SATPC0042085 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE

OR BRAND NAME

PICK ONE

Sole Source:

☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with TA Instruments - Waters LLC.

only for Thermal Analysis Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Services . The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 30 Days

ARO.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from .for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.

This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):

1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.

The requirement for the Discovery DSC Q2500 manufactured by TA Instruments is being submitted as a sole source justification because TA Instruments is the only known manufacturer capable of providing a differential scanning calorimeter that meets the Government's minimum technical, performance, and compatibility requirements while integrating seamlessly with the existing laboratory infrastructure.

The Government has an established TA Instruments thermal analysis infrastructure, including existing hardware, software, accessories, calibration procedures, validated test methods, and historical data generated using TA Instruments instrumentation. Procuring the Discovery DSC Q2500 ensures full compatibility with this existing infrastructure, preserving continuity of operations, maintaining consistency with legacy datasets, and eliminating the need to redevelop or revalidate established NASA test methods. Compatibility with the existing TA Instruments software environment also enables direct comparison of new and historical data without introducing variability that could compromise ongoing research or require additional verification and qualification activities.

2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.

If an alternative manufacturer or brand were procured in place of the TA Instruments Discovery Q2500 DSC, the Government would incur significant technical, schedule, and cost impacts. The Government's existing TA Instruments infrastructure, including validated test methods, software, laboratory workflows, and historical datasets, is integral to ongoing research and mission support activities. Procuring an alternate system would require extensive revalidation, recalibration, method redevelopment, and personnel retraining, resulting in unnecessary duplication of cost, schedule delays, and increased technical risk. Additionally, data generated from a different platform may not be directly comparable to existing baseline data, jeopardizing continuity, data integrity, and confidence in engineering decisions.

As a result, procuring an alternate brand would not be in the Government's best interest.