SAMWilliamsSoundFINAL req4901.docx

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A) FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH 41 U.S.C. 3304 (a)(1)

Requisition Number: DJF-22-1900-PR-0004901

Date: 09/02/2022

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Acquisitions Program Unit (NAPU), has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for the purchase of translation equipment on behalf of the Language Services Section, Directorate of Intelligence (DI).

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source, limited competition, establishment of a new source, etc.

The proposed action is to acquire Williams Sound name brand equipment. This procurement will be advertised on the SAM.gov website as a brand name only, open market, requirement. Authorized resellers of Williams Sound products will be encouraged to submit a competitive quotation. The resultant contract is intended to be awarded as a one-time, firm-fixed price, purchase order.

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

The DI requires a high quality, durable interpretation system that supports simultaneous interpretation of languages and is compatible with DI’s current Williams Sound suite of interpretation equipment. The contents of the required system include but are not limited to: Interpreter Consoles and headsets, participant receivers, transceivers, microphones with stands, and earbuds; master language transceivers and breakout boxes; charging docks; cables, power supplies and other parts to complete the system.

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

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 USC 3304(a) (1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 entitled, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."- Application for Brand Name.

5. Demonstrate the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

Williams Sound is uniquely qualified to provide these products to DI based upon the following:

The DI currently operates Williams Sound products for interpretation needs. As law enforcement requires ever increasing cooperation from stakeholders around the world, the needs for interpretation will continue to grow. In an effort to meet this need, it is critical to be able to add to the equipment already on hand. Williams Sound products have proven to meet the needs of the DI and the FBI. Purchasing Williams Sound equipment will allow an expansion of existing capabilities with integration and the ability to continue to expand.

Williams Sound is the only suite of products that meets all of the DI’s program requirements for multi-language simultaneous interpretation, quality of sound, functionality, durability, and compatibility.

Williams Sound products will also allow for seamless operation with the existing translating equipment used by the FBI. Purchasing other brands of equipment would not be compatible with the Williams Sound products already owned and operated for the mission. Failure to secure Williams Sound products would require a much more significant purchase to replace existing functioning equipment, instead of adding to the equipment already on hand.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

Competition is anticipated for this acquisition in the form of a brand name only request for quote, to be published on SAM.gov, and set-aside for small businesses. In accordance with FAR 5.301, this action will be synopsized on SAM.gov and the Brand Name Justification will be made publicly available.

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

Prior to issuing an award, the Contracting Officer will determine the proposed price is fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 13.106-3.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results.

Extensive market research conducted included internet searches and discussions with industry experts about equipment meeting IEP program requirements for multi-language simultaneous interpretation, quality of sound, functionality, durability, and compatibility. These research efforts led to the determination that the requested Williams Sound IC2 System is the only equipment that meets agency requirements.

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

Please see section five (5) above.

10. A listing of any sources that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

This requirement will be posted on the SAM.gov website as a brand name only, open market requirement. This announcement will give an opportunity for authorized resellers of Williams Sound products to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI’s specific needs through a submission their technical capabilities and cost information.

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

The Government will continue to research the market to obtain as many available sources as required in accordance with the FAR to ensure that there are other vendors out there that can satisfy this requirement. To ensure that the barriers of competition are avoided, IOD, tory Division (LD) will continue to seek possible competition by conducting continuous market research to ensure that the Government is up to date on new technologies

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