RFO-Justification-Ohmsett-Scanner-Redacted-SAM_1.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

For a Noncompetitive Order Under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)

Prepared Pursuant to GSAM/R 538.7104-3 — Sole Source Justifications and RFO FAR Part 8 (Required Sources of Supplies and Services)

1. Identification of Agency & Contracting Activity

Department of the Interior Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Acquisition Operations Branch Sterling, VA

2. Requirement & Purpose of the Action

BSEE intends to issue a noncompetitive order under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) for procurement of a continuous, real‑time water‑quality monitoring system with full turnkey SCADA integration to support operations at the Ohmsett National Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility.

This action follows DOI’s RFO deviation framework, under which Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures moved from FAR 8.4 to GSAM/R Part 538, requiring justification under GSAM/R 538.7104-3 instead of FAR 8.405-6.

Mandatory sources were reviewed per RFO FAR 8.101–8.103; none apply.

Estimated Period of Performance (PoP): 180 ARO Estimated Total Cost:

Hach is an eligible GSA MAS contractor under Contract 47QSMS26D0027 and SIN 334519ENV, which covers Environmental Measuring Instruments.

The Government’s requirement is strictly performance-based and will not identify any brand-name or proprietary features; the justification is anchored in the need for validated SCADA integration and continuous operations at Ohmsett.

3. Contractor Information

Hach Company

UEI:

GSA MAS Contract Number: 47QSMS26D0027 SIN: 334519ENV – Environmental Measuring Instruments

4. Description of Supplies or Services

The order will provide a continuous, real‑time water‑quality monitoring system, including:

Turnkey SCADA integration using protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP, OPC‑UA, or equivalent Continuous multi‑parameter monitoring (pH, conductivity/salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chlorine/chloramine, ammonia, etc.)

Automated fouling mitigation / self‑cleaning features SCADA‑compatible alarm and threshold logic Engineering deliverables including I/O point lists, updated network/diagram documentation, and integration testing plans Onsite installation and commissioning Operator training and technical documentation

These requirements correspond to the performance‑based characteristics defined in the Government’s continuous water‑quality monitoring needs assessment.

5. Authority Permitting the Use of Noncompetitive MAS Procedures

This acquisition is justified under:

GSAM/R 538.7104-3(b)(1)

Only one source is capable of providing the required supplies/services at the level of quality required because the supplies/services are unique or highly specialized.

Implemented under:

RFO FAR Part 8 (Required Sources of Supplies and Services)

DIAR-F008 (DOI’s implementing deviation for RFO Part 8)

These deviations replaced all prior FAR 8.4 sole-source procedures.

Consistent with MAS procedures, BSEE will post the RFQ on GSA eBuy to permit submission from any Schedule contractor that can meet the performance-based minimum requirements;

will be posted in accordance with GSAM/R 538.7104-3.

6. Demonstration of Unique Qualifications

Hach is the only MAS‑listed supplier identified through market research that:

Provides turnkey SCADA compatibility with Ohmsett’s automation and safety‑critical systems Demonstrates validated performance in harsh, saltwater, and oil‑exposed industrial environments similar to Ohmsett.

Meets all performance‑based salient characteristics for continuous, real‑time measurement Can provide single‑vendor accountability for instrumentation and SCADA integration Can deliver within the facility’s required operational window.

Holds a current GSA MAS contract, enabling immediate and compliant award

Critically, Ohmsett requires a vendor with a proven track record of safe, validated SCADA integrations due to the facility’s heavy safety interlocks, trending systems, alarm structures, and continuous operation environment. A mis‑integration could jeopardize facility operations and safety.

During market research, no other MAS contractor provided documented evidence of prior SCADA‑integrated deployments of comparable complexity that would satisfy the Government’s minimum requirements for risk‑controlled integration at Ohmsett. While multiple vendors were contacted during market research, including those who submitted information or participated in technical discussions, none demonstrated the combined capability to provide continuous real‑time monitoring and validated SCADA integration as a single accountable vendor. Other vendors generally offered partial solutions—typically instrumentation without turnkey SCADA integration or solutions that would require significant redesign of existing systems or a multi-partnered approach. These approaches do not meet the Government’s minimum performance requirements for safe, uninterrupted operations at Ohmsett.

7. Description of Efforts to Obtain Offers from as Many Sources as Practicable

Efforts included:

Posting a Sources Sought Notice outlining detailed salient characteristics

Evaluating the one formal response to our RFI and market research technical discussions Neither vendor demonstrated the required level of SCADA‑integration experience, environmental suitability, and single‑vendor accountability necessary to meet BSEE’s minimum requirements which to ensure no disruption to the operational environment of the Ohmsett Facility Systems.

Researching MAS vendors under SIN 334519ENV

Engaging Ohmsett technical personnel regarding SCADA compatibility and environmental constraints

This research demonstrated that while several vendors can supply analyzers, none except Hach could meet the combined requirements for environmental durability, continuous measurement performance, and validated SCADA integration. These elements are essential to ensuring uninterrupted facility operations.

The Government’s market-research record reflects equal consideration of identified sources;

however, no other MAS vendor substantiated turnkey SCADA integration with risk-controlled commissioning suitable for the Ohmsett environment.

8. Fair and Reasonable Pricing Determination

Pricing is considered fair and reasonable because:

Hach’s MAS prices are pre-negotiated and determined fair and reasonable by GSA

Pricing aligns with the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE)

Historical price comparisons show consistency with similar instrumentation

MAS ordering under RFO/GSAM ensures transparency and pricing integrity

9. Other Supporting Facts

Hach MAS terms provide delivery schedules that meet program requirements

Hach offers a one-year standard warranty on non-consumables

MAS ordering avoids delays associated with open-market competition

Using a MAS vendor reduces protest risk and complies with DOI’s streamlined RFO framework

Any subcontractor coordination (e.g., with SCADA integrators) remains a vendor business decision, not a Government requirement

10. Actions to Mitigate Barriers to Future Competition

BSEE will:

Conduct market research annually to identify advancements in water-quality monitoring systems

Reevaluate performance-based salient characteristics during future planning

Monitor vendor performance for future competitive opportunities

Document SCADA integration lessons learned for reuse in future procurements

It is intended that future actions will continue to publish performance-based salient characteristics and invite participation from any MAS contractor capable of documented SCADA-integrated delivery.

11. Contracting Officer Certification

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

12. Technical/Program Certification

I certify that the technical information supporting this justification is complete and accurate.