Final JA - Simplex Grinell Fire Alarm System WPAFB F20071_Redacted.pdf

LRL-FY25-17

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Louisville District, Post Office Box 59, Louisville, Kentucky 40201-0059.

2. Description of Action: This justification and approval (J&A) is being prepared for the use of a brand name item, SimplexGrinnell fire alarm system equipment, in the firm-fixed-price construction contract for Renovate Materials Analysis Lab F/20071 project at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio. The government will not purchase the SimplexGrinnell equipment directly, but rather brand name specifications will be included in the design-bid-build solicitation that will lead to a new firm-fixed-price (FFP) construction contract. The construction contract is planned to be funded by the Air Force using FY24 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: The fire alarm system equipment will provide a complete control panel fully enclosed in a lockable steel cabinet which must be compatible with and integrated within the existing fire alarm system at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). The fire alarm system is manufactured by SimplexGrinnell, Westminster, Massachusetts. The estimated total cost in materials for the equipment is approximately

4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority permitting sole sourcing for this acquisition is 10

United States Code 3204(a)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2), “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.” The authority is applicable to brand name justifications in accordance with FAR 6.302-1(c)(1).

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

a) Background: The existing WPAFB facilities fire alarm system is a SimplexGrinnell system (Simplex model 4100ES Fire Alarm Control panel), which is a proprietary system. The Renovate Materials Analysis Lab F/20071 is designed for selective demolition, salvage and reinstallation of the existing fire alarm/mass notification system to facilitate the new construction in Stands 6/7 and Stands 1/2. The renovations are comprised of systems such as fire alarm, fire suppression, and intrusion detection that must be coordinated to ensure the facility and the users are protected by code-compliant systems. Ohio requires integration of the fire alarm system with the existing WPAFB fire alarm system. Per specification section 28 31 76 para. 2.3, each control unit shall provide power, supervision, control, and logic for the entire system, utilizing solid state, modular components, internally mounted and arranged for easy access. All building security and alarm systems are a standard, uniform system throughout the entire facility. These systems utilize proprietary software to control and monitor each system and communicate with various components.

The fire alarm system must adhere to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 72 code, which mandates that the completed work must be a single UL listed system. The mixing of any components from alternate vendors with the existing SimplexGrinnell fire alarm system will result in a non-UL listed system.

b) Justification: SimplexGrinnell is the sole manufacturer of the existing equipment being utilized by WPAFB for their fire alarm system. In order for the system to remain in compliance with the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 72 code as an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed system, SimplexGrinnell equipment will need to be required for the project fire alarm system in order to integrate it with the existing WPAFB fire alarm system.

The SimplexGrinnell fire alarm control units are comprised of proprietary software and hardware. The SimplexGrinnell proprietary software is the intellectual property of SimplexGrinnell.

c) Impact: The use of any parts from any other manufacturer would be incompatible with the existing SimplexGrinnell system. The SimplexGrinnell system uses proprietary software, and the utilization of parts from other manufacturers will result in communication errors with the SimplexGrinnell system, making it inoperable. In addition, NFPA code mandates one operable system for a facility. Using an additional manufacturer would violate the NFPA code.

d) Alternatives: None viable to achieve a fully functioning system for the reasons noted above.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: Technical requirements of various manufacturers were reviewed for compatibility to the current fire alarm system at WPAFB; however, use of different equipment from what is currently being utilized would result in a non-UL system and would not meet the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 72 code.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: Apart from the complete replacement of the current fire alarm system in its entirety, competition will be limited. The capabilities of manufacturers will be reviewed on future actions to determine if the situation has changed.

8. Market Research: A technical review and evaluation was conducted of the fire alarm system requirements for the WPAFB facilities. As discussed in paragraph 6 above, only the SimplexGrinnell equipment will ensure seamless compatibility with the existing fire alarm system and compliance with the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 72 code.

A Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted 21 October 2024. To date, no other sources have written to express interest. If prior to issuance of the solicitation, responses are received expressing interest, the justification will be amended.

9. Interested Sources: A Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted 21 October 2024. To date, no other sources have written to express interest. If prior to issuance of the solicitation, responses are received expressing interest, the justification will be amended.

10. Other Factors: None

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

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12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the Justification and Approval, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that an anticipated cost for SimplexGrinnell equipment for the Renovate Materials Analysis Lab F/20071 project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio will be fair and reasonable based upon the estimate outlined in paragraph 3 and adequate competition among general contractors in the submission of their proposals. I recommend this approach to the prompt attainment of services for the upcoming construction project.

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14. Legal Review and Concurrence: I hereby determine that the information herein is legally sufficient, and I concur with the sole source procurement.

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

I hereby determine that an anticipated cost of the Simplex Grinnell equipment for the Renovate Materials Analysis Lab F/20071 project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio will be fair and reasonable based upon the estimate outlined in paragraph 3. At time of evaluating proposal price, the overall proposed price will be evaluated for fair and reasonableness. I recommend this approach to the prompt attainment of services for the upcoming construction.

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