A3.3-W9123819P0016_Success_Lake_Mussel_Dogs_JA_Control_No._SPK_19-06_(KO_Signed).pdf

Control No. SPK 19-06

Determination and Finding

Soliciting from a Single Source, FAR 13.106-1(b)

US Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, Success Lake

PR&C#W62N6M83039072

1. Contracting Activity:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, Success Lake, 29330 Highway 190, Porterville, CA 93257

2. Description of Action:

This is a single source firm-fixed price procurement for Mussel Dog Quagga/Zebra Vessel Inspection Services. This action will provide Success Lake the means to proactively prevent the infestation of different invasive mussel species via the use of trained canines, as well as a direct means to educate the public to reduce the risk of mussels spreading not only throughout California, but the nation.

Approval is being requested for a sole source, “Firm-Fixed Price” purchase order.

3. Description of Supplies/Services:

The service required is expertise knowledge and professionalism in mussel infestation prevention, specifically through the use of canines trained to detect the presence of mussels via sense of smell, and raising awareness via education.

Mussel Dog Inspections

Mussel Dogs will provide full inspection teams, consisting of a trained canine handler, a canine trained to identify the presence of mussels, and an educator, to inform visitors of the inspection process, the danger mussels represent to reservoirs, the inspection process, and how to ensure mussels are not transported from reservoir to reservoir with an emphasis on the “clean, drain dry” method. These inspection teams will inspect each vessel upon entry into the park, ensure there are no mussels present, and educate visitors in the process.

Staff Training

Mussel Dogs will provide a training for staff at the lake outlining the process to inspect a vessel without the use of dogs. The contractor will provide boats to use as examples for the training, will provide all supplies and educational materials for the course. This provides the staff a reliable method to inspect mussels when the Mussel Dogs aren’t available or on duty, to further ensure the reservoir remains uncontaminated.

Educational Programs

Mussel dogs will provide educational programs and public appearance at different events such as National Public Lands Day and Warriors Day on the lake to generate more positive awareness about invasive mussel species, and continue to educate the general public about the invasive species, and preventative techniques. Further, special educational seminars will be provided throughout the recreation season for the continued effort to spread awareness and education regarding the invasive species, using the trained canines as an educational vessel.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Soliciting from a Single Source.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

Success Lake and Dam is proactively working to educate and raise awareness of the threat that mussels, specifically Quagga/Zebra Mussels represent, and proactively working to ensure that Success Lake is not infested. If infested, Success Lake’s entire recreation program, water quality, and irrigation supply would be greatly and negatively infested. The threat is not far, as California has had over 40 Lakes invaded by the mussel species, including Pyramid lake (only 114 miles away) and San Justo Lake (only 200 miles away). This fact makes it paramount that Success Lake continues a proactive approach in ensuring mussels are denied access and not allowed to invade the reservoir. Mussel Dogs is the only vendor within the State of CA that can provide this type of service.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

Mussel Dogs is the sole service and supplier of trained Canines to inspect vessels for invasive mussel species with a permit from California Department of Fish and Wildlife to carry and handle mussels. No other vendors exist for competition.

7. Actions to Increase Competition and Remove or Overcome Barriers to Competition:

Please see #6 above.

8. Market Research:

Sole-source through local reseller only. Not available through GSA. A comprehensive search and research revealed that no other vendors provide trained canines with the ability to identify the presence of mussels via the sense of smell. Additionally, no additional vendors have a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to carry mussels. The market research was done by internet, checking with the only known provider Mussel Dogs, checking with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, all of which lead to the only available vendor, Mussel Dogs.

9. Interested Sources:

Debra DeShon Dogs With Jobs LLC dba Mussel Dogs P.O. Box 238, Denair, CA 95316, Email: deshon@musseldogs.info 2404 Epperson Court, Oakdale, CA 95361, Email: k9snkids@icloud.com Ph: 209-853-2812

10. Other Facts:

N/A

11. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Robert Moreno, Acting Park Manager Date

12. Contract Specialist Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Healon Knight, Contract Specialist Date

13. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Melissa DeNigris, Contracting Officer Date