P06 - For Posting - Single Source Justification Less Than SAT_Missouri SCAN 2021.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.

The contracting organization responsible for this action is:

Section 1 – Operations Branch Acquisition and Procurement Division Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business Center (BC) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Mission Area:

Natural Resources Conservation Service, Resource Inventory and Assessment Section of the Missouri State Office, Columbia, MO.

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

The Missouri NRCS manages the Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) statewide associated with the soil’s disciplines in support of the Natural Resource Conservation Service mission. Currently the network consists of 13 stations through the state. To this end, scientific and electronic equipment, parts and supplies and installation are required to properly maintain and expand the state network.

The NRCS-Missouri Resource Inventory and Assessment section proposes to procure the yearly maintenance and upgrade of the 13 SCAN weather stations to Climate Sensor Systems LLC by means of other than full and open competition.

3. Rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

The maintenance and upgrade conducted by Climate Sensor Systems LLC is essential to meet the specific needs of the Missouri NRCS Soil Climate Analysis Network program. Not all-weather stations meet the specific needs of the USDA-NRCS. Each station, in addition to the standard weather station above the ground sensors, will have soil moisture and temperature sensors at 2, 4, 8, 20 and 40 inches at minimum. The station will be powered by solar panels and a 12v rechargeable battery. The data collected and storage at a CR-1000x data logger is transmitted by a GOES satellite transmitter or by cell modems to the National Water and Climate Center database, which edits, maintains and published the data to the genaral public.

Climate Sensons Systems LCC is the only company in business nationwide with the maintenance of the SCAN network that meets the requirements for the National Water and Climate Center. The unique

Page 2 Version 03152021 expertise of the company that benefits the agency is their expertise on the underground sensors (soil moisture and soil temperature).

Thisrequirement was solicited and awarded on 2020. At point only two quotes were received. One diectly from Climate Sensors LCC and the other a company who was not technically acceptable.

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

The particular company is essential to the Government’s requirements, and market research indicates other companies’ similar products, or products lacking the soil sensor feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency’s needs.

This particular company has the experience with the installation and maintenance of the SCAN sites.

Also, they meet the standards of the National Water and Climate Center (NWCC) and NRCS specifications. In the past, the SCAN sites were purchased directly to the NWCC (allocation transfer).

Then the NWCC conducted the subcontracting with this contract. Due to the lack of supporting staff the NWCC are delegating the purchasing phase directly to the states.

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

$XXX for 2021; $XXXfor 2022; $XXX for 2023; $XXX for 2024. Total cost amount is $XXX for 13 stations maintains and upgrade for 4 years.

6. Recommended source(s).

Climate Sensor Systems LLC.

This requested was solicited and awarded on 2020. At point only two quotes were received. One diectly from Climate Sensors LCC and the other a company subcontracting Climate Sensor Systems

LCC.

Certifications

The information provided for this justification has been reviewed and certified accurate and complete by Jorge L. Lugo-Camacho, State Soil Scientist, Program/Technical Personnel.

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.

KRISTIN GILLILAND Digitally signed by KRISTIN GILLILAND

Date: 2021.06.14 14:11:46 -05'00' Kristin Gilliland Contracting Officer