Fire Alarm System Services, FAR Clause 52.217-8 Justification

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to issue a sole source contract modification in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 to extend contract 1333ND19PNB150698 for a 6-month performance period from September 11, 2024 through March 10, 2025. The current contract provides inspection, testing, and maintenance services of the fire alarm system at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus located in Gaithersburg, Maryland and will expire on September 10, 2024. The services are in the process of being solicited in a new procurement, 1333ND24QNB190377, but the solicitation package review process is taking longer than anticipated.

FAR Clause 52.217-8 was incorporated in contract 1333ND19PNB150698 at the time of award, but pricing was evaluated at the time of award as required by GAO decisions. Therefore, a sole source justification and synopsis is required. Description of work to be performed: The services include:

Inspection, testing, and maintenance of the Simplex Fire Alarm system per NFPA 72. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of the Aspirating Smoke Detection systems per NFPA Inspection, testing, and maintenance of the Fire Suppression systems (including wet, dry, and pre-action) per NFPA 25. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of the Fire Pumps per NFPA 25. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of the Clean Agent systems per NFPA 2001. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of the Carbon Dioxide systems per NPFA 12. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of Explosion Prevention and Control systems per NFPA68 and NFPA 69. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of Commercial Cooking Suppression systems per NFPA 96. Emergency repair and troubleshooting services.

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.” This extension is issued to facilitate continuation of services. A lapse in service will have a detrimental effect on the ability of NIST personnel to work in a safe environment or effectively act in emergency situations, putting lives in danger.

This extension will provide services without disruption of the campus by a firm that is familiar with the equipment and hold current, active security clearances. Optimum Low Voltage, LLC (NXPMTAX99YZ7) of Wilmington, North Carolina is the incumbent and has been providing these services since 2019 and is fully capable of continuing to perform for the additional 6-month performance period. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, as no solicitation will be issued.

However, if a firm believes it can meet these requirements within the prescribed time frame required, it may give notification via email to Tony Schmidt, Contracting Officer, at tony.schmidt@nist.gov no later than September 9, 3:30pm, EST. The Government will review all responses; whether or not the Government initially determines that another firm is qualified to fulfill the requirements. Interested parties are advised to respond to the upcoming solicitation 1333ND24QNB190377.