JandA15F06721Q0000332signed2.pdf

FEDERALBUREAUOF INVESTIGATION

FINANCEDIVISION I PROCUREMENTSECTION

JUSTIFICATIONANDApPROVAL(J&A) FOROTHERTHANFULLAND

OPENCOMPETITION

JUSTIFICATIONFOROTHERTHANFULLANDOPENCOMPETITIONIN ACCORDANCEWITH 41 U.S.c. 3304 (A) (X)

Requisition Number: DJF-21-0700-PR-00046S2

Date: 07/0112021

Estimated Contract Dollar Value:

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The u.s. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Acquisitions Programs Unit, has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for a Blue M Friction-Aire safety oven on behalf of the TEDAC Improvised Explosives Synthesis and Detection (TIEDS) Center, Laboratory Division.

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

This is a one time, firm, fixed price new contract that will be Limited Competition for a Blue M Friction-Aire, ETO, HS-3802-F-ETO. The Blue M Oven will be modified by the manufacturer for single phase use. Charges for the modification is included in the contract. The period of performance will be for a one (1) year.

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

The FBI TIEDS Center is executing a joint improvised explosives research effort with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Division. The TIEDS Center's overall goal of the research is to thoroughly characterize and evaluate improvised explosive materials.

This research requires the ability to synthesize materials in-house on large scale in a reliable and efficient manner. Such process development requires the utilization of various thermochemical parameters to conduct sufficient hazard analysis and maximize safety. Having a safety drying oven capable of explosive proof-controlled heating is absolutely essential for safe and successful production of hazardous material at scale. Operationally, automation provides the ability to conduct scale-up operations remotely while significantly reducing the hazard to personnel involved in the operations.

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The TIEDScenter currently lacks the ability to remotely scale up and manufacture explosives utilizing thermochemical information such asthe heat of reaction data collected from a Mettler- Toledo EasyMax402 reactor system. The RClmx 2-cell reactor units will remotely determine the thermochemical properties of a reaction, such as the heat of reaction and heat capacity of the reaction matrix for a given set of conditions. These thermochemical properties can then be utilized in scale up processes to safely implement the manufacture of the explosive or other hazardous materials at scales ranging from 100's to l,OOO'sof grams. Drying and venting often flammable hazardous solvents present a known danger at these quantities. This ensures the safety of the operators while maintaining the integrity of the synthetic process across the entire volume ranges covered in these syntheses. The seamless integration between the RC1mx,the already acquired technology of the EasyMax 402 and the Blue M Friction-Aire Safety Oven is essential to the safe scale-up of explosive materials at the TIEDSCenter.

Below are requirements that the Safety Ovens must meet:

1. Variable temperature performance Temperature range: +20°C above ambient to +1S0°C (302°F)

2. Controlled heat source without heating elements

3. Class1 and Group D capable.

4. High velocity air flow for the removal of accumulated solvent vapours. Max 400/FPM Min 100/FPM

S. Uniform temperature control over the internal surfaces of the oven. No hot spots that exceed the selected temperature.

6. Sensors for over temperature protection.

7. Fast cool-down.

8. Set point control with accuracy of O.soC

9. 3HP single phase 240V recirculation blower motor. 16+ amps

10. Approximately 2000 W

11. 13+ cu. ft capacity

The requirement is to provide Blue M Friction-Aire safety oven to TIEDSat an estimated total cost of $ for a period of one year. This will allow the TIEDSto remotely accomplish its mission of fully characterizing improvised explosives.

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

For purposes of this acquisition, the statutory authority permitting other than full and ope_n competition is delineated at 41 U.S.c. 3304 (a) (1) and implemented at FAR Part 6.302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

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

Based on Market Research,Thermal Product Solutions is the sole manufacturer and distributer of the Blue M Friction-Aire Safety Ovens. The original configuration of this industrial safety oven is UL listed for ClassI Group D operation. This single-phase modification does not have the UL listing however it shares the same basic construction and operating characteristics of the UL Listed models.

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.

The FBIwill publicize this requirement on the SAM.gov website. This announcement will give an opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI's specific needs through a submission of 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 for this award is $. for One (1) Blue M Safety Oven. The Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)for this requirement did thorough internet searches and only the safety oven from Thermal Product Solutions met the correct requirements at a reasonable price and timeline. Prior to issuing an award the Contracting officer will determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR13.106-3.

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

Market research was done with through internet research. Research unsuccessfully found other safety ovens that are UL rated for Class1 and Group D chemicals. Class 1 atmospheres contain flammable vapors, and Group D materials include many solvents commonly used in finishing applications, such as lacquers, paints and explosive synthesis.

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

See section 5 above.

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

A synopsis will be posted on SAM.gov website. This synopsis will give an opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI's specific needs through a submission of technical capabilities and cost information.

11. A statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition, if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

The actions of the FBITIEDSCenter to identify potential sources possessing the ability to satisfy this and similar requirements are ongoing. Over time, additional sources may become available and identifiable through market surveys form vendor's websites, magazine articles, product literature published by manufacturers, distributors, and dealers, collaboration with other Federal agencies, or other means. The ability to predict this possibility is difficult. Therefore, the barriers to competition they impose are impossible to avoid.

If potential sources are identified, it will be necessary to submit to both extended compatibility and eventual validation studies if the products are to be added to the FBITIEDSCenter.

COsare not permitted to proceed with solicitation until this document is fully executed by each signatory in accordance with the thresholds identified below:

Reviews and Approvals (up to $750K)

Requestor:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this jUsti:icathn ~'f~rm a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

~Brown, Jr. r 07/0l/2021 Signature Date

Contracting Officer:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. M '/Pe~~/

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