J and A - BEST Key and Key Cores - Redacted (1).pdf

Control No: 23-02

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

BEST Keys & Key Cores Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC), Gen. Greene Ave.

Natick, MA

W912WJ24B0012

1. Contracting Agency:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New England District (NAE), 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742.

2. Description of Action:

This Justification and Approval (J&A) supports the use of brand name components in an upcoming construction project. The Government will not purchase the components directly, but rather will require that bidders use brand name items for key and cores as part of bids submitted in response to a design-bid-build solicitation that will lead to the award of a new firm-fixed-price (FFP) design-bid-build construction contract. This project is for the Construction of an Unaccompanied Enlisted Housing and Administrative Facility, Building 15 South Wing, located at the Natick Soldier System Center (NSSC), General Greene Ave., Natick, MA. The funding for this acquisition will be Military Construction (MILCON). The construction contract for the new Building 15 South Wing will be a firm-fixed price, Invitation for Bid (IFB) procurement in accordance with FAR Part 14.

3. Description of Supplies/Services:

The requirement for this project is to use �BEST� Keys and Key Cores, which are used throughout the Natick Soldiers System Center. The estimated cost to furnish and install the requested brand-name requirements for the Building 15 South Wing at the NSSC is estimated in

This contract is expected to be awarded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 with construction completed in FY 2026.

4. Authority Cited

10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(c), Application for Brand Name Descriptions. In accordance with FAR 6.302-1(c), the Contracting Officer will specify that all offerors be required to procure only the cited brand name product.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

a. Background. The use of "BEST" keys and key cores has been an integral part of the Natick

Soldier System campus for many years. Currently, all existing buildings are equipped with the "BEST" key and core system, which has proven to be effective in safeguarding facilities and assets. The �BEST� system allows all cylinders to be operated with the highest level key such as a master, grand master, or great grand master. Along with being operated by the highest level key cylinders, they can also be operated by their individual change key that will only operate certain cylinders. Key control ensures that only authorized personnel have access to specific areas which enhances security across the campus.

b. Justification. The existing campus infrastructure and access systems are designed to work seamlessly with the "BEST" key and core system. In order for the cylinders to be operated by one master key they must be the same manufacturer and keyway as the existing key system. If the building were to use a different manufacturer�s cylinders, keying for this building would be outside of the current existing key system and would make the cylinders and keys incompatible with the existing system. The continued use of "BEST" keys and key cores ensures compatibility and integration with current security requirements, which reduces the need for costly multi-systems, upgrades, or replacements. Having multi-systems would require having two different key systems, one for all existing and one for the new cores. As stated above, the systems would not be compatible with each other so there would be multiple master key systems that are not affiliated.

c. Alternatives. Switching to a different key and core system would incur significant costs in terms of purchasing new hardware, rekeying replacement locks, and retraining staff. If the Government replaced cylinders only on existing doors, it would cost around per door.

If the lock and cylinder required replacement, it would cost approx. per door depending on brand, required function, etc. While some key systems may be slightly less expensive up front, the long-term costs, including rekeying and maintenance, would outweigh the initial savings. Moreover, these alternatives may not offer the same level of compatibility with the existing infrastructure. Another alternative considered was developing an in-house keying system. However, this approach would require significant investment in personnel, technology, and resources, which would not be cost-effective when compared to the "BEST" system.

d. Impact. Diverting from the existing system to a different system would necessitate extensive retraining (on how to cut keys and pin the cylinders), leading to potential security vulnerabilities during the transition period. If the J&A is not approved and a different key and key core system was implemented for the new Building 15 Barracks project, the new system may result in security vulnerabilities, leading to unauthorized access and potential breaches. The initial investment required for adopting a new system, coupled with ongoing maintenance and rekeying expenses, would place a substantial burden on our budget.

Extensive retraining and adaptation to a new system could disrupt our current workforce, leading to decreased operational efficiency for the new adaptation. Without a full integrated and operational key and core system, the new barracks Building 15 would require added costs associated with maintaining and training for two separate systems. If the entire campus has one key and core system that can be serviced by the existing personal, the risk of failure is greatly reduced and the campus can maintain its current level of security.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

The intent to sole source the brand name product was published as required by FAR 5.201 on the Government�s System for Award Management website SAM.gov. No responses were received. As stated in paragraph 5 above, the �BEST� key & key core system is the only vendor available to ensure compatibility and interoperability with the existing access control system on the Natick Soldier System Center campus. The brand name justification and approval will be posted with the solicitation.

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

This J&A is for a brand name product to be supplied in the construction of the Unaccompanied Enlisted Housing and Administrative Facility, Building 15 South Wing. If another potential source emerges, the government will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible. In accordance with FAR Part 14, this procurement is planned to be competed as an unrestricted Invitation for Bid (IFB). The �BEST� key & Core System is available on the open market for purchase by all bidders.

8. Market Research:

A Notice of Intent (NOI) to determine sources for this system was synopsized on October,13 2023.

The NOI was published for the required 15 days on the Federal Business Opportunities website.

There were no responses to the NOI.

The Government�s Door Hardware Consultant (Studio 08 Consultant) consulted with the industry on the applicability of other key & key core system�s compa bility and interoperability with the exis ng access control system on April 01, 2024. Stanley technical support conrmed a compe tor�s cylinders and cores cannot be keyed into an exis ng �BEST� key & key core system.

For new cylinders to be keyed into the exis ng �BEST� key & key core system they must match the exis ng �BEST� cylinders and keyway.

On April 16,2024, Studio 08 Consultant, a hardware expert on �BEST� key & key core system provided input to determine sources for this system. If it turns out the exis ng keyway is not a patented (exclusive �BEST�) system, it may be possible for another brand to provide cylinders.

However, in a vast majority of cases, �BEST� maintains the keying records and a list of all key combina ons and key references (bi ngs) for each facility. If a di erent supplier, then adds to the exis ng �BEST� keying system, �BEST� will have no records of this. This could complicate ma ers on future projects.

9. Interested Sources:

There were no responses to the NOI posting. To date, no other sources have written to express an interest.

10.Other Facts:

None.

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.

Name: Caroline Scorzelli Title: Technical Lead Signature:

12.Requirements 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.

Name: Mark Anderson Title: Project Manager Signature:

SCORZELLI.CAROLINE.ANNE.1603572340

Digitally signed by

SCORZELLI.CAROLINE.ANNE.1603572340

DN: CN=SCORZELLI.CAROLINE.ANNE.1603572340,

OU=USA, OU=PKI, OU=DoD, O=U.S. Government, C=US Date: 2024.05.02 10:00:49-04'00'

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination:

I hereby determine that the anticipated price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. Reasonableness will be determined using price analysis techniques. Per FAR 15.406-2, a Certificate of Current Cost and Pricing Data may be obtained but may be waived depending on the level of competition for the contract.

Name: Erin E. Bradley Title: Contracting Officer Signature:

14. Contracting Officer Certification:

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

Name: Erin E. Bradley Title: Contracting Officer Signature:

15. Approval:

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the brand name requirement for the Hirsch access control systems on any other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), subject to availability of funds, and provided the products herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Erin E. Bradley Contracting Officer New England District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers