P03 - Brand Name Justification_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification for Brand Name Item document submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs for a procurement action valued above the micro-purchase threshold but not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) under open market procedures.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, Acquisition Directorate seeks to procure two Life Essentials LifeLyfts equipment items: a Tractor Platform Lift (Item# AGPFM80) and a Frame Mounted Running Board Lift for Fullsized Trucks (Item# ERBL-D), including supply and installation. The procurement is justified on the basis that these specific branded items are the only available options that meet the goals of the veteran beneficiary's approved VR&E Employment Plan. The equipment must be compatible with the beneficiary's existing equipment, meet accessibility requirements, and have a local OEM-Authorized Dealer available for servicing and support. No acceptable alternatives have been identified that satisfy all stated requirements. The justification cites expertise from the Indiana Agrability Program and independent subject matter experts from USDA and Purdue University who recommended the specified equipment based on their familiarity with agricultural equipment capable of meeting the beneficiary's needs. No additional market research was conducted given the specialized recommendations from these independent experts. The Contracting Officer, Thomas Landers, has determined that only a brand name item is reasonably available under RFO 12, and the VR&E Officer has certified this as a bona fide need of the Department.