JA_Redacted 23K0039 MDMC Pre-Heat Oven_Redacted.pdf

FAR 13.501(a) apply to sole source acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services conducted pursuant to subpart 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services which allows the use of simplified acquisition procedures for the purchase of the Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven in amounts greater than the simplified acquisition threshold but not exceeding $7,500,000.00. The Southern Fluid Systems, Inc.

Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven meets the definition of a commercially available off-the-shelf product in accordance with FAR 2.101 as this item is a commercial product, sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace, and offered to the Government without modification.

The need for a sole source requirement is justified in writing utilizing the format at FAR 6.303-2 properly modified to reflect that the procedures at FAR 13.5 were used in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1901. This justification will be approved at the levels specified in accordance with FAR 13.501(a)(2)(i) and posted to SAM.gov within fourteen (14) days of contract award in accordance with FAR 13.501(a)(1)(iii).

5. DEMONSTRATION OF THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENT

The Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven is designed for powder paint applications. It is a specialized heating system engineered to optimize the powder coating process, ensuring superior adhesion and finish durability. This precision-engineered oven plays a crucial role in preparing the substrate for the powder coating process by providing a controlled and uniform heating environment. The Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven integrates with the powder coating system that coats and cures miscellaneous components to protect and improve the quality of the components.

The Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven must be specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with the current powder coating system to ensure efficient communication and data exchange between the Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven and existing equipment. Should the Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven be incompatible with the powder coating system, the whole system will not operate properly.

Southern Fluid Systems, Inc. designed and installed the current powder coating system to which the Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven must be compatible with.

Additionally, the standardizing of the equipment with the same Contractor across the production line simplifies training for operators and maintenance staff as the similar components and operational procedures contribute to a more consistent and reliable manufacturing process which provides a savings to the Government.

6. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERORS ARE

SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS PRACTICABLE,

INCLUDING WHETHER A NOTICE WAS OR WILL BE PUBLICIZED AS REQUIRED

BY SUBPART 5.2 OR IF AN EXCEPTION UNDER 5.202 APPLIES

The market research conducted by the Contracting Officer and information submitted by the customer for review indicates that only one (1) source is available. Additionally, the Contracting Officer posted a notice of proposed contract action on 28 February 2024 in which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source prior to the issuance of the solicitation; no industry inquiries or capability statements were received by the response date of 13 March 2024.

7. DETERMINATION ANTICIPATED COST WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE TO THE

GOVERNMENT

Because this requirement is for a sole source, the Government will be utilizing at least two (2) price analysis techniques outlined in FAR 13.106-3 by which to determine pricing submitted by Southern Fluid Systems, Inc. to be fair and reasonable. These techniques include, but not limited to the following:

● Requesting recent commercial and Government sales history

● Making indirect pricing comparisons to:

o the same or similar items in the marketplace;

o competitive published price lists;

o independent government cost estimates.

8. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED

Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10 to determine the availability of products capable of meeting the Government’s requirement. A review of schedule contract vendors listed under the GSA Schedule program did not reveal any other items of similar intended functionality, specifications and customizable design features as outlined in this document that are critical to meeting the customer’s need. Also, a Sources Sought was posted with the notice of intent to negotiate with one source for 14 days. No industry inquiries or capability statements were received. As such, the results of the market research determined that only Southern Fluid Systems, Inc. was interested and capable of meeting the Government’s requirements.

9. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORT THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

Southern Fluid Systems, Inc. powder coating system design is customized to MDMC’s space and not based on any generic specification design. Southern Fluid System, Inc. is the only authorized distributor for the manufacturer, Nordson, of the current powder coating system and the Single Pass Pre-Heat Oven in Georgia.

10. LIST ANY OTHER SOURCES THAT EXPRESSED INTEREST IN WRITING IST OF

SOURCES THAT EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITION

No other sources expressed interest for this requirement.

11. STATEMENT OF ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO

REMOVE BARRIERS TO COMPETITION

Southern Fluid Systems, Inc. is currently the only source capable of meeting the Government’s needs. Prior to any subsequent procurement, the Government will once again review the market using various methods to assess whether any other qualified sources are available and are able to meet the Government’s requirements.

12. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

On behalf of the Requiring Agency, the undersigned Client Agency Technical Representative hereby certifies that the sole source award to Southern Fluid Systems, Inc. is the only source capable of providing the required components that will meet the minimum needs of the Government and the basis for the justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Further, I understand the facts I have presented will be solely relied upon to make the determination to limit competition and sources for this procurement.

13. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

The Contracting Officer has determined this procurement meets the circumstances described in FAR 13. 106-1(b)(2), soliciting from a single source for purchases exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold and that the appropriate actions were taken under this acquisition to meet the conditions described in FAR Subpart 13.501, Special documentation requirements. The information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of the Contracting Officer's knowledge and belief.