P03 - Single Source Justification MPT to SAT - Water Filtration System.pdf

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Single Source Justification for SAP under the SAT

Revision: 01 Effective Date: 11/15/2024 Page 1 of 3 Acquisition ID# 36C242-25-AP-3755

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: 36C242-25-AP-3755

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 02, Network

Contracting Office 02, on behalf of the East Orange VA Medical Center. Purchase request number 561-25-4-3086-0168.

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: The East Orange VA Medical Center has an emergency need for a First Water HCF-1 Configuration water filtration system to replace their current system that’s end of life. The system will provide filtered, potable water for critical activities such as drinking, food preparation, dialysis, bathing, and general medical support during emergencies. Estimated amount is $93,356.00.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: Per the VANJHCS Emergency Operations Plan, the East Orange facility is required to have an working water filtration system that’s capable of providing filtered/purified water to maintain patient care and hospital operations in the event of a disruption to normal potable water service. The current system manufactured by Emergency Water Solutions (also dba First Water Inc.) is at the end of its service life and the facility is looking to replace it with another system manufactured by Emergency Water Solutions.

Emergency Water Solutions is the only source identified that offers a complete water purification system meeting the following required specifications:

• Certified to NSF Protocol P231 and NSF/ANSI Standard 55 for microbiological and UV disinfection.

• Portable system (<125 lbs.) deployable by two staff members in emergency settings.

• Operates on both 120V AC and DC power sources using included inverter/generator.

• Flow rate of 12 gallons per minute (GPM) / 45 liters per minute (LPM).

https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/13

Effective Date: 11/15/2024 Page 2 of 3 Acquisition ID# 36C242-25-AP-3755

• Medical-grade construction: stainless steel components and food-grade rubber hoses.

• Modular design with washable/reusable filters lasting up to 12 months.

• Integrated ultraviolet disinfection lamp capable of 99.999% pathogen removal.

• The system is pre-engineered for hospital-scale use, not consumer or recreational markets.

The using service reviewed several water filtration systems but only the HCF-1 system from First Water had the required certifications and met the VA Healthcare performance and safety standards. The HCF-1 is designed for specialty use in disaster events. Many commercial-off-the-shelf systems are for recreational vehicle use and only support use by up to 4 people for a limited time. Many engineered systems are designed for large-scale deployments in support of municipal cities or towns, with populations of thousands of people. The system sought is specifically designed for healthcare and emergency disaster response at a medium scale, below the threshold capacity of a municipal city. The First Water HCF-1 Configuration is unique and has not been found elsewhere. Emergency Water Solutions is the sole distributor of the First Water HCF-1 configuration and components, which are uniquely tailored for large-scale healthcare emergency deployments. Their system is not available through other vendors or resellers. Other options reviewed were either:

• Designed for small groups or recreational use (not healthcare-grade),

• Lacking critical certifications (NSF P231, ANSI 55),

• Missing required features such as high-capacity UV disinfection and hospital-level throughput.

This system has been successfully implemented by VA facilities and emergency management programs across the U.S., and its proven capability supports continuity of operations under VANJHCS's emergency protocols.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted: Market research was conducted in July of 2025.

The East Orange VA Medical Center has an urgent need for an HCF-1 Configuration water filtration system manufactured by First Water Inc. to replace the existing First Water Inc. FW-720 water filtration system that is at the end of its service life.

A search of SBA’s Small Business Search using NAICS 221310 and keywords “Water Filtration” identified one SDVOSB and zero VOSBs. A search using keyword “HCF-1” returned zero SDVOSBs and zero VOSBs.

Effective Date: 11/15/2024 Page 3 of 3 Acquisition ID# 36C242-25-AP-3755

A search of FPDS for keyword “HCF-1” revealed one contract awarded by the VA, which was awarded to First Water Inc.

A search of the VA’s ADDS UP database for “HCF-1” returned one relevant result – a contract awarded to Emergency Water Solutions.

The requirements package included a quote from Emergency Water Solutions (also dba First Water Inc.). Emergency Water Solutions is an SBA-certified Small Business. A review of the First Water Inc. website confirmed they are the OEM and sole distributor for the equipment being purchased.

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.

Jonathan Kilgore Date Contracting Officer https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2013_1.html#wp1125466