P03 JUSTIFICATION for Tractor Salisbury.pdf

Last Updated: 02/01/22 Page 1 of 1

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C246-22-AP-5230

1. Contracting Activity: Network Contracting Office NCO 06, 100 Emancipation Dr, Hampton, Virginia

23667, for the Salisbury VAMC 1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144 PR NUMBER: 659-22-3- 6048-0100.

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:

The Salisbury's Engineering Department requires a brand name only Ventrac Tractor. The gas-powered tractor is needed to conduct landscaping operations. The facility was recently inspected and the land was deemed "highly sloped" causing incidents resulting in fatalities. This tractor is the only equipment that can safely provide the 30 degree slope specification required by OSHA Compliance Officers who identified serious potential hazards to our employees who operate motorized equipment.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:

The brand name only Ventrac Tractor is found to have the capability to mow at the 30-degree slope needed. The Salisbury VAMC was recently inspected by U.S. Dept of Labor, OSHA Compliance Officers who identified serious potential hazards to employees who operate motorized equipment (i.e., mowers, tractors, etc.) on the facility's grounds. Many of these surfaces are considered "highly sloped" which OSHA has determined creates a serious risk to employees. There has been recent accidents, injuries, and fatalities as a result of equipment being used on these surfaces.

Most Salisbury VA Medical Center's surfaces are highly sloped and due to this it was determined that the existing equipment used by the Grounds Department does not have the capability to be safely used on these surfaces. According to OSHA, the brand name only Ventrac Tractor has the highest slope capability on the market and the only equipment that can safely be used.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Searches of VIP, GSA, NAC, and SAC were performed. The requirement will be set-aside for small business on the Open Market.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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