REDACTED_JA_Emergency Servicing Computrols BAS.pdf

Emergency: Servicing Computrols BAS System CONTROL NUMBER VA-25-00088384

LIMITED-SOURCES JUSTIFICATION & APPROVAL

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Procurement, Acquisition, and Logistics

Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown, NJ 07724

2. Description of Action: The proposed action is for a twelve (12) month firm-fixed price task order procuring support and maintenance for the existing Computrols Building Automation System (BAS) at the Charles George VA Medical Center (VAMC). This emergency effort is being conducted under the authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program. The proposed action will be awarded under the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract # 47QSHA21D000R to Ameresco Federal Solutions, Inc. (Ameresco), 111 Speen Street, Suite 410, Framingham, MA 01701.

3. Description of the Supplies or Services: The proposed action is to provide support and maintenance for the existing Computrols BAS at the Charles George VAMC, to ensure optimal operation, energy efficiency, and safety. The facility requires a Computrols-authorized Subject Matter Expert that services the Charles George VAMC area. The Computrols BAS controls the Critical Chillers, Central plant, heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC), air handling system, and Variable Air Volume (VAV).

The Computrols manufacturer controls the distribution/servicing area so that Computrols-authorized vendors do not compete within the same territory, Ameresco will have to assess the system and make necessary modifications to the system to return it to a stand-alone system located on-site. Ameresco will address system inefficiencies and potential malfunctions. The services provided will diagnose, troubleshoot, and provide service calls when needed. The BAS controllers at Charles George VAMC are primarily by Computrols. The brand names under Computrols include Cylon and American AutoMatrix. The total estimated value of the proposed action is

4. Authority: This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program. The specific authority providing for a limited source award is Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B), “Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized.”

5. Rationale Supporting Use of Authority Cited Above: The proposed source is Ameresco which is the only Computrols-authorized vendor servicing the Charles George VAMC area. The original campus and buildings are controlled primarily by Computrols direct digital controllers. Ameresco is the only Computrols-authorized vendor that has the capability to change programming and firmware updates to stabilize the servers and equipment controllers.

This proposed action will allow the Charles George VAMC to work through the various issues caused by the original vendor, Automation Systems, Inc (ASI), who walked off the Charles George VAMC and from their contract. The Computrols BAS controls the Charles George VAMC critical infrastructure stated above in Section 3. This proposed action will enable the facility to maintain the reliability and efficiency of its BAS’, its critical infrastructure, reducing operational disruptions and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff.

The loss of Computrols BAS service and communication to the Energy Center, boiler operators and HVAC technicians would create a danger to Veteran’s care. The Computrols BAS serves all mechanical equipment including, but not limited to, boilers, chillers, air handling units, VAVs, and fan coil units that are dependent on temperature, humidity, and pressure controls for both air and water. It would take extensive time to diagnose and repairs issues if not monitored, and the critical infrastructure that serves critical patient areas and Veterans. For example, the potential loss of use of critical areas, such as surgery or patient rooms because the required controls on temperature, pressure, and/or humidity could have gone out of range, would negatively impact hospital operation, care givers, patients and Veterans.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: The market research that was conducted is detailed in the market research section of this document. This effort did not yield any additional sources that are able to satisfy the Government’s requirements. There is no competition anticipated for this acquisition. In accordance with FAR 5.301 and 8.405-6(a)(2) the award notice for this action will be synopsized on the Contracting Opportunities website and this justification will be made publicly available within 14 days of award.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: The Government and Charles George VAMC is currently moving all controllers to Tridium Niagara where this is the dominant service carrier within North Carolina and has at least three (3) to five (5) vendors within a 150 mile radius of the Charles George VAMC.

8. Market Research: As stated above, the Computrols manufacturer controls the distribution/servicing area so that Computrols-authorized vendors do not compete within the same territory, as such obtaining additional market research would not identify additional Computrols-authorized vendors for the distribution/servicing area. Ameresco was identified as a possible Computrols-authorized vendor that is able to execute the needed service and maintenance of the Computrols BAS at Charles George VAMC as they are currently providing similar services for the Operating Room at the Charles George VAMC.

On July 2, 2025, the Contract Specialist contacted Mike Clayton, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Computrols, Inc., to request a different Computrols authorized vendor and to confirm that they control the Computrols authorized vendor that services the Charles George VAMC. Mike Clayton replied the same day stating that they had contacted Ameresco to contact VA. On July 8, 2025, Ameresco contacted the VA offering their services for the Charles George VAMC.

On July 29, 2025, RFQ1771582 was posted on GSA Multiple Award Schedule Category 561210FAC Facilities Maintenance and Management seeking sources that are

Computrols-authorized service providers for the Charles George VAMC area with a response date of July 31, 2025. The notice detailed VAs intent to negotiate a sole source task order with Ameresco to provide ongoing support and maintenance for the existing Computrols - BAS at the Charles George VAMC area. The notice stated that the facility requires a Computrols Subject Matter Expert to service its critical infrastructure that is identified by Computrols as an authorized service provider for the Charles George VAMC, plus the notice stated that supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the stated requirements.

One response as received from RV Global Solutions Inc., Contract # 47QTCA21D0071.

RV Global Solutions Inc. did not provide any supporting evidence or documentation that they are a Computrols-authorized service provider or that they are capable of satisfying the requirements stated in the draft Performance Work Statement that was attached to the notice. RV Global Solutions Inc. provided past performance reports for dissimilar requirements, and two (2) versions of their capabilities statement. On July 31, 2025, the Contract Specialist emailed RV Global Solutions Inc. asking them to provide proof that they are a Computrols authorized service provider for the Charles George VAMC. RV Global Solutions Inc. did not respond to the request for proof.

9. Other Facts: The vendor on the current contract, ASI, has walked off the current contract and the Computrols BAS controls VA’s critical infrastructure. Portions of the system have been locked by ASI who has refused to provide access codes. It is an emergency that we get a new vendor as soon as possible.

10. Technical/Requirements Certification I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

11. Best Value Determination I hereby determine that the proposed contract action will represent the best value to the Government consistent with FAR 8.404(d). GSA has already determined that the prices on the FSS contract are fair and reasonable. Price discounts will be sought. Finally, price analysis shall be conducted by comparing the quotation with the Independent Government Cost Estimate

12. Contracting Officer Certification/Approval

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. This contract action exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, but does not exceed $750,000, therefore, the certification required by FAR 8.405-6(d)(1) serves as the Contracting Officer’s approval.