FIRE ALARM CODE COMPLIANCE UPGRADE

The Public Buildings Service, Rocky Mountain Region, proposes to contract the requirements described herein by means of other than full and open competition. Contracting by such means is authorized by FAR Subpart 6.3 and is supported by this justification prepared in accordance with FAR 6.303. 1. Contracting Activity. General Services Administration, Public Building Service, Region 8, Colorado Service Center, 1961 Stout Street, Suite 107, Denver, Colorado. 2. Description of Required Services: This justification authorizes and approves the issuance of a Firm Fixed Price contract to Meridian Fire and Security, LLC for the design and construction of Voice Evacuation Fire Alarm System for the U.S. Custom House in Denver, Colorado. This effort is covered under the Acquisition Plan 536953862 dated 04/02/2014. The total estimated dollar value of this requirement is $159,000. 3. Statutory Authority. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as cited in FAR 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." 4. Demonstration of Contractor's Unique Qualifications. Meridian Fire and Security, LLC, is the only qualified source to perform this effort because they designed and installed the existing system. Meridian is the current building standard fire alarm contractor. Meridian recently designed and installed the existing voice evacuation fire alarm system that currently exists in the building. As that project was a partial scope of work due to funding constraints, we now have a need to expand upon the existing system. Given the need for reliability and consistency throughout the entire fire alarm system, it would be impractical for any vendor, other than the building standard contractor, to modify the system currently in place. Meridian's familiarity with the system and building will help to ensure that the system is expanded properly and functions reliably in the event of an emergency. Additionally, since Meridian is able to complete design and construction turn-key, the government should recognize a cost savings as there will be no additional general contract markup 5. Actions Taken to Remove Competition Barriers and Solicit Offers from Other Sources. The agency tries to promote competition through market research, but this situation is unique in that the system was designed by Meridian and is the only source to modify their proprietary equipment. In the future, market research to purchase a COTS item that closely meets the Government's needs and only doing minor modifications would allow for full competition. 6. Determination that the Anticipated Cost/Price will be Fair and Reasonable. In accordance with FAR 15.402, the Contracting Officer shall ensure that all supplies and services ordered under the proposed contract are procured at a fair and reasonable price. The Contractor will submit a formal price proposal with cost or pricing data or sufficient information to support the accuracy and reliability of the estimate. Meridian Fire and Security, LLC's proposed cost will be reviewed by the program manager, contract specialist and others as warranted with unique pricing or technical expertise related to the requirement. The Contracting Officer will utilize an appropriate variety of price or cost analysis techniques and technical analysis to ensure negotiations of a fair and reasonable price. 7. Market Research, FedBizOpps Announcement, and Listing of Interested Sources. Notification of the contract action will be published on FedBizOpps in accordance with 6.302-1(d)(2).