Urgent Single Source - Domestic Water Line Repair

Urgent Broken Domestic Water Line Repair, Bozeman Fish Technology Center

The United States Fish and Wildlife has awarded a firm-fixed-price, purchase order on a sole-source basis to SIME CONSTRUCTION INC, to fix a broken domestic water line that is currently disrupting essential facility operations at Bozeman Fish Technology Center. The failure presents an immediate risk to health, safety, and mission readiness. Immediate repair is required to restore potable water service, maintain safe occupancy conditions, and prevent further infrastructure damage. The Government only negotiated with one (1) source under the authority of FAR subpart 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

Based on the unusual and compelling urgency of the requirement, this action was sole sourced and competitive procurement procedures were limited in order to minimize operational disruption and restore essential water service as quickly as possible. The contractor selected was determined to be available to start work immediately within 3 days and capable of completing the required repairs within the necessary timeframe. This procurement's associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 237990 Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction $45 million and the Product Service Code (PSC) is Z2AA REPAIR OR ALTERATION OF OFFICE BUILDINGS.

Background of Urgent Need: The requiring activity has identified a broken domestic water line that is currently disrupting essential facility operations. The failure presents an immediate risk to health, safety, and mission readiness. Immediate repair is required to restore potable water service, maintain safe occupancy conditions, and prevent further infrastructure damage.

Urgency and Impact if Not Awarded Immediately: Delay in repairing the damaged water line will result in continued water service interruption, potential facility closures, sanitation concerns, and increased repair costs due to escalating system damage. Under FAR 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency exists because:
1.) The Government would be seriously injured if the repair is delayed.
2.) The requirement cannot be met through normal competition timelines.

Given the emergency nature of the repair, the acquisition strategy to single source prioritizes rapid execution, minimal administrative burden, and ensuring contractor capability. A streamlined procurement approach to single source is consistent with urgent and compelling circumstances.

Exception to Full and Open Competition (FAR Part 6): This action is a single-source award under FAR 6.302-2, Unusual and Compelling Urgency, which permits limiting sources when the Government does not have the time to follow full competitive procedures, and delay would result in unacceptable harm. Under emergency conditions, a direct award to a qualified small business is appropriate and compliant with FAR 19.502-2(b), given the contractor (SIME Construction Inc) known technical capability and immediate availability. A Justification & Approval (J&A) was prepared and hereby posted and attached in accordance with FAR 6.305.