Notice of Intent to Single Source - Water Softener

Harsh water conditions have caused certain water-based equipment to calcify and become inoperable. EcoLab already has maintenance agreements for most of the equipment in the DFACs. We purchase all the chemicals used in the DFACs, including the cleaning supplies and dishwashing materials, through them. They maintain the dishwashers and the water filters and because the water softener ties directly into the dishwasher, we need to continue using EcoLab to ensure compatibility with the chemicals already being used. Additionally, EcoLab is already trained on how to properly maintain the equipment and we don’t have the manpower to train a new vendor. 

Due to the established and mandated use of Ecolab water treatment systems, including water softeners, across all DFACs within Cannon AFB, a sole source procurement of a replacement Ecolab CP-210 is justified; no formal market research was conducted as maintaining seamless system integration, chemical compatibility, consistent performance, regulatory compliance, staff expertise, and continuity of service within the existing Ecolab framework is paramount to ensuring food safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, while avoiding the risks, expenses, and potential disruptions associated with introducing a non-compatible system, thereby rendering a competitive procurement unfeasible.