Limited Source - MSO North Cubicle Build Out.pdf

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION PURSUANT TO FAR 13.106-1

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, 4735 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98134.

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: Approval is requested for a brand-name and single source justification for MillerKnoll furniture to be provided and installed by contractor Business Interiors Northwest to provide, design and install two (2) new cubicles in Mission Support Office – North

(MSO-N).

3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: In order to provide adequate space for new employees in support of the Administration’s effort to consolidate office space, two (2) new office cubicles need to be design and built in the MSO-N office space. The total estimated cost for this work is $75,000.

4. AUTHORITY CITED: FAR 13.106-1(b) Soliciting from a single source. (i) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED: Pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) “Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name or industrial mobilization).”

Our current furniture is custom-made, brand-name MillerKnoll furniture. In order to maintain consistency in aesthetics, only brand-name MillerKnoll furniture must be used. In order maintain our current warranty, any office space furniture and install needs to be done by a MillerKnoll Authorized vendor.

6. BASIS FOR RESTRICTING COMPETITION:

The new workspaces that need to be built must match the current aesthetics in fabric, laminate as well as functionality and design in order to maintain compatibility with the existing furniture in the MSO-N and consistency with all other furniture in the District. Each brand of furniture has certain configurations, fabric colors, texture and style and connection points on their parts which are unique to their own brand.

There are no alternative brand names that are equally compatible and would be able to connect seamlessly and match exactly in aesthetics with the MillerKnoll brand parts and configurations. To use an alternative brand requires having to purchase all new office furniture not only for the MSO-N, but for the entire district office. This is very impractical and cost prohibitive and therefore not an option. Finally, the District has a warranty for all existing furniture in the District, to include the furniture in the MSO-N. This warranty states that only a MillerKnoll authorized vendor must be used to install their furniture. If a MillerKnoll authorized vendor is not used to install the new cubicles, our warranty would be null and void, thus unnecessarily eliminating a benefit the Government has.

7. MARKET RESEARCH: Due to the required expedited nature of this requirement, a search was conducted for MillerKnoll Authorized vendors in the Seattle area via Google as well as on GSA as a local vendor will be able to respond quickly. Both searches led to only one (1) vendor, Business Interiors Northwest. A call with MillerKnoll determined that they only have one (1) authorized vendor in the Seattle area, which is Business Interiors Northwest.

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION PURSUANT TO FAR 13.106-1

TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate the complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

NAME: Peter Kaufmann DATE: _______________

TITLE: District Training Officer SIGNATURE: .

CONTRACT SPECIALIST: I certify that the information supporting this limited source justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge based on the supporting data provided by technical or requirements personnel.

NAME: Whitny Hart DATE:

TITLE: Contract Specialist SIGNATURE:

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of the referenced MillerKnoll furniture provide and install by Business Interiors Northwest on other than full and open competition basis pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b) “Soliciting from a single source. (i) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold,” subject to the availability of funds, provided the property herein described has otherwise been authorized for acquisition and that the anticipated cost or price to the Government will be fair and reasonable pursuant to FAR 13.106-3.

APPROVAL

NAME: Shemekia R. McMillan DATE:

TITLE: Contracting Officer SIGNATURE: