A13.Brand_name_JA-to_post.pdf

Brand Name Justification US Army Corps of Engineers-Rock Island District

Contracting Activity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island District, Rock

Island, Illinois.

Description of Action: This action will result in a firm fixed price type contract projected for award in fiscal year 2018. The estimated dollar value is $350,000.00 and will not include option provisions. An acquisition plan is not required due to the requirement not meeting the dollar required dollar threshold.

Description of Supply: Multiple styles and dimension Hollaender brand fittings, fasteners and guardrail systems at Lock and Dams 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22.

Authority Cited: As described at FAR 6.302-1(c) in conjunction with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) or

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will

Satisfy Agency Requirements-brand name

Reason for Authority Cited: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has a requirement to replace failing guardrail systems at multiple Locks and Dams along the

Mississippi River as they are not compliant with Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) regulations.

The Mississippi River Operations Division currently has Hollaender brand guardrail systems installed at other Lock and Dam locations within their area of operation. The handrail and guardrail systems at the Locks and Dams provide a protective barrier around the lock walls of each chamber for USACE operators and commercial vessel deckhands. The railing tops serve as guide rails for tow cables utilized in locking operations when a commercial vessel or barge locks through in sections versus a whole vessel.

The Operations Division presently maintains a supply of multiple sizes of the Hollaender brand guardrail systems as replacement inventory for routine preventative maintenance and repairs.

In order to assure compatibility and interchangeability among pieces, the connecting components of the system must meet the form, fit and function of the system already being utilized.

Since the District currently maintains stock of the Hollaender material, converting or transitioning to a different style guardrail system and ancillary fitting components would cause an unjustifiable cost burden to the Operations Division and the District. The cost of re-engineering a design system that is presently in place and a potentially un-utilizing material already purchased and maintained is not advantageous to the Government.

Market Research: The Rock Island District awarded purchase order W912EK17P0156 in

September 2017 for handrail material to include, steel railing products, flanges and couplings.

The award was made to a small business concern who provided the District with Hollaender brand material and products. In order to utilize this guardrail system, compatible parts must be employed and only Hollaender brand components fit Hollender guardrail systems. The market b5ct9amf Highlight