Justification Single Source Signed.pdf

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition United States Department of Agriculture

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.3

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA Forest Service Purchasing Department for the Chippewa National Forest.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The U.S. Forest Service proposes to enter into a contract on a basis other than full and open competition, firm fixed-price contract with AllTrack LLC.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

Multi-purposed tracked machine for fire suppression and Rx fire support.

Low ground pressure (less than 2.5psi) for operability on soft and wet ground:

• Wet meadows, swamps, riparian areas.

• Track pad and drive system that supports operation on hummocks and uneven terrain.

• Adequate ground clearance to clear hummocks and avoid high-centering

Durability and maneuverability for operating in upland timbered environments:

• Ability to drive over/through sapling and pole sized timber

• Ability to drive over/through dense brush

• Adequate ground clearance for logs and stumps

• Right-sized to maneuver between and around larger timber/trees

Standards and specs for tracked machine operations in these environments:

• Cab space for 2 personnel (1 driver and 1 pump/nozzle operator)

• Low ground pressure (2.5 PSI or less)

• High strength steel frame, skid plates, and mesh cab guards

• Minimum Ground clearance of 10”

• R.O.P.S (roll over protection) and F.O.P.S (falling object protection) certified

• Less than 80” total width

• Less than 14’ (168”) total length

• Steel/metal cleated track for better traction on all natural surfaces

• Ability to carry and pump 150 gallons of water

• Integrated winch capable of moving full loaded machine

Additional considerations:

• Have a minimum pay load of 3,000 lbs.

Ensure it is capable of carrying the necessary personnel and equipment 2 person cab and capable of carrying 150 gallons of

• Total weight (pay load + dry weight) equal or less than 9,500 pounds.

Reduce the need for CDL’s for transportation purposes.

Current fleet of support vehicles (trucks) can tow a 12,000 GVWR trailer and stay below the 26,000 total GVWR that would require a CDL.

• Fully Hydrostatic Drive: more durable and reliable drive system

• 5’ x 5’ or larger deck to support water tank, pump and space for other supplies.

A deck any smaller than 5’ x 5’ would raise the center of gravity of the machine (increases rollover hazard).

• Forest currently maintains a cache of spare parts for timelier AT-20 repair. Purchase of additional AT-20’s would reduce the need for additional maintenance parts purchases and expenses.

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

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, titled "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements."

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

The AllTrack AT-20 strikes the balance of size, weight, payload, ground clearance, durability, and price. There is not another machine on the market, we are aware of after extensive market research, which meets our specifications.

Companies like PowerTraxx and U.T.V. International (Achiever) make similar machines but are too large for a timbered/forested environment. Those would also require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for towing based on machine and trailer weights.

Marsh Master is used by many other wildland fire agencies and has proven excellent performance in wet meadows and swamps. The large size and light-weight aluminum construction are not functional in upland timbered environments. The Marsh Master equipment is specialized for operations in swamps and wet ground only.

See Comparison Table next page…

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

Specialized tracked vehicles are needed to safely and effectively suppress wildfires and implement prescribed burns. Again, to reiterate, safely and effectively suppress wildfires and implement prescribed burns. This is not a purchase to conduct research and development or to figure out if a product works by purchasing one and find out later that it does not stand up to the conditions it will be operating in. The AllTrack AT-20 has proven itself in the conditions it will primarily be used in.

Supporting Statements:

Fires occur throughout the snow free season (Mar – Nov). Swamps and low ground are inaccessible during the entire fire season. Moreover, the entire landscape and most forest roads become inaccessible during spring break-up (March – May). Spring break-up occurs when the frost is coming out of the ground and roadbeds making for soft/muddy conditions. The months of March, April, and May typically have the most fire activity and coincides with access issues complicated by spring break-up. These conditions result in limited access for wheeled vehicles beyond improved roads.

The Chippewa NF averages 40-50 fires annually and accomplishes over 12,000 acres of integrated fuels target. The Forest currently has two tracked vehicles staffed for IA response and Rx burning, one AT-20 and one ASV Scout being replaced with this purchase. The ASV Scout has been a reliable vehicle for 13 years but has limited ground clearance and wet ground capability.

Additionally, this vehicle or anything similar is no longer made by the manufacturer. The Forest has relied heavily on partner support for tracked vehicles (tribal, state, USFWS). The availability and reliability of partner equipment is becoming limited or non-existent due to the recent expiration of two mutual aid agreements. At certain times of year all agencies are simultaneously fighting fire and implementing prescribed burns on lands that require tracked vehicle support.

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

None at the writing of this document.

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

The U.S Forest Service, Chippewa National Forest, on its own, and with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will continuously conduct market research on what products are on the market for any future purchases similar to this one.

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data that form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

Mike Rice Chippewa National Forest Forest AFMO

Gary Brama Chippewa National Forest Fleet Manager/Equipment Specialist

The information contained in this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Shad Stoddard Contract Specialist