Sole Source Justification redacted.pdf

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLE SOURCE (Simplified Acquisitions - MPT to <$250K)

Document number: N0016123RC005A7

The supplies or services described herein are being solicited on a sole source basis and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available for the supplies or services.

Check One:

☐ Service:

Contractor:

Contractor Address:

Contractor POC:

Phone #:

Email:

Cage Code/DUNS:

☒ Supply:

Restricted to the following source. If a sole source manufacturer distributes via dealers, ALSO provide dealer information.)

Original Manufacturer Name: TA Instruments

Manufacturer: TA Insutrments

Manufacturer POC: Paul Vaitiekunas

Manufacturer Phone #: 302-593-3597

Manufacturer Address: 159 Lukens Dr

Dealer/Rep: N/A

Dealer/Rep Address Phone No. N/A

Email: N/A

Description of the supplies or services required, the estimated price/cost, and required delivery date.

The item requested is a Discovery Series 5500 Thermogravimetric Analyzer, which is a one of a kind instrument that is only made by TA Instruments. The requirements for this instrument dictate sole source because no other company makes it. Required delivery date is 15 Jan 2023.

In conclusion, the requested supplies or services represent the minimum requirements of the government.

Describe in detail why only this source can furnish the requirements to the exclusion of other sources.

(what specific characteristics of the supplies or services limit the availability to a sole source (e.g., unique features, function of the item, etc.)?)

The TGA must be capable of ballistic heating rates greater than 1600 °C/min. This capability must be fully integrated with the TGA furnace to enable experimentation that enables heating profiles that simulate combustion processes. The TGA must include an evolved gas analysis capability without resorting to a second furnace. This will enable the facile connection to an existing mass spectral system. The TGA furnace must have an internal quartz liner to enable direct operation as an evolved gas analysis furnace and to enable facile and complete removal of decomposition products that might adhere to furnace internal features. TA

Instruments is the only manufacture/supplier of TGA systems who produces a TGA with the above capabilities. Their system is based on proprietary technology and is protected by the following patent:

7,566

☐ The supplies or services must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit and function) with existing systems presently installed/performing. Describe the equipment/function you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system.

☒ A patent, copyright or proprietary data limits competition.

TA Instruments is the only manufacture/supplier of TGA systems who produces a TGA with the above capabilities.

Their system is based on proprietary technology and is protected by the following patent: 7,566

☐ These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

Other information to support a sole source action:

This TGA system from TA will allow for the facile integration and control of an existing evolved gas mass spectrum analyzer. In addition, our research lab currently uses several TA Instruments thermal analysis instruments, and the requested system will allow for data consistency between analyses. We have amassed consumables and parts for a separate outdated TA Instruments TGA which are guaranteed to be compatable with the requested system. Finally, the vendor's service technicians are located nearby to the U.S. Naval Academy (less than 100 miles away) and are frequently in the area, allowing for rapid response and low travel costs during repair and maintenance visits

Document number:

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF

MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROCESSING OF THIS SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

PRECLUDES THE USE OF FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION.

Signature Date

Activity Title

I HEREBY DETERMINE THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CONTRACT ACTION DEEM ONLY ONE

SOURCE REASONABLY AVAILABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).

Contracting Officer Signature Date

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk Contracting

Department