Limiting-Competition-under-SAT_ACC Redacted_Redacted.pdf

Control No: 25-HRCO-364

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4 Version – February 2017

Memorandum for Record – Limiting Competition at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

1. Contracting Activity: East Services Branch, Health Readiness Contracting Office (HRCO), U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity (USAHCA).

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-on Requirement

Contract Vehicle: Purchase Order Number TBD Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Number _______________

Order/BPA# _______ against FSS Contract #_____ _________ Order #___________ against Multiple Award IDIQ Contract

Name or #______________ Order #_______ against a single award IDC Contract

Modification # _______ to existing PO/TO/DO/Call Order

Pricing/Contract Type: Fixed Price Time & Materials/Labor Hours Cost Reimbursable Hybrid

Funds: Operations & Maintenance, Army (OMA) Other Funds: ________

FY: 25

Name of Proposed Contractor(s) and Address:

bioMérieux, Inc., 515 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

Brand Name Buy: Yes No

c. The Microbiology Section currently utilizes equipment as the core of its automated media preparation system. The requested VC-Masterclave 20 and VC-Peristaltic Pump PMi are specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with this existing infrastructure. Introducing a different brand of sterilizer or pump would necessitate significant and costly modifications to the existing system, potentially including: software and interface reprogramming; physical re-configuration of the lab space; and development of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Integrating components ensures a smooth transition and minimizes disruption to critical workflows.

6. Publicizing Contract Actions: For FAR Part 13 actions, the public display and synopsis requirements of FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203 do not apply due to the $ threshold, apply and will be followed, or do not apply due to an exception at

5.202 ______________________.

Requirement to post justification in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(b)(3), FAR 13.105(c), or FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii)(A)

Action is NOT a brand name restriction and is under $250K, no posting required Action is a brand name restriction, under $25K, no posting required Action is a brand name restriction, over $25K. It will be redacted and posted with the solicitation.

Action is a brand name restriction over $25K but will not be posted due to exception:

FAR 6.305(f) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(A)

FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(B) FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(iii)(C) FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii(C)

7. Market Research: Market research began on 27 November 2023 through 12 September 2025. Mandatory Sources from FAR Part 8/DFARS Part 208 were screened for the required equipment and were found not available from AbilityOne Program, Federal Prison Industries, Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), Enterprise Software Agreements (incl CHESS) or other Preferred Sources. The SBA Dynamic Small Business Quick Search was checked on 12 Sep 2025 utilizing the NAICS Code 339113 and Steam Sterilizing as key search word; zero (0) vendor profiles returned.

the sole manufacturer and supplier 4704390, Masterclave 20 and 4702831, VC- Peristaltic Pump PMi. The FSS resulted in 46 contractors for Category A-89, Sterilizer and Sanitizer Equipment. GSA contract terms & conditions stated that the contractors could supply products and services for sterilizers, each contractor would need to be consulted for exact capability. The customer did receive an informal quote from

, Inc through an FSS POC. The quote identified the Mediaclave 30 as an . The quote also identified the Peristaltic Pump PMI and additional required equipment as being available on FSS Contract No. GS-07F-5934R, Sin # 334516. The informal quote included additional recommended services that were identified as available on the open market.

A sources sought notice was published on 8 Sep 2025 and closed on 11 Sep 2025.

There were three (3) interested vendors:

response to the sources sought recommended that we request a capabilities statement directly from their website, however they did not provide any supporting evidence that they could provide the sought after capability. is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) who provided a capabilities statement and authorized distributor letter from which includes “remanufactured” “not new” steam sterilizers (autoclaves). a technical proposal and capability report for the Air Jacketed CO2 “Incubator” with UV Sterilization (Model LAJI- F21) quoting a unit price of The Air Jacketed CO2 “Incubator” with UV Sterilization is ideal for meeting the temperature control and sterilization requirements necessary for microbiological media preparation. The “incubator” supports precise control over CO2 levels, temperature, and humidity, which is essential for consistent media preparation processes. As part of their market research to compare costs for necessary system components the customer obtained three informal quotes from

., and . The and identified only the two required replacement components. The (also documented in the FSS market research); however, it included similar components from a different manufacturer, potentially incompatible with the current system, along with unnecessary equipment and services.

a significant outlier due to its high price, and similarly included potentially incompatible components and unnecessary equipment and services.

A notice of intent to sole source for brand name equipment 4704390, Masterclave 20 and 4702831, VC-Peristaltic Pump PMi manufactured was published 15 September - 16 September 2025. The notice of intent resulted in zero (0) interested vendors.

Based on the above outcomes from Market Research it has been determined that it is best to pursue a sole source, firm-fixed-price purchase order with the

, leveraging Acquisition of Commercial Products and Simplified Acquisition Procedures: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), only one source reasonably available, urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization. Upgrading the current equipment using the same brand name, , ensures consistency in clinical practice, reduces logistical complexity, and improves overall operational efficacy.

Given the existing infrastructure, the critical need for system compatibility, the importance of maintaining safety and reliability, and the potential cost savings associated with reduced training and downtime, a sole source acquisition from ., for the VC-Masterclave 20 and VC-Peristaltic Pump PMi represents the most efficient, economical, and technically sound approach to meeting the Microbiology Section's requirements and ensuring uninterrupted support of its essential mission.

8. Other Facts: None

9. Technical/Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Kelli Montanez Title: Chief of Microbiology Date:

10. Contracting Officer Certification/Approval:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based upon FAR Part 13.106-3.

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that completing this purchase as a sole source is in the best interest of the Government. Additionally, I approve this justification to limit competition subject to the availability of funds and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Typed Name: Lorena Cruz Date:

Title: Contracting Officer