P06 1101219 JA SS FY23-FPAC-J046 over SAT 13.5 Sutron_8Jun23.pdf

Control No. (if applicable) FY23-FPAC-Justification-046

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United States Department of Agriculture

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification under

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for Certain Commercial Items

(FAR 13.5)

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

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

FPAC-BC, Western Section, Fort Worth, TX 76115.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

Procure Sutron Satlink3 XMTR units, Sutron Geostationary Antennas with mounting brackets, and associated modems, antennas, mounts, and cables.

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

The Sutron Satlink3 XMTR unit will telemeter data from SNOTEL sites and allows for scalable power which enables it to be used with multiple antennas. The mounting brackets are specific to the XMTR unit making the installation on electronic backplanes feasible. The Sutron Geostationary Antenna is a reliable unit which provides a cost savings for the program by being a two in one antenna, in addition its specific design minimizes snow load during the winter and prevents riming which can inhibit the transfer of data during winter storms (when data transmission is especially important). The Sutron SatLink3 is being tested/ vetted for program-wide use this coming winter as a standalone logger/transmitter unit, no other vendors meet the dual-telemetry requirement these units provide.

The total estimated value of these units and associated equipment is $310,297.29.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The following circumstance justifies the exception to sole source/brand name under FAR 13.5:

41 U.S.C § 1901 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures up to $7.5 million, as authorized by FAR 13.500(a) and implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

5. Statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

OTT HydroMet is currently the only manufacturer and vendor of the Sutron Satlink3 XMTR unit, Satlink

3 unit, and the Sutron Geostationary Antenna in the United States. Transmitters from other manufacturers do not meet the requirements of the National Water and Climate Center, and SNOTEL installation, such as scalable power and the flexibility to operate with multiple antennas. Antennas from other manufacturers do not have the specific design criteria (shape) which reduces or eliminates snow/ice/rime accumulations during winter months. This is especially important as accumulation on the antennas prevents transmission of critical water supply and snowpack data during and following major winter storm events.

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OTT HydroMet currently provides all customer support and warranty support for these units in the U.S., providing an invaluable resource should issues present themselves with equipment in the foreseeable future.

6. Description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

This requirement will be awarded on a Sole Source basis to OTT HydroMet of Sterling, VA as they are the only company currently qualified to fulfill this order.

For acquisitions over $25,000 a notice shall be posted on the Government’s Point of Entry, www.sam.gov unless the exception noted at FAR Part 5.202(a)(13) applies.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

Based on comparisons of design and service rates charged by independent contractors to the cost of, design and service by the NRCS, it is economically in the best interest of the SNOTEL Program and NRCS to procure services from OTT HydroMet.

8. Description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market

Research was not conducted.

Market research revealed that OTT HydroMet is the only vendor offering the Sutron Satlink3 XMTR

Geostationary Antenna that is the standard at NRCS Snow Survey weather stations. Telemetering equipment must meet the specific requirements and be approved for use in as outlined in the NRCS SNOTEL

Standards and Specifications Guide. Items listed on GSA Advantage do not meet the specific needs

(design criteria, scalable power, mounting capabilities) of the SNOTEL network. As such, it is in the best interest to order the equipment from OTT HydroMet.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

All supporting facts included in sections three, five, and eight.

10. Listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

OTT HydroMet Corporation

22400 Davis Drive, Suite #100

Sterling, VA 20164

11. Statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

Agency may conduct further market research as needed to assess availability of other product/vendor specifications compatible with existing configuration and database requirements for NRCS Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program.

http://www.sam.gov/

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Mr. Keith James

Business Services Specialist

NRCS National Water & Climate Center

Contracting Officer (not exceeding $750,000). I have reviewed this justification and certify it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

☐ Approved.

Mr. Kyle L. Heid

Contracting Officer

FPAC-BC Western Section

Fort Worth, TX

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

Certifications & Approvals

Kyle.Heid Highlight