Description
JOFOC Contracting Without Full and Open CompetitionJustification and ApprovalsReference FAR 13.106-1(b) 1. Agency: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Analytical Services and Quality Assurance, ESC, Fort Meade, Md. 20755-5350Contracting Activity: Contracts Branch, Region 3Requisition No.: PR-R3-10-00290 Contractor: Gerstel Inc., 410-247-5885 2. Nature and/or description of the action: Purchase of a Gas Chromatography (GC) with ECD and a Gerstel Autosampler 3. Description of the Supplies or Services: GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler XL (-xt Version) MPS 2 - xt mounting kit for Agilent 7890/6890 GC. (Includes remote start cable).GERSTEL Maestro Software Additional User License:Provides instrument control for all GERSTEL modules with sample preparation functions for single rail MPS and integration into Agilent ChemStation.GERSTEL Cryogenic Trap System (CTS 2) for single oven use with Agilent Technologies 6890/7890 GC (Stand-alone version):LN2 cryo-focusing to -150?CProgrammable heated re-injection rate of up to 720?C/min.Independent operation using GERSTEL C506 controllerNo GC heated zone requiredAutomatic start with GC runAutomatic LN2 shut-offChemStation integrated software control (requiresMaestro software)Complete compatibility with GERSTEL PrepStation software.LN2 Dewar Adapter: F-Gerstel 1/2" flare female to 3/8" male SS pipe thread.GERSTEL Twister License.MPS or TDS/TDU Maintenance & Applications Training Course.Installation.7890A Series GC for use with GERSTEL Solutions.Capillary S/Sl inlet with EPC.Micro Electron Capture Detector with EPC.Factory plumbing for quick installation.Oven exhaust deflector.Installation (44K).GC ChemStation PC Bundle 32-bit Includes GC ChemStation SW (G2070BA), CPU, Flat screen, DVD ROM/CD Writer, Printer, and Windows Software.Shipping. Additional Features: Software must be compatible and integrate with the Agilent Systems (including operating systems). Ability to easily control up to 4 separate MPS/GC Systems from one PC. Platform with an upgrade path for dynamic headspace concentration, SPE, dispersive dpx, thermal desorption, automated pyrolysis, filtration, weighing, multi-position evaporative concentration, stir-bar sorptive extraction (Twister),etc.,. Priority Sample interrupt to allow the user to introduce a priority sample within a sequence w/o stopping or reprogramming. 4. Authority: Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. FAR 13.106-1(b) 5. Describe how the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited: The laboratory currently has outdated GC equipment to perform PCB and pesticide analysis for Region III and needs to purchase new equipment to increase capacity and minimize downtime. This new equipment will be used in conjunction with the lab's other Gerstel autosampler to analyze pesticides and PCB's by EPA methods 508 and 608. Gerstel's system is based on a proprietary design: The operational software's uniqueness is demonstrated by its ability to integrate with the autosampler into Agilent's ChemStation software, allowing for "prep-ahead" or just-in-time injections as required by the Government's minimum requirements. In addition, Gerstel offers other Government requirements including enhanced features such as its upgradeable path to add a thermal desorber, SPE & filtration options, centrifugation and the capability of conversion into a HPLC autosampler. Purchasing GC/MS systems from other vendors would result in additional costs: The software is significantly different from existing Agilent software and would call for increased costs (i.e. separate maintenance agreements, the inability to share parts with the current instruments & training). Data is automatically uploaded from instruments to a LIMS system - This requires a specific protocol and would have to be developed anew for an instrument purchased from a different manufacturer, resulting in data entry and processing delays. In summary, purchasing the Gerstel System will have the most significant impact on increasing productivity and efficiency for the lab while saving the Government significant duplication costs. 6. Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10). Several companies, particularly those selling CTC CombiPAL Systems, were researched. This research indicated that Gerstel, when compared to other suppliers, had the following unique capabilities: Software that integrates into Agilent's ChemStation software, an upgradeable path to add a thermal desorber, SPE & filtration options, centrifugation and the ability to easily convert into a HPLC autosampler. 7. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. Chemists are already trained in utilizing this equipment. Therefore, as well as the savings realized thru interoperability of systems, administrative savings would be realized.