05_WBR 1406.303-1_Template 1 JOTFOC_FAR 6 - 5-13-2021 Fully signed_1.pdf

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WBR 1406.303-1 Template 1 (11/2020)

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

In accordance with FAR 6.302 or FAR 13.501(a), the proposed contractual action is pursuant to the statutory authority identified in paragraph 4. This template is required for actions over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (unless the procurement is acquired as a limited source IAW FAR 8.405-6 or is an Exception to Fair Opportunity IAW FAR 16.505(b)(2)).

1. Agency and Contracting Activity (FAR 6.303-2(b)(1)).

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, Albuquerque Area Office, Acquisition Management Division

2. Nature/Description of Action (FAR 6.303-2(b)(2)).

This is a Firm-Fixed Price modification to extend the current contract by six-months using FY21 funds.

3. Description of Supplies/Services (FAR 6.303-2(b)(3)).

The Bureau of Reclamation, Albuquerque Area Office (AAO) has a need to extend an unpriced six-month option under contract R16PX00956 using clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services while a new contract is established. The contractor provides the following professional services and fulfills an ongoing existing Government need:

i. Program Management Services

ii. Science Coordination Services

iii. Reporting

iv. Document Management

v. Technical Support

vi. Administrative Support

A loss of continuity would result in duplicative costs and a delay in the objectives for the Collaborative Program.

The period of performance for the current contract ends on September 29, 2021. The 6-month extension would be for 6 months and start on September 30, 2021 through March 31, 2022. The estimated cost is $495,000, which is based on the existing for the final performance period of the existing contract.

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4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition (FAR 6.303- 2(b)(4)). (Check one)

Authority FAR Coverage Application ☒ 41 U.S.C. 1901 FAR 13.501 Only one responsible source using Simplified

Acquisition Procedures (above SAT but below $7M) ☐ 41 U.S.C. 1903 FAR 13.501 Special emergency procurement authority

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) FAR 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) FAR 6.302-1(c) Application for brand-name descriptions

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(2) FAR 6.302-2 Unusual and compelling urgency

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) FAR 6.302-3 Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental or research capability; or expert services

☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(4) FAR 6.302-4 International Agreement ☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(5) FAR 6.302-5 Authorized or required by statute ☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(6) FAR 6.302-6 National Security ☐ 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(7) FAR 6.302-7 Public Interest

5. Demonstration of Contractor’s Unique Qualifications (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)).

In accordance with FAR 13.501 and 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, paragraph (a)(2)(ii) authorizes sole source awards for follow-on contracts. The original contract R16PX00956 was competitively solicited and only one quote was received. Current market research has shown that there are still limited companies that are able to fulfill this requirement and the Government will need the six-month extension to further look for more competition.

The need for the 6-month Extension of Services is to ensure the program support services will continue to be supplied to the AAO while the follow-on acquisition is completed.

The Government has a need for continuity of operations with respect to the services rendered by the current contractor.

The proposed sole source extension of services is to be awarded via exercise of Option Clause 52.217-8, which was included as an unpriced option in contract R16PX00956 with Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc.

6. Description of efforts made to maximize competition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(6)).

The original contract was synopsized and competitively solicited in 2016 for a base and four option years. Only one quote was received in response to the solicitation. The clause 52.217-8 was included in the original contract for an extension of 6 months, but was not priced at the time of award, therefore the last option years pricing will be used. The Government’s requirement for these services has not changed and a follow-on contract will be issued; however, the Government requires extension of the option clause to provide adequate time to prepare and compete the next contract. Due to the unpriced

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(11/2020) nature of the extension, the Government has prepared this justification to document the needs for the extension to maximize competition on the next action as well as to provide adequate notice to potential offerors.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (FAR 6.303-2(b)(7)).

The Contracting Officer anticipates the costs will be determined fair and reasonable using the limits and at the rates specified in the contract and FAR price analysis techniques at FAR 15.404-1(b). The 6-month extension will use the current contract rates which were determined reasonable at the time of award. The current rates will be evaluated to ensure the market has not changed or the costs of services haven’t decreased since the time of award. The market research will include comparing the current contract rates with GSA contracts that use similar labor categories and by comparing historical pricing on previous options used for this contract.

8. Description of Market Research Conducted (FAR 6.303-2(b)(8)).

Under the existing contract, market research was conducted prior to the base award, whereby the prices were determined to be fair and reasonable and most advantageous to the Government. Additional market research was conducted by the Contracting Officer on April 12, 2021 where the current contract rates were compared with GSA contracts that use similar labor categories and by comparing historical pricing on previous options which shows the contractors prices continue to be fair and reasonable. The market research performed indicates that at this time the additional six months are needed to get a competitive procurement awarded and to continue to look for other sources in order to obtain maximum competition for the follow-on contract.

9. Any Other Supporting Facts (FAR 6.303-2(b)(9)).

Awarding a six-month extension of services will provide the Government with continuity of service until the new follow-on contract is awarded. The continuity of services is needed to ensure that the follow-on contract maximizes competition. In addition, the delay in support would result in duplicative costs and a delay in the objectives for the Collaborative Program.

10. Listing of Interested Sources (FAR 6.303-2(b)(10)). None

11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(11)).

The future contract will include the option clause 52.217-8 along with a separate CLIN for the pricing of the six-month extension. Furthermore, the Government anticipates that additional sources may become available in the market allowing for competition.

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SIGNATURES

PREPARED BY:

Name: Kristen Ruiz Jimenez

Date: 5/13/2021

CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO) (FAR 6.304(a)(1) or FAR 13.501(a)(2)(i)): (All Values)

Name: Kristen Ruiz Jimenez

CHIEF of the CONTRACTING OFFICE (CCO) (DOI-AAAP-0024): (> $250K)

Name: James L. Durrant

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