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JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION 1. FAR 6.303-2(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: Department of the InteriorContracting Activity: NBC, Acquisition Services Division, Boise Branch 2. FAR 6.303-2(2) NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING APPROVED. FAR 6.302-1(c) Justification and Approval for procurement - only one source reasonably available (FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) 3. FAR 6.303-2(3) A DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE AGENCY'S NEEDS (INCLUDING THE ESTIMATED VALUE). 55 each - Breakout Harness Sets for Migratory Bird Survey System - to be used as standardized equipment on Kodiak 100 model aircraft, manufactured by Quest Aircraft Company LLC TOTAL $71,170.00 4. FAR 6.303-2(4) AN IDENTIFICATION OF THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION. Citation: 41 U.S.C. 253(c) - This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of: FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source 5. FAR 6.303-2(5) A DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR'S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR THE NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED. In using aircraft to perform migratory bird surveys, Survey Pilots and Observers need to be able to observe bird habitat and movement and to simultaneously record observation data in multiple fields, including visual observation data, voice recordings, and GPS position locations at times of observation. Observers also need the ability to instantly playback audio recordings through aircraft intercom system. An aviation-PC interface box is required to allow the aircraft and PC to work together to share data and to provide continuous power to the PC. A wiring harness is required to bundle the wires together for safety and for efficiency in connecting aircraft to PC. System used must be lightweight because of stringent aircraft weight requirements. System used must use aircraft avionics system because aircraft instrument panel space is limited and does not allow space required for installation of a separate survey recording system. Because the pilot must always maintain aircraft communications, the aircraft audio system must be able to convert aviation audio to PC audio through an interfaced convertor system. Aircraft GPS position needs a PC interface so that survey GPS position can be recorded for survey data. Because there is little or no demand for the Breakout Harness Sets Interface system outside of those required by the Migratory Bird program, the Government has been unable to identify any other commercial off-the-shelf product available for purchase. Use of system identified has been reviewed and approved by the Program Manager. Technical data required to manufacture system required is not available to permit full and open competition. To identify, develop, and test technical data to provide to potential offerors in an effort to promote full and open competition would incur an overall estimated additional cost of $25,000 - $50,000 and there is no guarantee that specifications developed would result in a workable system. The specification data presently available reflects the minimum needs of the Government. 6. FAR 6.303-2(6) A DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS IS PRACTICABLE, INCLUDING WHETHER A NOTICE WAS OR WILL BE PUBLICIZED AS REQUIRED BY SUBPART 5.2 AND, IF NOT, WHICH EXCEPTION UNDER 5.202 APPLIES. The proposed contract was/will be synopsized in the FedBizOpps website for government-wide point of entry. 7. FAR 6.303-2(7) A DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE. The contracting officer determines that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. 8. FAR 6.303-2(8) A DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE RESULTS OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASON MARKET RESEARCH WAS NOT CONDUCTED. As new technology has been developed and become available, the migratory bird program has used systems developed for different aircraft on an individual basis by program personnel with assistance from commercial avionics technicians. Because there has been no standardization and the harness functionality is different from aircraft to aircraft, it has made it difficult and expensive to (1) train observers, (2) troubleshoot problems, and (3) maintain existing harnesses. The Government has purchased and successfully tested harnesses manufactured by JD Claridge Design. Government personnel have contacted aircraft avionics facilities and aerospace engineering firms about developing engineering specifications for aircraft breakout harnesses. Specifications could be developed; cost is estimated at $25,000 - $50,000 and there is no guarantee that specifications developed would result in a workable system. /s/ APPROVAL SIGNATURESRequisitioner 3/1/11Contracting Officer 3/1/11