Sole Source Justification final_Redacted.pdf

145034-24-0030

Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) network.

The University of Bristol originally developed and installed the Medusa Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) currently used at both the RPB and Mace Head observatories. The Medusa GCMS system is a high-precision instrument system used by AGAGE investigators across the globe to obtain highly accurate measurements of trace gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The Medusa GCMS system has been vetted through the AGAGE international network to ensure its compatibility with existing instrumentation across the AGAGE network. The University of Bristol has continually maintained and serviced both Medusa GCMS systems, systems they own, since they were installed at both the RPB and Mace Head observatories. Access to the Medusa GCMS system is required due to the level of accuracy and precision needed for atmospheric measurements under this requirement.

The University of Bristol also has the technical expertise required to operate and maintain the specialized instrumentation required under this effort. The University of Bristol has the historical knowledge and operational experience required to successfully maintain and operate the Medusa GCMS system currently operational at both the RPB and Mace Head observatories. The effort required to keep the Medusa GCMS system calibrated to obtain highly accurate atmospheric measurements and integrated with the AGAGE network is extremely time consuming and requires specialized knowledge.

The scientific sampling and measurement requirements for trace gases at parts-per-trillion levels required have a very high barrier for entry due to a combination of a remote location, highly specialized equipment, need for calibration, and experience. a new entity would not be able to provide accurate atmospheric data and could not provide this specialized service at the level of quality required.

Additionally, a new entity requires a vetting process which would cause unacceptable delays to the program office of at least a year to ensure proper integration and data linkage to the AGAGE network.

6. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies.

A Sources Sought Notice was posted to the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) on 5 April, 2024 in order to identify potential sources. The Government received one (1) response. However, upon review, it was determined that the vendor who responded is not capable of completing the work required. A Notice of Intent (NOI) to sole source shall be posted to the GPE as required under FAR Subpart 5.2.

7. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer (CO) determines that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on a comparison of historical pricing and a comparison to the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) in accordance with FAR 13.106-3, award and documentation.

8. Description of the market research conducted (see Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Market research was conducted by the AGO WAD to identify the available sources and to evaluate the availability of the required services in the marketplace in order to meet the requirements listed. The Contract Specialist (CS) searched the Small Business Administration (SBA) Dynamic Small Business site and reviewed the AbilityOne and UNICOR websites. Further, a Sources Sought Notice was posted to the Governmentwide point of entry on April 5th, 2024 to identify any potential sources.