JOFOC redact.pdf

The requirement includes support for multiple autoclave manufacturers and models, including:

Amsco

Getinge

BetaStar

BMT

Sterivap

The contractor must be capable of:

performing four preventive maintenance visits annually, inspecting and maintaining mechanical, electrical, plumbing, steam, condensate, and compressed air-related components, responding to callback repair requests within 24 hours, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, working in controlled animal research environments with strict access and contamination-control requirements, and providing detailed inspection, repair, and status reports.

4. Statutory/Regulatory Authority Supporting the Action

This acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 12, including FAR 12, which authorizes the use of Blanket Purchase Agreements to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing charge accounts with qualified sources of supply.

This justification supports limiting competition for establishment of a single-award BPA where the Government has determined, based on market research and the specialized nature of the requirement, that only one known source has demonstrated the capability, experience, and operational familiarity necessary to meet the Government’s needs efficiently and without unacceptable performance risk.

5. Demonstration of the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or the Nature of the Acquisition Requiring Use of the Authority Cited

The Government’s requirement is specialized and operationally sensitive. The services must be performed on mission-critical autoclave equipment located in active NIH animal facilities with varying pathogen-control classifications, including conventional, limited access, and specific pathogen-free (SPF) environments.

The contractor must possess:

demonstrated experience servicing multiple autoclave makes and models, including legacy systems;

the ability to diagnose and repair complex sterilization equipment and associated utility systems;

personnel trained and experienced in autoclave maintenance and repair;

the ability to respond rapidly to service calls;

familiarity with animal facility access restrictions, contamination-control procedures, and coordination requirements; and the ability to provide detailed service documentation and repair estimates in support of Government approval and payment processes.

Based on market research and procurement history, Avant Garde Scientific, Inc. is the incumbent contractor currently performing these services under BPA 75N98021A00053 and has demonstrated:

successful performance of quarterly preventive maintenance, timely callback repair response, familiarity with the specific autoclave inventory, familiarity with NIH facility access procedures and reporting requirements, and the technical capability to support the Government’s needs without disruption to operations.

At this time, the Government does not have sufficient evidence that two or more small businesses are capable of performing this requirement and likely to submit quotations at fair market prices that would offer best value to the Government.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Ensure That Offers Are Solicited From as Many Potential Sources as Is Practicable

Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10 and HHSAM Part 310. The Government reviewed:

the current BPA and procurement history, incumbent contractor performance, available vendor capability information, pricing information, the specialized technical requirements of the autoclave inventory, and the operational constraints associated with NIH animal facilities.

The Government considered the commercial availability of autoclave preventive maintenance and repair services and determined that, while such services exist in the marketplace, this requirement is narrowed by the need for:

support across multiple OEM systems, local/regional responsiveness, work in controlled animal research environments, and continuity of operations for mission-critical sterilization equipment.

These efforts support the conclusion that limiting competition is appropriate for this action.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost

The Government prepared an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) based on historical pricing, incumbent pricing, and known recurring preventive maintenance requirements.

The estimated value of the BPA is $359,052.00, consisting of:

Base Year: $67,632.00

Option Year 1: $69,660.00

Option Year 2: $71,748.00

Option Year 3: $73,896.00

Option Year 4: $76,116.00

The proposed pricing is considered fair and reasonable based on comparison with historical pricing, the incumbent’s current performance, and the Government estimate. Repair parts and materials are excluded from the preventive maintenance pricing and will be separately quoted and approved by the Government prior to performance.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted

Market research confirmed that preventive maintenance and repair services for autoclave equipment are commercial services. However, the requirement is specialized due to the combination of:

multiple autoclave manufacturers and models, mission-critical use in animal care operations, strict facility access and contamination-control requirements, required response times, and the need for continuity and reliability.

The Government reviewed the current contractor’s demonstrated capability and found that Avant Garde Scientific, Inc. is capable of meeting the requirement. The market research did not identify sufficient evidence to support a conclusion that two or more responsible small business concerns are capable of performing the requirement at fair market prices.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Limited Competition

A lapse in preventive maintenance or delay in repair services could adversely affect:

sterilization capability, animal welfare, compliance with facility standards, AAALAC accreditation support functions, and continuity of NIH research operations.

Because the autoclaves are critical infrastructure within DVR animal facilities, continuity of service and rapid response capability are essential. Use of a single-award BPA with a qualified source will reduce administrative burden, support recurring service needs, and minimize operational risk.

10. Actions to Increase Competition in the Future

The Government will continue to review market conditions prior to future follow-on acquisitions and will seek to identify additional qualified sources capable of servicing the required autoclave inventory in NIH animal facility environments.

Future market research may include broader outreach, public notice, and additional small business review, as appropriate.