Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition Acquisition of Alarm System Service and Maintenance

Description of Action: To issue a firm-fixed-price services contract under FAR 13.5 procedures, for alarm service and maintenance at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, MI. The monitoring and service work including needed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and supplies are to be on a sole-source basis using the authority cited in this justification. 
Description of Supplies / Services: The existing alarm system is necessary for building and personnel security. Continuous monitoring and maintenance is critical to the system maintaining the integrity of the security posture at the building. Any faults in equipment will be repaired/replaced in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement.
Authority Cited: FAR 13.501, which requires preparation of sole source (including brand name) justifications using the format at FAR 6.303-2, modified to reflect an acquisition under the authority of the test program for commercial items. The specific FAR exception to full and open competition under the circumstances is FAR 6.302-1(b).
Reason for Authority Cited: The DLA Disposition Services Battle Creek, MI, currently has an alarm system that requires maintenance and monitoring throughout the operation of its performance. The incumbent has proprietary rights to the software and hardware and is the only source to provide enhancements, upgrades, and technical support. Please refer to the attached supporting rationale from the Program Office on the justified need for sole source acquisition.
Efforts to Obtain Competition: In accordance with FAR 5.202, this justification will be synopsized in FEDBIZOPS and should any indications of acceptable additional sources surface, the proposed sole-source action can be revisited for any future needs. Web-based research does show potential dealers of alarm systems, but it is not expected that they have the technical expertise, including engineering design and other Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) considerations to accomplish the software and hardware requirements, including but not limited to the various system upgrades required.
Price / Cost Considerations: Price analysis techniques will be used to determine the fair and reasonableness of the prices prior to contract(s) award.
Market Research: In addition to the market research conducted by the Program Office as summarized above, and the J&A for this action being publicized, the Contracting Officer utilized suitable search methods (i.e. GSA Advantage) to try to identify additional sources. Potential dealers are evident, but are not believed to be viable sources for the unique needs required. So no other sources for the specific capabilities required under this action are known to exist.
SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE
SEE FAR 2.101 AND 3.104
Actions Being Taken to Overcome Barriers to Competition: Actions have been significant as described above, and this is open to any other measures that can be identified for future actions. More fully being able to overcome barriers in this case would involve channels beyond the current buying and Program Offices, such as use of completely different equipment to provide alarm system security at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center. A completely new system and company could result in a lapse of the alarm service necessities and the security of the facility.

 

Awarded contract SP4510-20-A-0007 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2020-09-29.