B--IGF::OT::IGFStudies and Analyses of Compositional Dependence of Glass Corrosio

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AUTHORITY: 41 U.S.C. 253(C)(1) ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE CONTRACT NO.DE-EM0002904 ? WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY 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.? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of River Protection (ORP) plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document provides the justification and approval of the use of one of the exceptions to full and open competition allowed under the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 (CICA) and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.3 ? Other Than Full and Open Competition. 2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved. DOE ORP intends to award a contract to Washington State University (WSU), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Post Office Box 642920, Pullman, WA 99164-2920. 3. The description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs (including the contract value). The negotiated contract value is $599,998, and the period of performance is January 14, 2014 ? December 31, 2017. The purpose of the contract is to obtain the specific services of Professor John McCloy, employed by WSU in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, for the conduct of research to systematically explore nepheline crystallization and chemical durability with simplified glass systems, starting with various Na2O-SiO2-Al2O3 compositions in the current year, then building complexity over the next several years to add several other important components, such as CaO, B2O3, Li2O, and Fe2O3. By this tiered approach we will build on the understanding of the effects of the different components on the susceptibility to nepheline formation. The work involves glass-melting, thermal treatments, structural characterization of the crystalline and glas sy phases, and chemical durability assessments. Throughout these efforts, Professor McCloy and his students will work closely with the Glass Team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to share results, techniques, and interpretations and to avoid duplication of efforts. Interactions with PNNL will include teleconferences and periodic site visits. The work is needed to support projections of High Level Waste (HLW) and Low Activity Waste (LAW) glass production in the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) to support finalization of the WTP HLW Vitrification facility design. During the last few years, the WTP reported the projection of a need to incorporate an additional 30,000 metric tons of caustic. This addition was to dissolve the aluminum salts so as to allow them to be partitioned to the LAW facility for treatment. This proposed partitioning to the flow sheet was directly tied to the then state of understanding of processing of aluminum in HLW glass formulations. Th e formation of nepheline (NaAlSiO4) is a fundamental impediment to the successful adoption of high alumina + soda glass formulations for the WTP. Successful qualification of even a fraction of these projected high alumina waste streams at high waste loading in glass represents millions of dollars of cost savings to the government from reduced canister count and processing time. Nepheline formation removes glass-formers from the melt during canister cooling and can result in large fractions of crystallization (>50 volume %) and concomitant reductions in chemical durability and risk of radionuclide release into the environment. The effects of glass composition on nepheline crystallization and resultant chemical durability are poorly understood. 4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) ? Only one responsible source exists and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. [FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)] 5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor?s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited. Professor John McCloy has been involved over the last 6 years with the research for HLW glass technology aimed at waste treatment at Hanford. Aside from his deep understanding of the principles of our vitrification process, he has researched and published numerous scholarly articles in the area of glass chemistry for the WTP. The work completed by Professor McCloy while funded by ORP at his former place of employment, was extensive and world-recognized in fundamental materials science and glass chemistry. In his new position Professor McCloy will have all the familiarity with the WTP design requirements, design limitations, Hanford tank waste compositions and the technical challenges that face DOE as owner/operator of the of the WTP. As such, WSU (Professor McCloy?s employer) is the only source capable of dealing with the technical issues and challenges facing the DOE within the required time. Based on Professor McCloy?s prior work with Hanford, WSU is the only instituti on that currently has the necessary demonstrated capability in terms of glass research and operations to continue these services without disruption to the Hanford mission. Professor McCloy is uniquely positioned as a researcher and mentor possessing the required skills for performing this critical evaluation. 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. Due to the unique nature of this requirement as described above, DOE ORP does not know of, and has not solicited other sources. 7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable and a determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. Based on detailed technical and cost evaluations, the contract price is determined by the Contracting Officer to be fair and reasonable. 8. A description of the market research conducted (see Part 10) and the results, or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted. Subject Matter Expertise in the area of glass formulation and science is highly specialized and the practitioners worldwide are known by members of the glass science and engineering community. Finding a scientist who is accomplished, recognized, knows the Hanford project, and is able to maintain the continuity of the existing domain of research reduces the possible market to Professor McCloy. Hence, Professor McCloy possesses all the desired expertise and an expressed willingness to continue assisting our effort. 9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. Professor McCloy?s services would avoid a costly learning process for anyone else. The number of researchers is limited to a ?handful? and Professor McCloy is among them. There are suitable possibilities in Europe, but their participation would greatly increase the cost without adding any additional level of expertise. Professor McCloy?s reputation in the area of glass research is unique. 10. A listing of any sources that expressed a written interest in the acquisition. A notice of intent to award a sole source contract was synopsized in FEDBIZOPPS from October 23, 2013 through November 7, 2013 as required by FAR Part 5 Publicizing Contract Actions. There were no expressions of interest, questions, or requests for information resulting from the notice. 11. A statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition, if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated. ORP will invite potential sources who may express interest in any subsequent requirements to submit statements of capability for review and consideration to determine if they could potentially fill similar requirements in the future. CERTIFICATIONS: I certify that the supporting data which forms the basis for this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. [Program Official Signature On File] I certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. [Contracting Officer Signature On File] I certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. [Competition Advocate Signature On File]