Single_Source_-_D_F.docx

RFQ 140R8123Q0267 Page 3 of 3

DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM A SINGLE SOURCE

Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

Pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(ii), when a single source is identified to provide a portion of the purchase as a Brand-Name, the documentation in paragraph 3 must state that this determination is only for a portion of the requirement.

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver AOB.

2. Name and Address of Single Source.

MTS Systems Corporation 14000 Technology DR Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344-2247

3. Description of Supplies/Services and Estimated Cost.

Electromechanical Universal Testing Machine (UTM)

4. Description of Circumstances, including why only one source is reasonably available.

This equipment is unique and specialized, with only two manufactures, Instron and MTS, capable of producing this type of equipment in the United States. However, both manufactures are owned by Illinois Tool Works, Inc, but each of the manufacture’s equipment are unique unto themselves with proprietary connections, accessories, and software.

Currently, Reclamation’s Rock Mechanics Laboratory, exclusively utilizes other UTMs and equipment along with their associated software, from MTS Systems, to complete all their required testing and analysis functions. To complete this function of retrieving this mission essential data, it is imperative to maintain cost effective approach consistency and uniformity throughout the process as possible.

Reclamation explored the option of retrofitting their existing equipment to make it compatible with an Instron system. To complete this operation Reclamation would have to enlist non- Instron or MTS technicians to complete the conversion, which could void certain manufacture warrantees, maintenance / celebration agreements, with no guarantee of the results or the viability of the significantly modified system. Additionally, the overall cost for this conversion were estimated to be around $150,000.

As such, it is in the Government’s best interest to purchase the new UTM from MTS Systems for Reclamation to maintain the required facility interoperability, data consistency / repeatability, and infrastructure sustainability.

5. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Price.

The Contracting Officer will perform necessary price analysis techniques such as a comparison of the proposed price with prices found fair and reasonable on previous purchases (FAR 13.106-3 (a)(2)(ii)), and/or review of current price lists or catalogs (FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(iii)). Finally, pricing within the Independent Government Estimate may also be used (FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(vi)).

6. Description of Market Research.

Market research was conducted through the world wide web, MTS’s points of contact, GSA Advantage. The research revealed that MTS does not have any authorized resellers of their products.

WBR 1413.106-1 Template 1 eFile - B02 (11/2020)