P03 - Switchgear Breaker 460 - Single Source Justification - CO signed.pdf

Acquisition ID# 36C244-26-AP-3746

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C244-26-AP-3746

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 4, NCO 4, Wilmington VA

Medical Center, 1601 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19805.

2237: 460-26-3-5074-0434

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

Replacement high-voltage breakers are urgently needed for the main switchgear in Room

143. The backup breaker is currently in use, leaving no replacement available. A future failure could disrupt power to the hospital and critical life-saving equipment, jeopardizing patient and staff safety.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: The required circuit breakers must be Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) equipment specifically designed for the Medical Center’s existing switchgear. The equipment must:

• Fully integrate with the existing electrical protection architecture.

• Meet all applicable safety and performance standards.

• Be compatible with the existing protective relays, communication protocols, and

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) interfaces.

• Support the Medical Center’s operational reliability, fault-isolation, and maintenance requirements.

Non-OEM equipment could create compatibility and safety concerns, increase technical risk, and require the Medical Center to maintain additional parts for different equipment configurations. No acceptable substitute has been identified because the required breakers must meet the specifications and operating standards of the existing switchgear. Replacing or substantially modifying the switchgear to accommodate alternative breakers is not a reasonable option and could cost more than $1 million.

If the existing breakers fail before replacements are available, the Medical Center could experience a loss of electrical power that negatively affects facility operations, mission readiness, and patient safety. Therefore, procurement of the specified OEM circuit breakers is necessary to maintain compatibility, reduce operational and technical risks, and ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the Medical Center.

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

Acquisition ID# 36C244-26-AP-3746

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted: Market research was conducted to assess the availability of qualified small business concerns capable of satisfying the Government’s requirement for Eaton switchgear breakers. The Small Business Administration’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database was reviewed under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 335313. The search was refined using relevant keywords associated with the required equipment to identify Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns.

However, the search did not identify any SDVOSB concerns that clearly demonstrated the capability to meet the Government’s technical requirements.

A search of GSA Advantage was also conducted and did not identify any vendors capable of providing the required equipment. To further evaluate the availability of qualified SDVOSB concerns and promote maximum practicable competition, a Sources Sought Notice was posted for 10 calendar days. Two SDVOSB concerns responded and confirmed their ability to provide the required equipment through the open market.

Additionally, the Nonmanufacturer Rule Decision Tool was reviewed to evaluate the applicability of the nonmanufacturer requirements to this acquisition. Based on the results of the market research, sufficient competition is anticipated among eligible SDVOSB concerns. Therefore, it is appropriate to solicit this requirement as an SDVOSB set-aside.

This acquisition strategy supports the Government’s socioeconomic contracting objectives, promotes competition among eligible SDVOSB concerns, and provides an efficient method for acquiring the required equipment.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR 13.106-

1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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