A.03.11_JA-_19_13_Whelen_Mass_Notif_Sys_Redacted.pdf

Control No. POA 19-13

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Contracting Division, Post Office Box 6898, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska 99506-0898.

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: This is a Limited Sources Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition to include a sole source (brand name) specification for the Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400) in the solicitation for F-35 Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) Administrative Facility (EIE432) project at Eielson AFB, Alaska. The Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400) is used in all military construction projects on Eielson AFB. Market research included a notice of intent for sole source item posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov) and an internet search for the Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400).

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: This Limited Sources Justification is for the inclusion of a brand name specification for the Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400). Eielson AFB has standardized the systems on the installation, requiring that all new construction specify installation of only the Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400). The estimated cost of the restricted construction materials is for the Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400).

Approval authority is the Procuring Contracting Officer.

4. AUTHORITY CITED: This justification cites the statutory authority, 10 U.S.C.

2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(c), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This justification applies the use of a brand name description.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED:

a. Background: Eielson AFB also utilizes a proprietary Whelen Mass Notification System (Giant Voice) to broadcast emergency messaging throughout all facilities on the Base. The fire alarm and building mass notification systems in each facility must have the capability to communicate with the Base wide systems.

b. Justification: A Building Mass Notification System (BMNS) installed in each facility must provide two-way communication with the Eielson AFB Whelen mass notification system. Transceivers from other manufacturers will not communicate with the Whelen Mass Notification System. This J&A is for the Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS- 400).

c. Impact: Failure to incorporate the requirement for compatibility with the existing fire alarm and mass notification systems will result in a failure to meet functional and design requirements of each system and could result in a failure in notification of an incident in the event of a fire or other emergency.

d. Alternatives: None. Specification of a Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400) is essential to the Government’s requirements, precluding consideration of a product manufactured by another company.

6. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION: There will be competition between firms that sell the required name brand Whelen Mass Notification System (IPS-400). Based on market research there is more than one distributor/vendor for this system.

7. ACTIONS TO INCREASE COMPETITION: To ascertain whether existing manufacturers or new manufacturers entering the market have developed products or programming which will be compatible, interchangeable and competitive with the items identified in this document and currently in use, sources sought notices were published in FedBizOpps on 30 August 2018. The notice contains the Government’s intent to acquire the materials/systems included in this J&A on a sole source basis for facilities on Eielson AFB.

No responses were received. No similar/compatible products were found.

8. MARKET SURVEY: Market research was conducted to determine if there are other manufacturers who can fully meet the Government’s requirements. No firms responded to the sources sought notice. No compatible products were found.

9. INTERESTED SOURCE: In accordance with FAR 5.102(a)(6), this J&A will be included with the solicitation when the solicitation is made available through the Government Point of Entry (www.fedbizopps.gov). Any sources that indicate interest as a result of the publication will be evaluated.

10. OTHER FACTORS:

a. Procurement History: The installation master plans have selected master/supervisory systems to comply with Air Force Installation Standardization Programs and minimize risks to life safety in emergency situations. These construction materials are required in RFP W911KB19R0008 for F-35 Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) Administrative Facility, Eielson AFB, Alaska (EIE432).

b. Acquisition Data Availability: Not applicable.

c. Unusual and Compelling Urgency: Not applicable.

d. Subcontracting Competition: Subcontracting opportunities exist for suppliers, distributors, and/or installers. This is a restrictive specification that only precludes consideration of a product manufactured by another company. Subcontracting competition will be the responsibility of the Prime contractor awarded the contract.

http://www.fedbizopps.gov/