Single_Source_JA_(Allen_Bradley)_McN_JCC_Improvements.pdf

BERNARD.KENT.R.

1404209783

Digitally signed by BERNARD.KENT.R.1404209783 DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DoD, ou=PKI, ou=USA, cn=BERNARD.KENT.R.1404209783

Date: 2016.03.02 11:14:48 -08'00'

Control Number: 16-0036

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION (Allen Bradley)

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District

(CENWW-CT) 201 North 3rd avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: This action is for a firm fixed price single source requirement using Fiscal Year 2016 CRFM funds to procure an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5500 series Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for the modification of the

Juvenile Collection Channel dewatering screen cleaners at McNary Dam in the Walla Walla District.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE: As part of an upgrade to improve the Juvenile Collection Channel at McNary Dam, the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers must provide a new PLC for control of the dewatering screen cleaners. This is a justification for brand name components which will be purchased by the contractor who receives the construction contract. Award is scheduled for April

2016. This is a design-build project, so the Contractor awarded the contract will be required to determine the number of PLCs needed to meet the contract requirements. One PLC is expected but it could be as many as four. The estimated purchase price for one new Allen Bradley PLC is $22,000, so if four were used, the amount would be $88,000. Allen-Bradley products are available from several distributors.

4. AUTHORITY CITED: FAR 13.106-1(b), Soliciting from a single source.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED:

a. BACKGROUND: The existing PLC utilizes a proprietary communication protocol, Data Highway + (DH+) that is developed b y Allen Bradley. The upgrade to improve the Juvenile Collection Channel dewatering screen cleaners at McNary Dam will require replacing the existing PLC. In order to communicate to the existing network, the communication protocol must be DH+.

Both the software and the programmed portion of the hardware (i.e. the firmware) are intellectual property protected by copyrights, patents, or similar laws. The hardware and software are functionally linked and legally protected from copying.

b. JUSTIFICATION: Using another brand of PLC would result in the inability to communicate to the existing control network. If another brand of PLC were to be used, the Juvenile Collection Channel system would require a new communication backbone to be established between the dewatering screen cleaners and the control room. This would also require additional warehouse stock.

Also, the different software would require training at the additional cost to the government.

Substitution for the specified products would:

Increase the initial and recurring costs of programming software and licenses.

Increase the initial and recurring costs of spare parts inventory.

Increase labor time, travel, and expense to train District personnel.

Decrease efficiency of engineers and technicians because of multiple communication protocols.

Decrease interoperability with existing PLC, which would jeopardize successful operation and decrease safety during operation.

6. CONTRACT SPECIALIST: I certify that the information supporting this single source determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge based on the supporting data provided by technical or requirements personnel and my research.

Prepared by: Kent Bernard Signature:

Contract Specialist

DETERMINATION: I hereby determine the circumstances of this contract action deem only one source reasonably available due to the need to match the existing Allen Bradley equipment.

Approved by: Ruthann Haider Signature:

Contracting Officer