Justification and Approval for Sole Source Astrophysics X-Ray Scanner Signed 8-16-2024 Redacted.pdf

this memorandum serves as justification for other than full and open competition. This requirement is critical to provide mail screening services which are essential to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s mission and safety of our staff, students, and Partner Organizations.

(3) Description of Supplies/Services. The requirement is to procure an additional mail/parcel screening system from Astrophysics, Inc., which includes a one-year warranty period for the Astrophysics System, Model No. XIS-100XDV. The cost is . We currently have this same system on site. The Astrophysics System is utilized to scan all incoming mail, parcel, and freight shipments for potential hazards and contraband before the items are issued to our customers. The machine is critical in the daily operations that support the training mission. The new machine will serve as our main operating system and the current machine will be used as a backup to ensure no interruption of service.

(4) Identification of Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open

Competition. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition 41 U.S.C.3304(a)(1 implemented by the FAR Subpart 6.302-1 entitled “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.”

(5) Identification of Exception to the Buy American Statute. N/A.

(6) Demonstration that the Nature of the Acquisition Requires use of the Authority Cited.

The action is for the procurement and delivery of equipment that is necessary to continuity at the FLETC for mail/package examination of all incoming mail and parcels. The system is needed to avoid potential hazards and identify contraband before the items are issued to our customers.

(7) Evaluation of Other Potential Sources. (Provide an analysis of other sources of supply that were considered and explain why such other sources are not acceptable.) Two other sources were considered. During market research, there were three vendors that were listed as having the machine or something close to it that would meet our needs. Astrophysics is available as priced in para (3). Protective Technologies International machine is available at

. The third vendor did not respond other than to say that their machine was meant to scan food items, not parcels, and would therefore, not meet our needs.

(8) Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable. The Contracting Officer will evaluate the anticipated price for fair and reasonableness based on pricing being consistent with commercial vendor pricing. The contracting officer shall review the pricing information when submitted with the proposal and conduct necessary analysis to make a fair and reasonable determination.