Justification and Approval MicroVet Diagnostics_1.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

This justification is executed by the Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC), Silver Spring, MD, on behalf of the Navy to meet Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (NAMRU-D), Environmental Health Effects Laboratory (EHEL) requirements.

2. Nature and/or description of the action.

The proposed action is for acquisition of a hematology analyzer to be used for analyzing rodent blood samples for multiple projects at NAMRU-D, EHEL. The government intends on awarding a contract to Micro Vet Diagnostics, 2451 S. Buffalo Dr., Suite 140, Las Vegas, NV 89117.

3. Description of Supplies or Services:

NAMRU-D has a need to analyze rodent blood for hematological parameters. The hematology analzer must be able to analyze multiple species, specifically rats and mice. Due to limited space in the laboratory, a small footprint is required for the instrument (no more than 20” in length, width, or height). The analyzer must work on the principle of flow cytometry to perform the hematological parameters. The analyzer must be capable of performing up to a 5-part differential and have the capability of analyzing reticulocytes. The throughput is required to be at least 60 samples per hour. The analyzer should be capable of analyzing a sample volume of 50ul or less. Training will be provided by the vendor. The hematology analyzer will be purchased with FY24 funding in the amount of $24,178.00 (quantity of 1 unit).

4. Identification of the statutory exceptions permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory exception permitting other than full and open competition for this acquisition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) soliciting from a single source.

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

The hematology analyzer from MicroVet Diagnostics is the only hematology system that meets the following requirements:

• Dimensions: Small footprint. No more than 20” length, width, or height.

• Species: Rodents (specifically rats and mice). Capable of expanding to further species.

• Principle: Tri-angle laser scattering and flow cytometry

• Parameters: Up to 5-part differential. Capable of analyzing reticulocytes.

• Throughput: At least 60 samples per hour.

• Sample Volume: Minimal sample volume. 50 ul or less per sample.

6. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

Market research was performed, the results of which are in paragraph 8. This requirement will be posted to the government point of entry in accordance with FAR 5.202.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer shall determine the anticipated cost to the Government of the supplies/services covered by this Justification and Approval will be fair and reasonable by conducting a price analysis before an award is made. In addition, the Government anticipates that the negotiated contract price will reflect a discount from the MicroVet Diagnostic’s commercial price list and will be determined fair and reasonable.

8. Description of the market survey conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

Market research was conducted by technical experts in the June/July 2024 timeframe. This research consisted of a market survey through search engines of open market contractors.

Searches engines included Google and GSA Advantage using the following search words:

hematology analyzer, multiple species, rat.

Six vendors were contacted as summarized below:

1. Micro Vet Diagnostics – contacted and provided a quote for a hematology analyzer.

2. Mind Ray Animal Care – contacted and not provided with a quote. The system by this vendor is not available for purchase.

3. Zoetis – contacted and provided a quote for a hematology analyzer.

4. Sysmex - contacted and provided a quote for a hematology analyzer.

5. Idexx – contacted and not provided with a quote. This vendor no longer sells instruments to research facilities.

6. Beckman Coulter – contacted and not provided a quote. This analyzer does not do multiple species, only human samples.

Three quotes were obtained as summarized below:

1. Micro Vet Diagnostics provided a quote of $35,347.00 that met all the government’s requirements.

2. Sysmex’s quote is for $122,722.00. However, the system consumes 50 ul or more per sample and the footprint is too large, therefore, not meeting the government requirements.

3. Zoetis’s quote is for $11,000.00. However, the system does not analyze reticulocytes, therefore, not meeting the government requirements.

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

N/A

10. Listing of Sources, if any, which expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

To date, no other sources have written to express an interest.

11. Statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

Future requirements will be synopsized in accordance with FAR 5.203.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, (contracting activity) has no plans at this time to compete future contacts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, (NMRC) will assess whether competition for future requirements are feasible.

12. Point of Contact:

The point of contact at the Naval Medical Research Command, Silver Spring, MD, regarding the contents of the sole source justification are the Contracting Officers in the Material Management Department (MMD) and can be reached by emailing usn.detrick.nmrc.mbx.mmd-contracts@health.mil.

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

BY NAVSUP 4200.83 series I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and approval and which form a basis for this justification are complete and accurate.

Technical Cognizance

937-904-9459 08Aug2024 Nathan Gargas Phone Date Lab Manager

EHEL/NAMRU-D

Requirements Cognizance

937-904-9474 9 AUG 2024

Dr. Karen Mumy Phone Date Director

EHEL/NAMRU-D

mailto:usn.detrick.nmrc.mbx.mmd-contracts@health.mil mailto:usn.detrick.nmrc.mbx.mmd-contracts@health.mil

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Contracting Officer Phone Date

Technical Cognizance