NAS Ecuador - CT-30 CONTRABAND INSPECTION KITS (Densimeters & Fiberscopes)

The Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS - U.S. Embassy, Ecuador) has a requirement for the purchase of fifteen (15) portable devices for measuring molecular density, with a power source that allows for use without external hook-ups, remote display and a detection alarm. Additionally, the CT-30 Kit shall include (15) portable fiber-optic endoscopes with a battery power source, remote display and detection alarm. The system will be equipped to ensure optimum operation regardless of the climate and external conditions. This system will be used by Ecuadorian Police & Customs to inspect vehicles & containers for drugs, chemical substances, arms, ammunition, laundered money, and undeclared national and foreign currency at the country's borders. The NAS requires equipment that has been field tested by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (DHS/CBP) and that is presently in use by CBP, in order to facilitate tactical training. The K910B - Buster and Fiber-Optic Scopes combined form the single-unit CT-30 Kit. In addition to manufacturing, supplying and delivering the products, the Contractor will also provide a full 1-year warranty, parts and labor included. NAS ECUADOR - Densimeters & Fiberscopes (CT-30 Contraband Inspection Kit) Justification & Approval For Other Than Full & Open Competition It is recommended that the Department of State use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of fifteen (15) portable kits, including devices such as the Model K910B - Buster (for measuring molecular density) and Fiber-Optice Scopes. The CT-30 Kit's devices must be provided with a power source that allows for use without external hook-ups, remote display and a detection alarm. The system will be equipped to ensure optimum operation regardless of the climate and external conditions. Additionally, the system will be used by Ecuadorian Police & Customs to inspect vehicles/containers for radioactivity/WMD, drugs, chemical substances, arms, ammunition, laundered money, undeclared national and foreign currency, and human trafficking at the country's borders and ports. The estimated cost is $___ & entails a 1-year warranty, including parts & labor. Nature and/or description of the action being approved. To contract with the - only known source for the manufacture and supply, of the specific brand name products otherwise known as Densimeter Model K910B - Buster & Endoscopes Model FV-680, combined to form the CT-30 Team Contraband Inspection Kits. Additionally, the Commercial Item Purchase Order will contain provisions for the Contractor to provide an all parts & labor warranty for one year. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs. The Narcotics Affairs Section, American Embassy Ecuador is initiating this procurement under its US/Central American Security Initiative that targets such areas as narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and possession/transport of WMD's whether chemical or radiological. Commonality in tactical training & inspection processes have been established as requirements for each nation in fulfilling their duties under the aforementioned Agreement and the CT-30 Kits, particularly the K910B - Buster have been utilized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) since 1994. Accordingly, the CT-30 Kit, consisting of the K910B Model - Buster densimeter, is the only product that can meet the agency's needs. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 41 USC 253(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. A demonstration that the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited. The K910B dimensions (6'x 3'x 3), sensitivity, and accompanying density measurement table affords inspectors with a unique ease of handling and reference for ascertaining the presence of hidden contraband. Similar products available do not satisfy the size, sensitivity, nor density measurement features offered by the Only Known Source's product. Additionally, no other firm provides the K910B densimeter along with the Fiber-Optic Endoscopes in a single kit, as does the - only known source. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. Even though our research (including historical data from CBP, whose current contract with the only known sourcey was awarded after advertising for other sources and receiving none) resulted in this justification that there is only one responsible source who can satisfy the agency requirements, the Contracting Officer will advertise this procurement opportunity in Fed Biz Ops to seek additional competition. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. The Only Known Source has confirmed that it will offer Dept. of State/NAS the same pricing that it provides to its most favored customer, Customs and Border Protection under their contract. Pricing has been confirmed by CBP as significantly lower than pricing offered their commercial customers. Further, the - most favored customer status has been provided to the Department of State on a recent transaction for the same items in support of our NAS Office in Mexico City. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted. The only remaining market survey will be the Fed Biz Ops advertisement to determine if there are any recently-released products on the market that are equal to the CT-30 Kit. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. The only other known source offering a similar product, (as indicated by that source) is a foreign-made product that would require a source-origin waiver. The Known Source's product is U.S. manufactured and will require no such waiver. Additionally, recent reviews of the foreign-made product concluded with determinations that performance was not equal and the size requirement was not met. The foreign product essentially amounts to an - imitation of the Densimeter only and is not provided with the other essential tools that form the CT-30 Kit. No sources have expressed an interest in this acquisition nor the previous acquisition recently completed. The Regional Procurement Support Office will continue to post our requirements in Fed Biz Opps, to determine if other sources have entered the market. Certifications and Approvals withheld. JOFOC approved on 6/4/2008 @ appropriate level within the agency.