Sole Source Redacted_2.pdf

Solicitation # 140R2021Q0020 BPA Setup YSI

WBR 1406.303-1 Template 1 (11/2020)

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

In accordance with FAR 6.302 or FAR 13.501(a), the proposed contractual action is pursuant to the statutory authority identified in paragraph 4. This template is required for actions over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (unless the procurement is acquired as a limited source IAW FAR 8.405-6 or is an Exception to Fair Opportunity IAW FAR 16.505(b)(2)).

Agency and Contracting Activity (FAR 6.303-2(b)(1)). Bureau of Reclamation, California Great Basin (CGB) Regional Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 958252.

Nature/Description of Action (FAR 6.303-2(b)(2)). The requested multi-parameter data sonde equipment and service agreement is needed to supplement the YSI 6-series, YSI Pro-DSS, and YSI EXO data sondes actively used by the branch and other groups within the region. New instruments and parts must be compatible with the existing YSI 6-series, YSI Pro-DSS, and YSI EXO monitoring equipment so that parts are interchangeable, and so the collected data is consistent, reliable, and legally defensible.

1. Description of Supplies/Services (FAR 6.303-2(b)(3)). The following items are required:

• Data sondes must operate using rugged, field-replaceable sensor probes that are compatible with YSI 6-series, YSI Pro-DSS, or YSI EXO data sondes. These field-replaceable sensors probes allow the user to replace a probe in the field, eliminating the need to submit the instrument to the manufacturer service center to replace the sensor. In order to ensure on-board computer and other electronics remain protected during probe replacement, there must be no need to open or expose the internal portion of the instrument during replacement. An option must exist for field-replaceable sensor probes that can be installed while the instrument is wet.

• Probes must be constructed from titanium or other durable, fouling-resistant material. This is necessary because data sondes are often placed for extended periods into environments where fouling can occur.

• Data sondes must allow up to six ports for use with six interchangeable sensors, with choice of data measurement capability depending on required investigation parameters and auto-recognition of sensor type once installed. This includes, but is not limited to, optical dissolved oxygen, blue-green algae, chlorophyll, turbidity, fDOM, oxygen reduction potential, temperature, pH and conductivity.

• Internal logging memory capability for deployed data sondes must have storage capability of 500 MB or greater. Sonde equipment must have the capability to upload data to a personal computer via Bluetooth or cable.

• Repair or Maintenance shall be completed by a certified YSI repair center.

WBR 1406.303-1 Template 1 (11/2020)

2. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition (FAR 6.303- 2(b)(4)). (Check one)

Authority FAR Coverage Application ☐ 41 U.S.C. 1901 FAR 13.501 Only one responsible source using Simplified

Acquisition Procedures (above SAT but below $7M) ☐ 41 U.S.C. 1903 FAR 13.501 Special emergency procurement authority

☒ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) FAR 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) FAR 6.302-1(c) Application for brand-name descriptions

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(2) FAR 6.302-2 Unusual and compelling urgency

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

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(4) FAR 6.302-4 International Agreement ☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(5) FAR 6.302-5 Authorized or required by statute ☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(6) FAR 6.302-6 National Security ☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(7) FAR 6.302-7 Public Interest

3. Demonstration of Contractor’s Unique Qualifications (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)). YSI is the proprietary manufacturer of the equipment to be purchased and/or maintained and is the only authorized channel for purchasing YSI products in California as evidenced by the attached letters from YSI Incorporated (these letters state that YSI does not distribute EMS equipment through resellers and why). YSI possesses the technical knowledge and patents covering the design of the instruments and associated accessory items. YSI is the exclusive authorized seller of repair parts and the only authorized repair facility for maintenance and repair of the equipment. This justification is based on the long acquisition history of using YSI Incorporated to provide the equipment to be consistent in operation in all programs requiring this technology. The value of using one technology for this aspect of our sampling is high. Training, maintenance, familiarity, and consistency of quality data are high priorities associated with using a single brand of monitoring instrument in the field. The costs of training staff of new equipment and returning the instrument to the manufacturer for replacement of probes are minimal compared to the possible consequence of collecting data that is not compatible with or as reliable as existing data or results in data that is not legally defensible. YSI has the specialized tools and proprietary knowledge needed to correctly repair and calibrate their equipment. Use of other manufacturers who do not have access to the technical knowledge and patents would compromise the equipment repair and calibration, and adversely affect the quality of the data collected with the equipment.

WBR 1406.303-1 Template 1 (11/2020)

4. Description of efforts made to maximize competition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(6)). A notice of intent was sent out on 03/02/2021 and resulted in no responses.

5. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (FAR 6.303-2(b)(7)). The techniques in FAR 13.106-3 will be used to determine fair and reasonable price. Discounts to the Federal Government will be requested.

6. Description of Market Research Conducted (FAR 6.303-2(b)(8)). MP-150 field staff members have field-tested and evaluated other brands of similar equipment over the past twelve (12) years. More than two (2) dozen sondes are currently on hand, three (3) of which are a brand other than YSI. The decision to use YSI and continue to use YSI is based on a side-by-side comparison of turbidity measurements in a deep-water environment. The practicality of being able to replace individual probes in the field and to diagnose their efficiency was also given significant consideration.

7. Any Other Supporting Facts (FAR 6.303-2(b)(9)). Use of the BPA program is beneficial to both the public and the Government. It helps to meet the Government’s business goals in a timely manner.

8. Listing of Interested Sources (FAR 6.303-2(b)(10)).

YSI Incorporated 1700 Brannum Ln #1725 Yellow Springs, OH 45387-1106

9. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(11)). The ordering activity will continue to monitor the market to consider new technologies in future acquisitions.