GPR Palm Atenna

Please see attached J&A for further Details Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs. one (1) each 2.0 GHz Palm Antenna, one (1) Single- channel GPR Data Acquisition system and one (1) Model 51600S 1.6 GHz Antenna directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) The rational or circumstances for limiting competition.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Michigan State Office Soil Specialists are tasked with analysis and maintenance of soil health throughout the state. Because soil health cannot be accurately measured by only crop yield, water quality, or any other single outcome, specialists must evaluate other indicators. Indicators are measurable properties of soil or plants that provide clues about how well the soil can function.

Measurable indicators such as physical, chemical, and biological properties require the use of highly technical analysis equipment. The GSSI products listed above are required to be compatible with our existing GSSI GPR system that include RADAN 7 software, 200 MHz antennae, 400 MHz antennae, and 900 MHz antennae.

The existing system has been in operation since August 2019, the software and antennas are not compatible with competitors’ systems and NRCS staff have received specialized training to specifically operate the existing GSSI GPR system. . Similar devices do exist; however, only product provided by GSSI are compatible with the existing system. GSSI informed the USDA that GSSI does not use authorized resellers and that the all equipment is proprietary to GSSI