Sole_Soure_DanioVision_Redacted_2.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, plans to contract on a sole source basis. This document sets forth the justification and approval as required by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. The U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), requests award of a noncompetitive procurement to Noldus Information Technology, Inc for one (1) DanioVision larval fish behavioral recording system with the additional modules for an existing EthoVision XT license.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The Columbia Environmental Research Center has a need for a video tracking system to track and analyze small larval fish behavior in response to chemical and natural stimuli. The CERC is currently involved with projects looking at harmful algal bloom toxins, metals, and other contaminant effects on fish behavior but do not have the equipment to measure behavioral changes in very small fishes.

4. Estimated Dollar Value.

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – only one source reasonably available.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. The EthoVision software that is used to program the DanioVision observation chamber has been used extensively at CERC. Numerous datasets and multiple publications have utilized this software thus there is a need for continuity of data analysis to continue using the program to ensure similarities in detection limits and probabilities.

7. Other Information. The CERC is currently using Noldus d EthoVision XT software for behavioral observations on larger larval and juvenile fishes and invertebrates. For example, these technologies have been used at the CERC to record behavioral changes in larval and juvenile white sturgeon, rainbow trout, and invasive carp species as well as for crayfish. Acquiring a system that can record behavior in very small fishes such as larval suckers, zebrafish, small tadpoles, and potentially invertebrates would complement the current systems and capabilities of the CERC and would allow for video tracking of animal behaviors (i.e. swimming speed, distance traveled, trajectory patterns, etc.) at younger life stages and a broader suite of organisms. The CERC already utilizes EthoVision XT software, thus the DanioVision system would be compatible with CERC’s current hardware system, a minimum need of the Government no other provider can meet.

8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted.

A sources sought notice was posted on SAM.gov from 4/28/2023 to 5/4/2023. One vendor provided a specification sheet for a potential equal product that was determined by the end user to not be able to meet the data continuity requirements described in paragraph 6. There were no resellers that responded to the sources sought notice.

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

9. Future Plans to Permit Competition. Future requirements will undergo market research and be competed to the maximum exent practical as they develop.

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office. Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a sole source basis and certify the above statements are true and accurate.

11. Certifications from the Contracting Officer:

a. The anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable based off of published price lists and previous procurement history for same or similar products.

b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

12. Approvals