A.03.14_-_17Q0081_(Limited_Source_Justification).pdf

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION PURSUANT TO FAR 13.106-1

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: Approval is requested for a limited source justification to acquire digital seismographs and ancillary equipment for Libby Dam, Libby, Montana.

Kinemetrics is the sole source to provide these products. The hardware is meant to replace existing accelerograph type seismographs that are part of the projects automated dam safety instrumentation system.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES OR NATURE OF CONSTRUCTION:

Contract is for purchase of seismographs for replacement of existing equipment at the project from:

Kinemetrics, Inc.

222 Vista Avenue Pasadena, CA 91107

The parts to be acquired are as indicated below:

Part Number Description Quantity

114200-PL Etna2 3 Channel Strong Motion Accelerograph 1 853764 Etna2 power cable 1

Z101155 USB Cellular Modem Multiconnect including Cable and adapter 1

853752 Console Cable for Etna2 1 114291-PL GPS Bullet Antenna Kit with 25m cable 1

85308 Cable for Etna2, molded, Ethernet 3 114150-PL Obsidian 8x 8 Channel Strong Motion Accelerograph 1

111915-01-PL 4-channel Terminal Strip Interface Board, for +/-12V 2

Obsidian 4x w/Ext ES-T Obsidian 4x 4-channel Strong Motion Accelerograph with External Triaxial Episensor 1

111915-01-PL 4-channel Terminal Strip Interface Board, for +12V 1 112257-PL Cable, DC Power 1

853608 Cable, Molded, Ethernet, M12 2 Shipping Shipping cost to Libby Montana 1

The total estimated cost for the equipment is $27,905.00.

As part of the automated dam safety instrumentation system at Libby dam, the District operates several Kinemetrics strong motion seismographs. These accelerographs and additional remote sensors are installed at locations intended to monitor and record peak ground acceleration, velocity and ground displacement caused by nearby earthquakes. This data is used to analyze the projects structural response to the earthquakes. The current equipment was installed in 2000 and is reaching the end of its useful life.

The replacement seismographs will initially be connected to existing dedicated analog telephone lines, to permit data retrieval and system monitoring from the District office.

When security issues are fully resolved, it will be possible to connect the new accelerographs to the Corps network too allow more reliable and efficient communication.

4. AUTHORITY CITED: FAR 13.106-1(b) Soliciting from a single source. (i) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED: Pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) “Contracting

Officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name or industrial mobilization.)”

Purchasing the equipment from Kinemetrics is necessary to ensure integration and compatibility with the existing seismograph system at the Locks (and other District projects), to capitalize on the existing investment made by the Corps and our other government agency partners, to take advantage of existing Government owned Kinemetrics equipment, and to ensure sensible and efficient maintenance of the seismic monitoring system at Libby Dam.

6. BASIS FOR RESTRICTING COMPETITION:

Accelerographs from other manufactures will have a slightly different measurement response. The specified accelerographs will work exactly as our existing ones with directly comparable measurements. This is critical when comparing new data to recordings of past earthquakes. The data file architecture and variable names, unlike those from other vendors, is exactly the same as used in our existing equipment and software. This will permit the direct importation of the data without having to do any complex and time consuming conversions. This is critical in being able to perform a quick analysis immediately after a significant seismic event. In addition, two of the installations at Libby have the accelerographs connected to remote triaxial sensors. The new Kinemetrics equipment will be to connect and read these sensors simplifying installation and ensuring that the data collected remains consistent. To successfully upgrade our existing accelerograph system at Libby dam, the only technically acceptable source is Kinemetrics.

Other vendors that supply somewhat similar, but not identical, digital accelerographs include:

Nanometrics, REF TEK, and GeoSIG.

Currently, no other vendor’s products are completely identical to Kinemetrics products, both in terms of specifications, response, and data file compatibility. According to the USGS (our governmental partner in maintaining and managing the Districts strong motion monitoring system), other domestic manufacturers are not equal in quality and performance to Kinemetrics

The best value to the Government is to purchase accelerographs from Kinemetrics, to ensure compatibility with the existing equipment and software, and to ensure that future recordings can be directly processed and compared to existing historical data.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION:

I hereby certify to the best of my knowledge this justification is accurate and complete.

NAME: Scott W. Britt DATE: _________________________

TITLE: Contracting Officer SIGNATURE: ___________________

FAIR AND REASONABLE COST DETERMINATION:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based on publicly-available pricing data and available historical prices paid for the same or similar item.

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of Kinemetrics digital seismographs and accessories for installation of the equipment at Libby Dam on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b) “Soliciting from a single source. (i) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold,” subject to the availability of funds, and provided the property herein described has otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

APPROVAL