Brand Name Justification PPE and PAPRS (PR 48067)

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), - only one source [is] reasonably available which states that, - For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. (i) Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization). (ii) Where a single source is identified to provide a portion of a purchase because that portion of the purchase specifies a particular brand-name item, the documentation in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section only applies to the portion of the purchase requiring brand-name item. The documentation should state it is covering only the portion of the acquisition which is brand- name. What can this product/service do that other products/services cannot do? 3M brand name PAPRs are currently in use for the division and widely accepted as a reliable and effective means of respiratory protection within the high containment laboratory environment. This order will add to this PPE supply for use by inspectors and ensure compatibility of charging stations, battery packs, disposable hoods, airflow gauges. Interchanging of these critical components will lead to failures of the PAPRs when in use and disrupt the continuity of operations when inspectors are in the field.