United States Department of Agriculture Justification to Restrict Competition

Identification Number:

Rev. 11/6/2025

G) Instrument and software upgrades for Waters systems are only available from Waters.

(6) Provide a description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as possible, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Part 5 and, if not, which exception under Part 5 applies.

This is a follow on contract to 12905B22P0047. At the time of that award only Waters Technologies was the only vendor that could provider this service. Research this year was conducted and it was found that market conditions for this service remain unchanged.

(7) A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to the Government of the services covered by this J&A will be fair and reasonable based on a thorough comparison of historical pricing data from the prior contract and the development of an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) using current market rates. This pricing given is also at a significant decrease from their GSA schedule pricing.

(8) A description of the market research conducted, and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

The SYNAPT G2-Si_UGA572, which is used for ion mobility-mass spectrometry, is one of the most sophisticated bioanalytical instruments in the world. It is linked to a multitude of other Waters instruments, computers and software packages. Thus, this system combines complementary size-and mass-selective separations into a single analytical platform. All of the linked instruments and software are from Waters, and only Waters Service engineers are qualified to service this complex array of instruments. Only Waters is capable of troubleshooting the system in-person and remotely through the internet.

(9) Any other facts supporting use of other than full and open competition, such as:

Only Waters Service Engineers are qualified and capable of doing routine service and emergency repair work on the SYNAPT G2-Si, either in-person or remotely, due to the unique and specialized nature of the SYNAPT G2-Si. Only Waters can access the instrument remotely.

(10) A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in the acquisition in writing.

No vendors showed interest in this requirement

Identification Number:

Rev. 11/6/2025

(11) A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition of the supplies or services required.

We will continue looking at the market for Waters to authorize vendors to maintain their products or other service providers that can handle the specialized equipment. The SYNAPT G2-Si is an enormously sophisticated bioanalytical instrument and currently only the manufacturer is qualified to service the instrument.

(12) Certifications & Approvals

Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

David M. Weller, Research Leader __12/14/2025___________________ Name Date Title

Contracting Officer’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name Date Contracting Officer

Additional Reviews & Approvals

Signatures are required at each threshold up to the total estimated dollar value of the acquisition, including all possible options. Delete reviews/approvals that are not needed.

Competition Advocate (greater than $900,000 but not exceeding $20M).

I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Therefore, unless additional approvals are required as prescribed below, as advocate for competition for the procuring activity, I hereby approve this justification. If required, my approval constitutes clearance for submission to the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA).

Name of Chief of the Contracting Office (COCO) Date Competition Advocate

HCA (greater than $20M but not exceeding $90M).

I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Therefore, unless additional approvals are required as prescribed below, as Head of the Procuring Activity, I hereby approve this justification. If required, my approval constitutes clearance for submission to the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE).

Name of HCA Date Head of Contracting Activity (HCA) United States Department of Agriculture

SPE of the Agency ($90M and over).

I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Therefore, as the Senior Procurement Executive, I hereby approve this justification.

Name of SPE Date Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) United States Department of Agriculture

Legal Review and Concurrence (when required - see AGAR 4001.402-2)

I have reviewed this justification and deem it legally sufficient.

Name of Attorney Date Office of General Counsel