JA ASTM 2022 SPE60422P9307_Redacted.pdf

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

ENERGY

8725 JOHN J. KINGMAN ROAD

FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA 22060-6222

February 2, 2022 J&A Tracking Number: 22-0011

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

1. Summary/Introduction:

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy, a component of the DLA, is the contracting activity and DLA Energy Quality (DLA Energy-DQT) is the requiring activity. The purpose of Solicitation SP0604-22-Q-0409 is to renew DLA Energy’s online subscription to ASTM International Standards (ASTM) for a customized collection of standards and test methods required for execution of the DLA Energy mission. The resultant contract will include a base year from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 and 2 one-year option periods from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2025. The total estimated value of the action (with options) is $724,739.00.

Justification for other than full and open competition is provided in 41 U.S.C. § 1901, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.501(a).

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved (FAR 6.303-2(b)(2)):

The action is for the purchase of a subscription renewal with ASTM for a customized collection of standards and test methods plus all updates throughout the subscription required for execution of the DLA Energy mission. The standards provided by ASTM are utilized by DLA Energy- DQT for procurement planning, contract execution, and troubleshooting fuel quality issues in the field. The quality assurance representatives (QARs) use the training modules to familiarize themselves with test methods and how to perform those test methods properly on the product being used (i.e. diesel fuel, aviation jet fuel, etc.). The digital library offers DLA Energy-DQ historical testing methods, values, and archived information that is referenced in conjunction with DLA Energy-DQT’s voting rights for proposed new standards and testing methods within the industry. The whole ASTM subscription grants DLA Energy-DQT with unlimited access.

The resultant contract will cover a one-year base period with 2 one-year options: 04/01/2022 through 03/31/2025. This firm-fixed price contract will use funds from Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) for the base year. FY23 and FY24 funds will be used for the respective option years if it’s determined that: (1) funds are available, (2) the requirement covered by the option fulfills an existing government need, and (3) exercise of the option is the most advantageous method of fulfilling the government’s need, price and other factors considered.

3. Description of supplies or services required to meet the agency’s need (including estimated value) (FAR 6.303-2(b)(3)):

The previous contract, SPE604-20-P-9307, covered a base period and two one-year option periods. One option year was exercised. Due to the need for additional requirements, the scope of work changed, and the second option year could not be exercised to include these requirements. DLA Energy-DQT has subscribed to ASTM since the 1990’s and has a recurring

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (Cont’d)

(SP0604-22-Q-0409 – ASTM)

requirement for access to ASTM standards, especially as the Government continues to commercialize its contract requirements. Therefore, the Government is proceeding with a firm-fixed price contract with options to obligate ASTM to a firm pricing structure.

ASTM is responsible for providing DLA Energy-DQT employees with organization-wide access to ASTM Custom Compass Collection – active standards and test methods plus all updates throughout the subscription via a unique platform designed for sharing of relevant data that was constructed from the ground up with input from DLA Energy-DQT. The online subscription would grant unlimited access to DLA Energy users and unlimited downloads, across multiple DLA Energy sites. This will enable DLA Energy as a whole to keep up-to-date with the latest editions of specifications and test methods. The subscription also included the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Complete to include the complete list of CGA Standards and the ASTM D4057 Training Modules. The new subscription also includes API Complete, ISO Complete Collection, and AENOR Complete Library of Standards to include European Normative Standards (ENs) as well as all European ISO adopted standards in online downloadable digital format. The estimated dollar value for the base contract is $234,475.00, Option year 1 is estimated at $241,509.00 and Option year 2 is estimated at $248,755.00. The total value of the base year and option years is $724,739.00.

4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(4)):

This Sole Source Justification MFR is based upon the authority of 41 U.S.C 1901, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.301(a). The supplies required by the agency are available from one responsible source (ASTM) and no other type of supplies will satisfy agency requirements.

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)):

ASTM is the only source able to provide DLA Energy-DQT the Compass portal that allows DLA Energy-DQ access to the customized workflow station that ASTM created for DLA Energy-DQ. The portal allows access to specific measurements and parameters to meet DLA Energy-DQ contracts. While third-party re-sellers are permitted to distribute ASTM standards, with the approval of ASTM, the Custom Compass Collection, platform portal access, eLearning Training, ASTM Digital Library, and the electronic toolbox is propriety information that can only come from ASTM.

6. Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are/were solicited from as many potential sources as is/was practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies (FAR 6.303- 2(b)(6)):

DLA Energy-FEAEA posted an intent-to-sole source notice on January 12, 2022 via Sam.gov (SP0604-22-Q-0409) and the notice closed on January 27, 2022. No vendors responded to the notice, resulting in no additional competition to meet this requirement. Therefore, ASTM is still

(SP0604-22-Q-0409 – ASTM)

(i) Explanation of why technical data packages, specifications, engineering descriptions, statements of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competitor have not been developed or are not available.

Not applicable.

(ii) When 6.302-1 is cited for follow-on acquisitions as described in 6.302-1(a) (2) (ii), an estimate of the cost to the Government that would be duplicated and how the estimate was derived.

Not applicable.

(iii) When 6.302-2 is cited, estimated cost, or other rationale as to the extent and nature of the harm to the Government.

Not applicable.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(10)):

No sources replied to the Intent-to-Sole Source Notice posted to Sam.gov

11. Actions that may be taken to remove or overcome barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services are required (FAR 6.303-2(b)(11)):

There are no known actions that will allow DLA Energy to overcome the competition barriers for this requirement.

(SP0604-22-Q-0409 – ASTM)

I hereby certify that the data which forms the basis for this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Specialist

I hereby certify that the data which forms the basis for this justification is accurate and complete and that the purchase request covers only the minimum requirements to satisfy the needs of the Government.

Director, Quality Technical Directorate

I have reviewed and concur with this Justification.

Senior Counsel

Approved:

JOSEPH D. KNUDSON

Contracting Officer