Activity Agency: Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB).

Contracting Activity: Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS), Acquisition and Asset Management Division (AAMD).

(2) Estimated Value:

(3) Brief Description of Supplies or Services The acquisition involves procuring laboratory-grade Dark field microscope Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera and components, a critical piece of scientific equipment used to visualize 25µm samples. This instrument is essential for documenting the results of 9CFR potency testing and documenting the results of CVB reagents produced then provided to industry. The Dark field microscope Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera and components needs to be purchased to replace equipment that is no longer fit for purpose, enhance the laboratory’s analytical capabilities, ensure accurate and reproducible results, and support ongoing research projects.

(1) Suggested Sources

Government Scientific Source Inc J49CN39QTNW3 Evident Scientific F28HDPCVHEL8

(4) Justification for Restricting Competition and the Basis for that Decision.

A. Explain the unique qualifications/characteristics of the proposed contractor or product and why no other contractor or product/service can meet the Government's need.

The acquisition of the laboratory-grade Dark field microscope Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera and components must be restricted to Evident Scientific and it’s authorized resellers due to several unique qualifications and characteristics exclusive to their product. First, the Dark field microscope Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera and components from Evident Scientific uses proprietary software that is already integrated with our existing laboratory information management system (LIMS). This ensures seamless data transfer and compatibility, which is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and consistency in ongoing research projects. Additionally, the Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera and components offers required features such as a pull-out infrared filter allowing for visualization beyond 670 nm and the 20x X-Apo (UPLXAPO) objective which offers the highest numerical aperture available. Higher numerical apertures lead to better resolution which is a laboratory requirement. These features are not available in other models on the market.

United States Department of Agriculture Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: 12639526Q0084

Rev. 3/4/26

Moreover, the proprietary nature of the hardware and software means that no other manufacturer can provide a Dark field microscope, Camera, and components that match the exact specifications and integration capabilities of the Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera and components.

B. Describe market research conducted and the results or the reason why no market research was conducted.

Market research was conducted to verify the availability of comparable dark field microscopes, camera and components from other vendors. This included analyzing product specifications, and consulting with peer laboratories. The responses and findings confirmed that no other dark field microscopes, camera and components met our required compatibility and performance criteria.

Only the Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera and components can satisfy the agency’s minimum needs.

Certifications & Approvals

(5) Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

(6) Contracting Officer’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification.