Single Source Justification (Signed by CO).pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Single Source/Brand Name Justification

Less Than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)

Control No.: PO No. 1240BD22P0058

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity

USDA Forest Service, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF, Mt. Baker RD, Public Services

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs

Seasonal service for snow plowing of Forest Service parking lots at Heather Meadows Visitor Center and Artist Point Parking Lot due to Hwy 542 becoming open to the public and there is a strong need for parking, garbage and restroom services that are only available at Heather Meadows and Austin Pass Picnic Area. It is critical to have these parking lots plowed and available as early as possible.

With over 650” of snow annually, if they are not plowed early on it will take months for the snow to melt naturally.

3. Rationale or circumstances for limiting competition

Debra Paul, Supervisory Forestry Technician: “The Forest Service parking lots access developed recreation infrastructure at the Austin Pass Picnic Area and the Heather Meadows Visitor Center in the Heather Meadows area. The parking lots are not considered part of the State Highway which makes the Forest Service the responsible party to pay for snow removal at these two locations. The snow removal activity in this high elevation area has demanded a well-coordinated effort between [Washington State Department of Transportation] WSDOT crews and the Mt. Baker Ski Area, Inc. equipment and operators. Timing of the two activities are key and the snow removal equipment needs to be able to handle the high depth loads as well as navigate the tight turns into the Forest Service parking lots and their perimeters. The Mt. Baker Ski Area has the equipment and the operators in place at this location as they utilize it during their operating season in winter months.”

4. CO' Single Source Award Decision

The CO believes, based on the estimated quotes from companies that are very familiar with this Forest, that awarding a purchase order to Mt. Baker Ski Area, Inc. is by far the best decision for the USDA Forest Service and U.S. Taxpayers. This company has been plowing the snow at this location for 20+ years and to depart from this long-standing relationship between Mt. Baker Ski Area, Inc. and WSDOT would put this vital project in jeopardy. Another key factor for the CO making this decision are the existing (hidden by snow) objects at the project locations. There are rocks, curbs, guardrails, and signage covered in 15’-20’ of snow. Mt. Baker Skin Area, Inc. and WSDOT plowing crews know precisely where all hidden obstacles are. Hiring a company to plow this depth of snow—without knowing where the obstacles are—would create a potential liability for any company not familiar with this location. The cost of damaging existing guardrails and signage will far exceed the cost of $5,000 (Base Year) to pay a company that is familiar with these parking areas, obstacles, and adjoining roads.

5. Estimated Price (Including All Options)

Base Year: $5,000.00 Option Year 1: $6,000.00 Option Year 2: $7,000.00 Option Year 3: $8,000.00 Option Year 4: $9,000.00

Total Estimated Price: $35,000.00

6. Purchase Order Awardee

Mt. Baker Ski Area, Inc.

1420 Iowa St Bellingham, WA 98229-4710 ueiSAM: CJJVG8DW7359

Certification:

Contracting Officer (Less Than SAT of $250,000.00). I have reviewed this justification and certify it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer May 26, 2022