Smiths Detection Justification.pdf

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE AND FACILITIES 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. (a) (1)

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-26-000207

Date: June 2, 2026

Estimated Dollar Value: $81,900.00

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Acquisitions Programs Unit, has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for detection equipment on behalf of the Finance and Facilities, Division.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s description of the contract action proposed for approval is detailed below.

Detection Equipment

In support of procuring Smiths Detection brand name only Bio Disc-E (General Format Discs) for mail inspection at the Cheverly Warehouse.

Contract Type

New contract/agreement; Firm Fixed Price

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

The requirement is for BioDisc-E General Format Discs used exclusively with the FBI-owned Smiths Detection Mail Guard Pathogen Detection System located at the Cheverly Warehouse mail inspection facility. The discs are consumable components required for operation of the system and enable detection of hazardous biological agents and threats in incoming mail.

Without these discs, the system cannot perform pathogen detection functions, resulting in degradation of mail screening operations and increased operational and personnel safety risk at the Cheverly Warehouse facility.

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

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.103-1, ‘Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.’ This justification is for a brand-name-only acquisition because the required BioDisc-E General Format Discs are proprietary consumables manufactured exclusively for use with the FBI-owned Smiths Detection Mail Guard Pathogen Detection System.

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

The BioDisc-E consumables are proprietary components engineered specifically for use with the Smiths Detection Mail Guard Pathogen Detection System currently deployed by the FBI. The system hardware, software, calibration methodology, and detection algorithms are designed to operate only with Smiths Detection manufactured discs. No third-party consumables are authorized, validated, or certified for compatibility with the system.

Use of non-OEM consumables could impair system performance, invalidate manufacturer support and maintenance, compromise detection accuracy, and create unacceptable operational and safety risks to FBI personnel and facilities.

Smith’s Detection is the sole manufacturer, distributor, and authorized source for the required consumables. This requirement is not the result of lack of advance planning. The consumables are recurring operational requirements necessary to maintain continuity of mail screening operations for an existing FBI-owned detection system.

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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107980 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107990

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s efforts made to solicit offers among as many sources as practicable are described below.

Request for Information via SAM.gov (or otherwise)

A Notice of Intent to sole source shall be posted on SAM.gov for this requirement, which will publicize the FBI’s intent to issue an award to Smiths Detection. This announcement will also give an opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI’s specific needs through submission of their technical capabilities and cost information for consideration prior to an award being issued.

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.

The anticipated price is determined fair and reasonable based on comparison to prior purchases of the same consumables, review of historical pricing trends, comparison to published commercial pricing, and evaluation against the Independent Government Cost Estimate.

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

Market research was conducted through review of the original system procurement documentation, review of Smiths Detection technical literature, internet research, SAM.gov searches, and review of commercially available distributors. Research confirmed that the BioDisc-E General Format Discs are proprietary consumables manufactured exclusively by Smiths Detection for use with the installed Mail Guard Pathogen Detection System. No alternate manufacturers or authorized resellers capable of providing equivalent compatible consumables were identified.

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

The use of Smiths Detection brand-name consumables is essential because the consumables must interface directly with the FBI-owned Smiths Detection Mail Guard Pathogen Detection System. No ‘equal’ products are known to exist that are compatible with the installed system.

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

As of the date of this justification, no sources have expressed written interest. The FBI intends to post a Notice of Intent on SAM.gov to provide interested vendors with an opportunity to submit capability statements for consideration.

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

The FBI will continue to assess commercially available technologies during future acquisition planning cycles to determine whether alternative pathogen detection systems and consumables capable of meeting operational requirements are available. Future acquisitions involving replacement or modernization of the detection system may provide expanded competition opportunities.

Reviews and Approvals (Not exceeding $900,000)

Prepared by Requestor:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, and which form a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

Signature

Date

Reviewed by Team Lead Contracting:

Approved by Contracting Officer:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Furthermore, I hereby determine that the exception and circumstances described in item number four (4) of this justification apply to this order.

6/2/2026

Reviewed by Unit Chief Contracting:

6/2/26