P06 1132057 JA SS (FY24-FPAC-J084) Over SAT 13_17Jun24_ss_Redacted.pdf

Control No. (if applicable) FY24-FPAC-Justification-084

Page 1 Version 05012024

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 (NWCC), 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.

Quantity of 80 each of:

- Sutron Satlink3 XMTR (Part# SL3-XMTR-1)

- Sutron Geostationary Antennas with mounting brackets (Part# SL3-MTG-KIT-F-1)

- Geostationary Antenna with GPS and Mounting Bracket - mounting bracket will accommodate up to a 2.5" OD Pole. Hardware supplied for 2.5', cable length 10m (Part# GEO-ANT-GPS-K10)

3. A 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 '2-in-1' antenna, in addition its specific design which minimizes snow load during the winter and prevents riming which can inhibit the transfer of data during winter storms (when data transmission is especially critical). 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.

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

The following circumstance justifies the exception to sole source/brand name under FAR 13.5: (Choose the authority under “Choose an item” below that justifies use of other than full and open competition.

Additional detail is to be provided in paragraph 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. Supporting rationale demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

If 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) is the proposed authority, 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 NWCC 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. currently provides all customer support and warranty support for these