This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation, Notice of Intent. The Midwest Area for the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture intends to issue an award to Campbell Scientific, Inc., 815 West 1800, Logan, UT 84321. This is a sole source procurement under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This is a requirement of the Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit (CSWQRU), MWA, USDA at Columbia, Missouri for an Eddy Flux Tower and associated equipment. These towers are standardized across a number of sites in the Long-Term Agro-ecosystem Research (LTAR) network. The Eddy Flux Tower is only available through Campbell Scientific, Inc. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Interested parties should submit written (mail or email) responses including prices and technical data sufficient to determine capability to meet the entire requirement and must be received in this office within 10 calendar days after publication of this notice. It should be noted that no contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but will be used to determine if a comparable source more advantageous to the Government is available. If no affirmative written responses are received, negotiations will be held with Campbell Scientific, Inc. without further notice. This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION: Upon the basis of the following justification, I, as Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of other than full and open competition for the proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. JUSTIFICATION 1. Agency and Contracting Activity (FAR 6.303-2(a)(1)). USDA, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, Midwest Area, Columbia, MO location. 2. Nature/Description of Action(s) (FAR 6.303-2(a)(2)). a. This contracting action is to obtain an Eddy Flux Tower to be used for research purposes. 3. Description of Supplies/Services (FAR 6.303-2(a)(3)). The requirement is to purchase a complete Eddy Flux Tower, which is a highly specialized assembly of sophisticated instrumentation and control equipment. 4. Identification of Statutory Authority (FAR 6.303-2(a)(4)). 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1. The supplies required by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of supplies will satisfy the Agency requirements. 5. Demonstration of Contractor=s Unique Qualifications (FAR 6.303-2(a)(5)). a. Only one responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will satisfy Agency Requirements (FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)) (1) FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) states, AWhen the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, or for DOD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, from only one or a limited number of responsible sources, and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for.@ (2) The requirement is to purchase a complete Eddy Flux Tower, which is a highly specialized assembly of sophisticated instrumentation and control equipment. The Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit in Columbia, Missouri operates the Central Mississippi River Basin (CMRB) site in the ARS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network. The LTAR network is comprised of eighteen research sites across the United States, and it is necessary that all sites have common instrumentation for climate data collection so that data from all are compatible. Several of the sites have in place flux towers designed for agricultural fields. The Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Office of National Programs (ONP) has directed that all sites, including the CMRB LTAR, also install Eddy Flux Towers and has provided funds for this purpose. While some sites have legacy equipment configured with other suppliers, ONP has strongly encouraged that sites purchasing new equipment conform to this design and equipment. 6. Federal Business Opportunities B FedBizOpps.gov (FBO) Announcement/Potential Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a)(6). a. A Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) synopsis is published in an attempt to identify other possible vendors of the required consumable. b. USDA/ARS does not anticipate other qualified sources; however, should any responses be received, they will be evaluated to determine if they can meet future needs of the Government. 7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (FAR 6.303-2(a)(7). After a thorough web search, no other suppliers were located that could supply this consumable. 8. Description of Market Research (FAR6.303-2 (a)(8)). Market research was done by a multi-location team of ARS scientists knowledgeable about this specific instrumentation in this very narrow field. ONP has strongly encouraged that sites purchasing new equipment conform to this design and equipment. 9. Any Other Supporting Facts (FAR 6.303-2(a)(9)) Due to the nature of the item needed to perform the research, at this time there is only one source available. 10. Listing of Interested Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a) No other sources are available at this time. 11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition (FAR 6.303(a)(11)). Vendor surveys are done from time to time to see if other existing items can meet the research requirements. 12. Technical Requirements and Certifications; (FAR 6.303-1(b) and FAR 6.303-2(b) I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and which form a basis for this justification are complete and accurate. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: (FAR 6.303-1(A), 6.303-2(A)(12) I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Name: Karen L. Reddick Title: Contracting Officer
