JA OVER SAT - 552-21-102 Fire Alarm Panel_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for Other Than Full and Open Competition submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, NCO 10 at Dayton VA Medical Center, seeks approval to use other than full and open competition to procure an Edwards System Technology EST3X fire alarm control panel with voice communications capability for the Fire Alarm Control Unit referenced in Division 28, 28 31 00 for Project #552-21-102, which involves stabilizing and improving Building 120 Putnam Library. The requirement is justified under 41 USC §3304(a)(1) as a sole source acquisition because only Edwards System Technology possesses the proprietary communication protocols required to interface with existing EST3X panels currently deployed throughout the DVAMC campus; other fire panel manufacturers are incompatible with the existing fire protection system. The contracting activity determined that anticipated costs to the government will be fair and reasonable based on commercially available pricing. Market research was not conducted; pricing will be compared against commercial price lists and catalogs for similar products. The document notes that fire panels play a critical role in fire safety and security, and compatibility with the existing fire protection network is essential for continued operation. Edwards System Technology is identified as the sole source that expressed interest in the acquisition. Future solicitations for similar requirements will utilize "brand name or equal" language where appropriate to remove barriers to competition, though the current requirement must remain brand-specific due to the mandatory integration with the existing fire protection network. The justification was certified by Gregory Hopper, Historical Engineer, Facilities Management Service, and approved by Jenessa Regan, Contracting Officer, NCO 10, on April 15, 2026.