Justification Sole Source Security Guard Booth

The Environmental Protection Agency's Cincinnati Procurement Operations Division has issued a Special Notice (JOFOC) for the sole source procurement of an 8'x8' security guard booth for the Hopson Road Gate Entrance at its Research Triangle Park, North Carolina campus. The procurement, valued at approximately $40,000, is classified under NAICS 332311 (Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing) and PSC 5410 (Prefabricated and Portable Buildings). This justification for other than full and open competition documents the EPA's determination to award the contract solely to Rizon Manufacturing, Inc., based on the vendor's unique ability to meet the agency's specific technical requirements. The notice was posted on November 18, 2025, and reflects the agency's urgent need to address security and operational deficiencies at the facility.

The procurement is driven by the critical need to replace a non-functional security booth that has compromised site access and employee safety, forcing all traffic through a single entry point and increasing security risks. The required booth specifications include steel construction with a 3' roof overhang, 120V climate control systems (air conditioning and heating), a quadplex receptacle, swing door, tempered glass windows, and 360-degree visibility. Prior to pursuing the sole source award, the EPA conducted extensive market research through a Sources Sought Request for Information on GSA eBuy and published a Synopsis on SAM.gov, which generated four vendor responses; however, the Contracting Officer's Representative determined that none of the alternative vendors could fully satisfy the agency's precise requirements regarding size, electrical infrastructure, HVAC capabilities, security features, and pricing. The contract includes a delivery timeline of 14-16 weeks following award. While this is a sole source procurement not open to general competition, interested vendors may monitor future EPA opportunities through SAM.gov and GSA eBuy for potential competitive solicitations.