Safegrip Brand Name.pdf

Page 1 Version 03152021

United States Department of Agriculture Sole Source/Brand Name Justification

Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

FAR 13.5

Control No. (if applicable) ______________________ Dated: 28 February 2023

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

Contracting Activity:

Eric Schnitzler, Contracting Officer USDA, FSIS, Office of Administrative Services Procurement Management Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The USDA proposes to enter into a limited source brand-name, firm fixed-price contract for SafeGrip gloves, using the simplified procedures for certain commercial items under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.5.

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is part of a science-based national system to ensure food safety and food defense. FSIS ensures food safety through the authorities of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act, as well as humane animal handling through the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. FSIS has a need for SafeGrip Gloves, model number SG-375 in sizes extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large which are used to inspect meat in accordance with the Agency’s mission the required gloves must meet the below specifications:

Length 295mm (11.6 inches) Cuff Thickness 0.20 (7.9 mils) Palm Thickness .28 (ll.0 mils) Finger Thickness .36mm (14.2 mils) Tensile Strength – Before Aging

After Aging

Elasticity/Elongation – Before Aging After Aging

Pinhole Defect Rate 1.5 (AQL)

Page 2 Version 03152021

The estimated price including all option periods is as follows:

Base Year $1,250,000 Option Year 1 $1,300,000 Option Year 2 $1,350,000 Option Year 3 $1,400,000 Option Year 4 $1,500,000 Total $6,800,000

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

The following circumstance justifies the exception to sole source/brand name under FAR 13.5:

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. Statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

FSIS responsible for managing and administering the nation’s meat, poultry and egg products inspection and verification program. Organized into 10 District Offices nationwide, FSIS carries out USDA’s food safety mission in processing and slaughter facilities across the country. FSIS is also responsible for managing all certification work including export verification. As a result of the Agency’s mission, roughly 80% of the FSIS’ 10,000 employees perform the critical, day-to-day oversight and inspection operations for meat, poultry, and egg products. These employees perform their duties in processing facilties where animals are received, processed and packaged. The employee’s require peronsal protectection equipment to prevent the contraction and spread of food and airborne illnesses. Addtionally employees require PPE to protect themselves and the products from diseases transmitted via touch. FSIS has selected the Safegrip SG-375 glove to provide this protection.

The Agency must use this glove as switching to another glove would require a strenuious evaluation which would require the agency to expense additional funds and labor which would directly impact its mission. A re-evalatuion of products would impair the Agency’s ability to complete it’s mission.

Additionally, this product is used throughout the entire agency for inspection services, and must be used for consistent service. The material make-up/thickness of this glove has proven to provide the safety and security for employees.

Page 3 Version 03152021

6. Description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

FSIS consistently reviews other gloves for compatibility with the Government’s requirements. FSIS will continue to do so to ensure there are no other gloves that meet the Government’s specification and functional needs.

7. Description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

FSIS has and is reveiewing the products of multiple vendors on an on-going basis in attempts of identifying any products that met the Government’s requirements. The Government has evaluated the specification of multiple gloves but found they did not meet the functional needs of FSIS. The Government will continue to evaluate new gloves as they enter the market place.

8. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

FSIS has not yet identified another product to meet the needs of FSIS or a methodology which would allow for another glove to be used. The development of either would allow the Agency to potentially meet the requirement via full and open competition. Currently, FSIS is not aware of another brand that is able to meet the needs of the FSIS employee’s and ensure the integrity, quality, and safety features of the glove are met while maintaining same size and specifications.

9. Listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

Lab Source 1260 Garnet Drive Northlake, IL 60164

10. Statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

FSIS has not yet identified another product to meet its needs or a methodology which would allow for another glove to be used. The development of either would all the Agency to potentially meet the requirement via full and open competition.

11. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

In accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(1), the Contracting Officer will determine the price reasonablness based on competitive quotations.

Page 4 Version 03152021

Certifications & Approvals

The information provided for this justification has been reviewed and certified accurate and complete by Tauseef Badar, Program/Technical Personnel.

Contracting Officer (not exceeding $750,000). I have reviewed this justification and certify it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Approved.

Reviewed and forwarding to the Procuring Activity Advocate (MASCO or Delegate).

George D. Baptist III Contracting Officer

Additional Reviews & Approvals

Signatures are required at each threshold up to the total estimated dollar value of the acquisition.

Advocate for competition for the procuring activity (MASCO or Delegate approved by HCA for USDA) (if over $750,000, but not exceeding $15 million). I have reviewed this justification and certify it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Approved.

Reviewed and forwarding to the Head of the Procuring Activity/HCA.

Yolanda Chambers Mission Area Advocate for Competition