JA - Simplex - DTA GTEB_Redacted.pdf

LRL-FY24-18

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Louisville District, Post Office Box 59, Louisville, Kentucky 40201-0059.

2. Description of Action: Approval is requested to utilize a Simplex fire alarm panel for a firm fixed price (FFP) construction contract for the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Ground Transport Equipment Building (GTEB) project at Detroit Arsenal (DTA), Warren, Michigan. The government will not purchase the fire alarm panel directly, but it will be a brand name specification requirement in the Design Bid Build (DBB) solicitation that will lead to a new FFP construction contract. The contract is planned to be awarded under a full and open solicitation, using Army MILCON funding.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: The fire alarm panel being installed is the Simplex

4100 ES Fire Control Unit and will be utilized to integrate the new building into DTA’s installation wide Fire Alarm/Mass Notification System (FA/MNS). The estimated cost is

. Simplex is the sole Fire Alarm/MNS equipment and system used at Detroit Arsenal Installation.

4. Authority Cited: 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) 3204(a)(1), as implemented by Federal

Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2) “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.” This authority is applicable to brand name justifications in accordance with FAR 6.302-1(c)(1).

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

a) Background: The new MILCON building consists primarily of high bay workspace that houses testing equipment used for durability testing of components and assemblies that are utilized on ground-based equipment and weapon systems. Construction will include installation of a FA/MNS that meets current Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) codes integrates seamlessly into the Installation’s existing Simplex system.

b) Justification: DTA uses exclusively Simplex equipment for the Installation’s

FA/MNS. These systems are comprised entirely of proprietary software developed by Simplex and Simplex licensed vendors, which is then licensed directly to end users such as Detroit Arsenal. Simplex retains exclusive ownership of the software and does not authorize third parties to alter or add Simplex software or equipment. The new building is required to utilize Simplex equipment to integrate into and maintain the integrity of the Installation’s FA/MNS. No other system meets the technical specifications and necessary software requirements to be able to integrate into the current system.

c) Impact: The new building will not be able to connect with the existing FA/MNS for the

Installation therefore it would not be able to communicate with the DTA Fire Department and Installation alert system if Simplex equipment is not utilized. This creates unacceptable life safety risks, especially given the testing operations of the new building. Large hydraulic pumping equipment will be putting flammable liquids under extreme pressures. Because of this the building is in an elevated fire protection risk category. Given this elevated risk, it’s imperative that the FA/MNS seamlessly integrate into the Installation wide system. Additionally, DTA uses a Simplex licensed vendor to install and service the FA/MNS equipment. Installing a different system would negate this contract for the building and create significant additional costs for the government.

Another service contract would have to be established and additional training would be required for Installation personnel.

d) Alternatives: None viable to achieve a fully functioning system for the reasons noted above in paragraph 5. b) and c).

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: Technical capabilities of various manufacturers were reviewed for compatibility with the current FA/MNS at Detroit Arsenal. None of the various manufacturers’ equipment would ensure compatibility with the existing system, which currently uses a Simplex FA/MNS.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: None, for the reasons cited above. This is a finite requirement with no future needs, and therefore there are no actions to increase future competition.

8. Market Research: A technical review was conducted during the design of the project for potential alternatives. As noted in section 5 above, only Simplex FA/MNS equipment and software will ensure seamless compatibility with the existing system.

None of the various manufacturers’ equipment would ensure compatibility with the existing system, which currently utilizes a Simplex FA/MNS.

9. Interested Sources: A notice of intent was posted on the SAM.gov website on 30 November

2023 To date, no other sourced have written to express interest. If prior to issuance of the solicitation responses are received expressing interest, the justification will be amended.

10. Other Factors: None

11. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the Justification and Approval, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Project Engineer

12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the Justification and Approval, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Project Manager

13. Legal Review and Concurrence: I hereby determine that the information herein is legally sufficient, and I concur with the sole source procurement.

Assistant District Counsel

14. Contracting Officer Certification & Fair and Reasonable Determination: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby determine that the anticipated cost of the Simplex 4100 ES Fire Control Unit for the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Ground Transport Equipment Building (GTEB) project at Detroit Arsenal (DTA) will be fair and reasonable based upon the estimate outlined in paragraph 3. At the time of evaluating the proposal price, the overall proposed price will be evaluated for fair and reasonableness. I recommend this approach to the prompt attainment of services for the upcoming construction.

Contracting Officer