SOLE SOURCE.pdf

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

United States Department of Agriculture

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.3

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA, Forest Service

Forest Products Laboratory

One Gifford Pinchot Drive

Madison, WI 53726-2398

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) intends to purchase scientific research equipment on a basis other than full and open competition, negotiated as a sole source, firm fixed-price order for supplies and services with instrument suppliers Brüel & Kjær. The intention of this order is to purchase the best research-grade acoustic camera array for acoustic noise analysis to meet the requirements for performance of near-field holography and beam forming of diffusion flames.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

We require a research grade scientific instrument that can simultaneously capture video and acoustic measurements for identification of transient flame flow structures and associated acoustic emissions. The acoustic camera array must be able to perform both far-field beamforming, with use of a manufacturer provided reflective plate, and near-field acoustic holography through removal of any reflective plates/surfaces.

The acoustic camera array must have at least 30 channels oriented in a sliced wheel array with irregular microphone placement. The array must be able to capture frequencies between 140Hz and

2 kHz during near field holography measurements. Similarly, the equipment must be able to capture frequencies between 1 – 10 kHz during far field beamforming measurements.

All supporting data acquisition hardware must be provided along with the acoustic array. This includes the array frame, camera, all connectors for data transmission from instrument to data acquisition system and computer, and associated batteries for system. Use of battery power is strongly preferred to reduce cycling noise inherent to building-power. The system must be easily mountable to a tripod.

We require the manufacturer to provide associated software system and node-locked license for driving the data acquisition system.

The research this equipment will be supporting is highly exploratory. As such, the equipment must be flexible with possibility for future customization, including but not limited to reuse of microphones for development of a different shape/size/number of channels if deemed necessary.

Thus, strong customer support pre and post purchase of the equipment is required to ensure best practices in use of equipment and analysis of data.

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

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3), as implemented by FAR 6.302-3, titled "Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services."

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

Use of the proposed instrument is needed to maintain ongoing engineering and scientific research at the FPL. The intended vendors are well known and respected for manufacture and support of the scientific instruments needed. The vendors meet the required specifications.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

Market research was performed during the second quarter of 2020 to determine the best instrument to meet FPL needs. This involved internet searches and consultation with multiple vendors to determine their current capabilities and the current state of the market. The research scientist also contacted acoustics labs, included Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, LLC, and the U.S. Army

Engineer Research and Development Center. All consultations provided favorable reviews for the manufacturer and choice of equipment.

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer will use historical information as well as current commercial pricing to determine that the firm-fixed price costs are fair and reasonable.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

A formal market survey was completed. See the attached document Market Research for acoustic camera array at FPL.

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

None

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

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

When further instruments are required in the future similar market surveys will be done to select the best instrument which meets FPL requirements.

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data that form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

Kara M. Yedinak

Materials Research Engineer

Building and Fire Sciences

Forest Products Laboratory

Samuel L. Zelinka

Project Leader

Building and Fire Sciences

The information contained in this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer

KARA YEDINAK Digitally signed by KARA YEDINAK Date: 2020.08.17 13:45:07 -05'00'