Description
Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition Subject: Apparatus for an Isolated Rat and Mouse Heart. The following justification and approval is made regarding the procurement of one (1) Isolated Heart for Small Rodent (IH-SR) System for the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). This is a sole source procurement and competitive procedures will not be used. The format for this justification is from the FAR part 6.303-2 and presented in the format prescribed. 1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a "justification for other than full and open competition." Agency: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Activity: Contracting Officer (90C) Central Texas Veterans Health Care System 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive. Temple, Texas 76504 2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved. The contractor shall provide an Isolated Heart for Small Rodent (IH-SR) System to CTVHCS. The Contracting Officer intends to award this procurement to Harvard Apparatus. 3. A description of the supplies or services required in order to meet the agencies needs (including the estimated value). The procurement of an apparatus, Isolated Rodent - Small Heart, to work on retrograde perfusion under constant pressure or constant flow conditions with extension cell isolation. This apparatus provides the Cardiovascular Research Institute necessary equipment to continue its work. This is being procured for the Cardiovascular Research Institute located at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 76504. The government estimates $32,470.00 to procure this apparatus. 4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. The statutory authority allowing use of other than full and open competition for this requirement is, 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1), only one responsible source. 5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited. The contractor, Harvard Apparatus, has provided similar equipment for other medical facilities. The system offers unique characteristics which the contractor has successfully integrated into its apparatus. Also the company possesses a proprietary positioning system for precise placement of measurement electrodes and probes. In the same experiment, the equipment utilizes a patented Adjustable Flow Resistor that allows for a one-step switch between constant-pressure and constant-flow perfusion in the same apparatus. The apparatus has the integrated ability to measure Left Ventricle Pressure (LVP) and Pressure-Volume. Additionally, the contractor has demonstrated reputable past performance. As a result, it was decided to be in the best interest of the government to acquire this apparatus from this contractor. 6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a CBD notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and if not, which exception under 5.202 applies. There will be no solicitations for other offorers. The equipment consists of a proprietary, patented apparatus to enable researchers to work on retrograde perfusion under constant pressure or constant flow conditions with extension cell isolation. 7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. This requirement is a sole source to Harvard Apparatus, a Small Business. The offorers proposed price will be determined fair and reasonable IAW FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)(ii) comparison of previously proposed prices and previous Government and commercial contract prices with current proposed prices for the same or similar items. 8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted. Market research was conducted utilizing the internet. The research was conducted through GSA identifying two vendors providing similar apparatuses, which would not satisfy the customers requirement. The Small Business Administration s Dynamic Small Business Search Engine was queried to identify any service disabled veteran owned and /or veteran owned small business entities utilizing NAICS code 334516. The result of this query produced 172 vendors none of which could provide the same or similar type apparatus, due to its proprietary nature. Therefore this procurement is being set aside for Harvard Apparatus, a Small Business. 9. Any other facts support the use of other than full and open competition. None 10. A listing of the sources, if any that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. None 11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. None for this procurement. 12. I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that this procurement action is made in good faith with regard for the public interest. _______________________________________________ _______________ Signature of Technical/Requirements Representative Date /s/ Research Service This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. ______________________________________________ _________________ /s/ Contracting Officer Date