Source_Info_Alfa_Laval_CBD_Centrifuge.docx

Sole Source Justification Information for Alfa Laval Brew 20LV Separation System (Low-Voltage Centrifuge) Provided by Christopher Patrick August 8, 2024

· What is the business need or problem that requires this contract?

· Procuring a beverage centrifuge will allow SPSCC to integrate the equipment’s operation, period maintenance requirements as well as cleaning in place procedures into both programs at Craft Brewing, Cider & Distilling of SPSCC. This procurement would allow us to train students to the level requested by advisor board members that we have not been able to provide to the students, up to this point.

· A beverage centrifuge is a critical piece of equipment in a medium size brewery, or cidery. Having the ability to train students on the equipment that they will use later in the industry allows us to advertise this training to aid in future recruitment of students in addition to the current students benefit.

· If we were able to procure this beverage centrifuge, the Craft Brewing, Cider, & Distilling programs could create a stand alone course around the equipment in order to entice local makers to train their production floor staff on the equipment. Ideally to recruit those that have not taken our programs yet.

· Describe the unique features, qualifications, abilities or expertise of the contractor proposed for this sole source contract.

· After contacting multiple vendors, Alfa Laval was the only USA-based vendor supplying Low Voltage (240V) beverage centrifuges. This means that a procurement from this vendor would be compatible with the college’s current existing electrical setup. Facilities department helped to confirm that the addition of a new 480V electrical connection to the brewing facility would cost upwards of 75k outside of the cost of a high voltage unit.

· What kind of market research did the agency conduct to conclude that alternative sources were inappropriate or unavailable? Provide a narrative description of the agency’s due diligence in determining the basis for the sole source contract, including methods used by the agency to conduct a review of available sources. Use DES’ Market Research Template if assistance is needed.

· GEA was identified to sell beverage centrifuges but only supplied new units that require 480V. Craft Brewing worked along the Facilities department to confirm that the addition of a new 480V electrical connection to the brewing facility would cost upwards of 75k.

· As part of the market research requirements, include a list of statewide contracts reviewed and/or businesses contacted, date of contact, method of contact (telephone, mail, e-mail, other), and documentation demonstrating an explanation of why those businesses could not or would not, under any circumstances, perform the contract; or an explanation of why the agency has determined that no businesses other than the prospective contractor can perform the contract.

· As part of research we contacted GEA via email to confirm that they only provide 480V centrifuges.

· Other vendors, such as TrueCent were contacted via their website contact form but no response has been made over the past month.

· Per the Supplier Diversity Policy, DES-090-06: was this purchase included in the agency’s forecasted needs report?

· I’m not sure, this need was identified when requesting Workforce Development Funds.

· Describe what targeted industry outreach was completed to locate small and/or veteran-owned businesses to meet the agency’s need?

· Our industry outreach included speaking with local beverage producers to find out what the most common equipment used in beverage centrifugation was. The top answer from industry leaders was that Alfa Laval & GEA are the two top vendors for beverage centrifugation.

· We conducted an internet search to confirm that no small businesses could accommodate the procurement of a low voltage beverage centrifuge.

· What considerations were given to unbundling the goods and/or services in this contract, which would provide opportunities for Washington small, diverse, and/or veteran-owned businesses. Provide a summary of your agency’s unbundling analysis for this contract.

· The equipment that Craft Brewing, Cider & Distilling is attempting to procure cannot be unbundled due to the manufactured nature of the beverage centrifuge.

· Provide a detailed and compelling description that includes quantification of the costs and risks mitigated by contracting with this contractor (i.e. learning curve, follow-up nature).

· The vendor Alfa Laval has a solid reputation in the beverage industry. This led us to contact them for possible beverage centrifuges. Through additional research, we found that Alfa Laval was the only vendor that was able to supply Low Voltage beverage centrifuges (240V). The vendor has (2) units available at 85k but are willing to sell us a unit with a 10k discount. The 75k price tag includes shipping, installation as well as commissioning conducted by the vendor Alfa Laval, these are typically add on services that require payment, this vendor has removed those costs due to us being an educational institution.

· Is the agency proposing this sole source contract because of special circumstances such as confidential investigations, copyright restrictions, etc.? If so, please describe.

· N/A

· Is the agency proposing this sole source contract because of unavoidable, critical time delays or issues that prevented the agency from completing this acquisition using a competitive process? If so, please describe. For example, if time constraints are applicable, identify when the agency was on notice of the need for the goods and/or service, the entity that imposed the constraints, explain the authority of that entity to impose them, and provide the timelines within which work must be accomplished.

· No, this sole source is being submitted due to the lack of Low Voltage beverage centrifuge suppliers.

· What are the consequences of not having this sole source filing approved? Describe in detail the impact to the agency and to services it provides if this sole source filing is not approved.

· Not being able to procure this beverage centrifuge would negatively affect our students currently enrolled in the Craft Brewing & Cider programs in addition to disabling future recruiting to our Craft Brewing, Cider & Distilling program around the improvement of filtration.