P06 1075725 SS JA under SAT_28Jul22_ss_Redacted.pdf

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United States Department of Agriculture Single Source/Brand Name Justification

Less Than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA-NRCS National Water & Climate Center, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd. STE 802 Portland OR. 97232.

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

Purchase of 10’ Hypalon Snow Pillows for installation at SNOTEL (SNOwpack TELemetry) sites in Montana and Alaska DCO purview. Pillows are to create new SNOTEL sites, replace damaged equipment, and provide preventative maintenance of aging infrastructure. The snow pillows are required to measure snow water equivalent at SNOTEL sites within the Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program, and are the primary component of our system for forecasting water supply.

3. Rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

is the only snow pillow vendor that provides hypalon pillows in a hexagonal shape. The snow pillows required by Alaska NRCS are unique with highly specialized requirements. The use of a hexagonal pillow allows the use of sheet metal flashing to protect the pillow more efficiently from bears.

Snow pillows are a custom fabricated item with an extreme time and cost consequence for poor workmanship and replacing or repairing underperforming pillows is a drain on government resources.

Pillows from untried/unfound sources require a series of additional in-house tests at additional cost to build any assurance of confidence in usage.

4. Description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Efforts to obtain this item were made by Program staff previously. was the only supplier able to produce the required product and meet the technical specifications for shape and material. This item was procured in 2015 with competition.

5. Estimated price, including all options, if applicable.

The estimated value for eight (8) 10' Hexagonal Hypalon Snow Pillows and (16) 10' Dia Hypalon Snow Pillows is

6. Recommended source(s).

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Certifications

The information provided for this justification has been reviewed and certified accurate and complete by

Cara McCarthy, Acting Director, National Water & Climate Center

Contracting Officer (less than SAT). I have reviewed this justification and certify it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Kyle L. Heid Contracting Officer

CARA MCCARTHY

Digitally signed by CARA

MCCARTHY

Date: 2022.07.21 14:35:01 -07'00'

Digitally signed by KYLE HEID Date: 2022.07.28 14:22:40 -05'00'