SAM BN Justification_Stratasys H350 3D Printer.pdf

DJF-22-1800-PR-0003620 Version 1.0 Page 1

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

JUSTIFICATION FOR LIMITED

COMPETITION/SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR

ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), I hereby determine that the Stratasys H350 3D Printer listed on DJF-23-1800-PR-0003026 is available from only one manufacturer (brand name only), and competition is precluded as there are no substitutes available.

1. This acquisition is restricted to the following manufacturer:

Company: Stratasys Company Address: 7665 Commerce Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Company Point of Contact and Phone Number: Andrew Otiso, 952-937-3000

2. The Stratasys H350 is estimated to cost $XXX and is required to be delivered by

9/30/2023.

The Stratasys H350 is a powder bed fusion 3D printer which utilizes Stratasys’s proprietary selective absorption fusion (SAF) technology to create complex parts. This machine combines 2D inkjet technology (and patents) along with the basic premise of selectively fusing the thermoplastic particles. SAF is STRATASYS’s proprietary name for their powder-bed fusion technology. It is like selective laser sintering, but one can effectively fuse an entire layer at once as opposed to using a laser to raster scan a build layer. The results from SAF are slightly better than SLS assuming the base thermoplastic powder is identical. The Stratasys H350 is manufactured by Stratasys and is sold directly from the manufacturer. Normally, Stratasys uses regional value-added resellers (the one for our area is Trimech), but this machine is sold direct from Stratasys. The purchase will be a firm fixed price purchase.

3. [Insert one of the paragraphs listed below, depending on the justification]

Specific characteristics of the Stratasys H350 that limit the availability to one Manufacturer are that the Stratasys H350 offers the ability to print using a binding liquid which when exposed to heat will trigger an exothermic reaction locally fusing plastic particles to adjacent ones in an enclosed oven environment. Stratasys’s

DJF-22-1800-PR-0003620 Version 1.0 Page 2 patented 2D printing inkjet technology drives SAF allowing for extremely precise deposition of the binding compound. By flashing an entire layer at once, there is a slight speed increase relative to having to scan an entire surface with a laser (selective laser sintering). Existing support equipment in MFG’s workflow supports the post finishing of powder bed fusion parts which experience a sintering process. This system also features improved powder handling technology which improves operator safety relative to other powder bed fusion systems. Only this suggested source can furnish the requirements, to the exclusion of other sources, because the Stratasys H350 is manufactured by Stratasys and is sold directly from the manufacturer. Normally, Stratasys uses regional value-added resellers (the one for our area is Trimech), but this machine is sold direct from Stratasys. The purchase will be a firm fixed price purchase.

Specific characteristics of the Stratasys H350 that limit the availability to one Manufacturer brand are:

Equipment must fit through a doorway that permits am equipment width of 70.5” to pass through it.

Must be able to additively produce parts out of thermoplastic materials particularly nylon (PA11 and PA12) using a plastic powder-based sintering process.

Must use the SAF style of powder-bed sintering for improved 3D printing efficiencies.

Must come with a controlled powder handling system for loading powder into the machine such that the operator’s exposure to airborne powder is minimized.

Must feature a temperature-controlled chamber for printing accuracy purposes.

Must be able to produce parts without printing a support structure.

Must have a build envelope of at least 11” x 11” x 11”.

Must feature an average nesting density of at least 10% for improved routine part nesting.

Must be able to operate on a stand-alone network which is NOT connected to the internet

Must not have a power draw which exceeds 13.2 kW

Must not have any wireless modules embedded within the system

Must include cost of shipping and installation of machine

Must include an all-inclusive (labor and parts) service agreement where a local repair technician can be on site within seven days for emergencies.

Must be compatible with the Materialize software suite for build preparation.

This purchase will be a firm fixed price purchase in the amount of $XXX for the equipment and associated starter kit parts.

4. Check and fill in all that are applicable for an Open Market Buy:

DJF-22-1800-PR-0003620 Version 1.0 Page 3

The material or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. The new item and service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing post processing equipment by DyeMansion and build prep software packages by Materialize.

A patent, copyright, proprietary data, or licensing agreement limits competition. The proprietary data are described as follows:

<Insert description>

These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

Other information to support a brand name only buy:

Specific characteristics of the Stratasys H350 that limit the availability to a Brand name are that the Stratasys H350 offers the ability to print using a binding liquid which when exposed to heat will trigger an exothermic reaction locally fusing plastic particles to adjacent ones in an enclosed oven environment. Stratasys’s patented BigWave and 2D printing technology drives SAF allowing for extremely precise deposition of the binding compound and powder. By flashing an entire layer at once, there is a slight speed increase relative to having to raster scanning an entire surface with a laser (selective laser sintering). Existing support equipment in MFG’s workflow supports the post finishing of powder bed fusion parts which experience a sintering process. This system also features improved powder handling technology which improves operator safety relative to other powder bed fusion systems. The purchase will be a firm fixed price purchase.

IF GSA FAR Part 8, complete items 6-7

5. A determination by the ordering activity Contracting Officer that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR 8.404(d).

The contracting officer will determine, after considering the level of effort and the mix of skills available for the tasks needed, that the proposed order or BPA represents a reasonable total price and will be the best value for the FBI.

6. A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders, and the results of the research. A statement must be made that the supplies and services are available from the FSS.

DJF-22-1800-PR-0003620 Version 1.0 Page 4

MFG utilized internet searches and industry contacts to research the various equipment and methods for fast and efficient powder-bed fusion 3D Printing. This research led us to Stratasys’s series of SAF 3D printed machines. This machine is not on any federal schedule.

7. Any other facts supporting the limited source justification.

All facts provided above.

8. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency will take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for supplies and services is made.

The Government will continue to research the market to obtain as various available sources as required in accordance with the FAR to ensure that there are other vendors out there that can satisfy this requirement. In addition, the customer will do due diligence in ensuring that barriers to competition are avoided to ensure we obtain the best value for the government.