Sole Source Justification for PMCS.docx

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES) (Ariba Purchase Request Number PR10956986)

1. I recommend that US Consulate, Mumbai use other than full and open competition for Power Monitoring & Control System upgradation and PLC upgradation for Chiller #3 with load shedding. The estimated cost of these two projects is estimated at $ 80,000.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

Performing technical upgradation of the Power Monitoring & Control System (PMCS) along with PLC upgradation for Chiller #3 with load shedding. The Consulate currently needs to perform these two system upgradation projects. These projects are required to be able to successfully integrate the newly installed chillers into the Power Monitoring and Control System. Currently, due to its age, the current Siemens PMCS is not capable of integrating the chillers into the system. Additionally, the current system does not allow for load shedding of the chillers. The inability to perform these interactions is detrimental to the proper operation of the chiller plant and causes excessive inefficiencies which will shorten the life of these units. Additionally, it results in additional costs to the U.S. Government by not running these units at optimal performance.

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

Siemens India to provide technical support / services to successfully upgrade the Power Monitoring and Control System along with upgrading the PLC which will allow for integration of Chiller # 3 and the functionality of load shedding. Siemens India is the only local service provider who can provide these services which meet our technical engineering requirements.

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

In accordance with FAR clause 6.302-1, other than full and open competition (sole source) is permitted when there is only responsible source, and no other supplies or services will be satisfied agency requirements. This FAR clause is applicable to our situation.

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited (for sole source acquisitions; also required for unusual and compelling urgency where more than one offer will not be solicited).

Due to the complexity of the system, performance of maintenance / technical upgrades on the Power Monitoring and Control System (PMCS) should only be done by a vendor who has the experience and expertise in maintaining this system. This is a multi-million-dollar system specifically designed by Siemens. Due to proprietary components, this results in not having a number of local sources/vendors/contractors to get competitive quotes which would meet our technical requirements. One local vendor declined to quote because they would only install their equipment, which would not be compatible. Siemens USA was also contacted and provided pricing which is over 4x the cost estimate provided by Siemens India.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. The description should include whether a FedBizOpps notice was or will be publicized, as required by FAR 5.2, and if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies (e.g., blanket waiver provided in DOSAR 605.202-70).

The proposed contract action is to purchase services from the local service branch of the equipment manufacturer (Siemens). Due to proprietary equipment installed, the manufacturer is the only technically viable option for performance of this work.

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

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

8. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

Hiring an experienced company and manufacturer, or manufacturer’s recommended agency will not compromise the safety of the equipment. Competition would not result in better value to the government..

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition (See item 1,5,8)

10. A listing of sources, if any that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. (N/A)

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. (N/A)

CERTIFICATIONS

Requiring office I certify that this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition.

I certify that this submission is accurate, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.