Contracting Without Full and Open Competition
Justification and Approvals
(Reference FAR 13.106-1(b))

1. Agency: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Analytical Services and Quality Assurance, ESC, Fort Meade, Md. 20755-5350
Contracting Activity: Contracts Branch, Region III
Contractor: Gerstel, Inc.

2. Nature and/or description of the action:

This JOFOC is for purchase of a GERSTEL Automated Dynamic Headspace DHS for Chemical Warfare Agent analysis.

3. Description of the Supplies or Services:

GERSTEL Automated Dynamic Headspace DHS package includes:
Manual TDU Bundle for Agilent 7890 GC
Thermal Desorption Unit for CIS 4C
Maestro Software - TDU Bundle License
Supply kit for TDU/CIS 4C
GERSTEL ATEX-TDU Bundle Cooling Option 1Consists of:
LN2 cooling for CIS 4C with C506 controller
Universal Peltier Cooling for TDU
LN2 Dewar Adapter
GERSTEL Automatic Tube Exchange (ATEX) Option for GERSTEL MPS 2
Dynamic Headspace Option for MPS 2. Allows packed TDU tubes to be used for automated dynamic headspace extraction.
TDU tubes packed with Tenax TA, Conditioned, Package.
Software must integrate with existing LECO Pegasus® HT TOFMS instrument and the ChromaTOF® operation software.
GERSTEL Twister License
MPS or TDS/TDU Maintenance & Applications Training Course
Installation/Shipping

4. Authority:

Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. 41 USC 253(c1).

5. Describe how the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

This equipment/technology will be used to analyze for Chemical Warfare Agents. In an on-going development of analytical methods for Chemical Warfare Agent analysis this technology will aid us in increasing sample throughput. Gerstel is the only manufacturer of this technology that will work with our current Gerstel MPS prep-station operated by the Maestro auto-sampler control software. Gerstel's Maestro software is designed to integrate seamlessly with our current instrumentation, LECO Pegasus® HT TOFMS instrument and the ChromaTOF® operation software. The combination of these two technologies will enable our laboratory to increase sample throughput.

In summary, purchasing the Gerstel Automated Dynamic Headspace DHS will increase the productivity and efficiency for our lab, which therefore represents the best value for the government.

6. Describe the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable:

Gerstel is the only manufacturer of this technology that will work with our current Gerstel MPS prep-station operated by the Maestro auto-sampler control software. There is another Dynamic Headspace unit but this unit uses technology that would not be inter-changeable with our Gerstel MPS prep-station and LECO Pegasus® HT TOFMS instrument. Also it is a complete auto-sampler which would not allow us to use the current Gerstel MPS prep-station causing the loss of liquid injection into the LECO Pegasus® HT TOFMS instrument which is its primary form of sample injection.

7. Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10).
No market research was compiled due to the special nature of the task that this equipment is intended to do. Explanation is given in question number 6.

8. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

The Gerstel sales and services office is located in Maryland very close to our lab so repair calls should be quick. Gerstel also has 24/7 help lines for any software/hardware issues free of charge, even after the warranty period has expired. Extended service contracts or per call services are available if needed.

9. List sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. If no sources expressed an interest in writing, indicate such.

No sources have expressed an interest in writing.