P06 1101341 JA BN FY23-FPAC-J044 Under SAT_31May23_ss.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.

This procurement will provide the NRCS Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program the required data collection platforms from remote SNOTEL and for use in mission critical operations in water supply forecasting and drought monitoring for sites in the SNOTEL network. The SNOTEL network requires that the soil moisture sensor uses Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry as the method to measure the real dielectric permittivity and imaginary dielectric permittivity components of the soil. Currently the Stevens HydraProbe with 4.1 firmware is the only commercially available sensor that measures real and imaginary permittivity of soil using the Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry. The Stevens HydraProbe “dielectric impedance” measurement principle differs from TDR, capacitance, and frequency soil sensors by taking into account the energy storage and energy loss across the soil area using a 50 MHz radio frequency wave.

3. Rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

Stevens Water is the only manufacturer of these specific soil moisture sensors that provides the four

(4) distinct voltages required for soil calculations developed by the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory.

USDA currently has over 2,000 Stevens Water brand HydraProbes within the SNOTEL and SCAN Networks collectively. It would be cost prohibitive for the USDA-NRCS to change the complete network of sensors rather than a portion every year. This drastic change in sensor brand would cause significant loss of more than 20 years of scientific soils records as the records are electronic.

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

While Stevens Water brand HydraProbe is the only manufacturer that meets the criteria of being able to measure real dielectric permittivity and imaginary dielectric permittivity components of the soil using Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry, an internet search revealed several different vendors that are capable of providing the Stevens Water brand name HydraProbe items.

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

The estimated price $88,375.00.

6. Recommended source(s).

– Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.

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Certifications

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

Keith James Business Services Specialist NRCS 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.

Mr. Kyle L. Heid Contracting Officer FPAC-BC Western Section Fort Worth, TX

KEITH JAMES Digitally signed by KEITH JAMES Date: 2023.05.22 17:02:48 -07'00'

Digitally signed by KYLE HEID Date: 2023.05.31 15:37:26 -05'00'