Intent to Award Sole Source Contract for annual equipment maintenance and full service repairs of 6 Rapiscan 627DV X-Ray Units in Carolina, Puerto Rico

USDA APHIS PPQ intends to issue a sole source award to Rapiscan Systems, Inc. for maintenance services for x-ray machines/systems. This is NOT a request for quotes or proposals. Questions or comments to this Notice of Intent should be directed to Contracting Officer, Kim Yen Tu, at [email protected] via e-mail only (no phone calls/voice mail messages regarding questions will not be accepted and will not receive a response). --------------------------------------------- Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition United States Department of Agriculture Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.3 1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity. USDA, APHIS, PPQ Carolina Plant Inspection Station 50 Jose Santana Ave. BLDG C-2 Warehouse #3 Carolina, PR 00979 2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved. This is a sole source justification to create a service and maintenance contract for Rapiscan brand X-Ray machines with Rapiscan Systems. Due to the circumstances described below, the APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Pre-Departure Program requires the following service to be acquired using a noncompetitive procurement in support of program mission requirements. 3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value). This item consists of a service and maintenance contract to support our x-ray machines located at the LMM International airport in PR. These are Rapiscan brand x-ray machines. No aftermarket service providers exist. These x-ray machines are part of our pre-departure operations in support of the quarantine stipulated within CFR 318.58. Rapiscan Systems is the sole manufacturer of their brand and the only service provider with technicians in Puerto Rico. Rapiscan Systems is the manufacturer of all our x-ray units. Their products are proprietary, and no aftermarket service provider exist. The estimated price of this requirement is $300,000 dollars for a base year plus four option years. 4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, titled "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." 5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority. These x-ray machines fundamental part of a large inspection program. USDA has a large investment in Rapiscan Systems products in our facility at a cost of more than half million dollars for the complete system, which include (6) x-ray machines. Because Rapiscan Systems has other clients like Homeland Security located at the LMM airport, they can provide expedited service 24/7 for any incident. Rapiscan Systems is the original manufacturer and service providers of these commercial units. USDA will have access to the top support and technical staff at Rapiscan Systems who developed, manufactured and support the actual products. Due to these elements, no other company is suitable to provide service or part given that Rapiscan Systems is a proprietary company with no third-party support as of today. By acquiring services directly from the manufacturer, we are ensuring the reliable service and certified OEM parts. 6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. There is no other company of providing replacement parts for Rapiscan Systems commercial units or first-hand technical support. Proprietary equipment with no other third-party providers available.