1.17 JA - Washer and Dryers Redacted.pdf

MEMORANDUM TO THE FILE

Subj: USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION FOR AN

ACQUISITION UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

I. BACKGROUND:

Procurement Request Number:

Control Number: 25-J016

1. FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) states for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization).

2. As required by FAR 13.106-3(b)(3)(i), this memorandum explains the absence of competition for this acquisition, as only one source will be solicited for this requirement (or for a portion of the requirement) and the requirement is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ITEM OR SERVICE:

This is a contract to lease washers and dryers to provide laundry services to students attending training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola/Corry Station in Pensacola, FL, Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) Unaccompanied Housing in Pensacola, FL, NAS Pensacola in Pensacola, FL, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) School at Eglin Air Force Base, in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

III. THE DETERMINATION FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING (select all that apply):

A. ____ ONLY ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE (select all that apply):

1.___ RESTRICTIVE RIGHTS. The source has established proprietary rights, limited rights in data, patent rights, copyrights or secret processes in the item or service required.

2.___ EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENTS. The item or service is only available from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or there is only one authorized distributor or technical representative for the OEM.

3.___ OTHER REASONS. Other reason not identified above. Provide details on mission impact if requirement is not solicited from only one source.

B. ___ BRAND NAME. Item required must be a brand name product, or feature of a product, particular to one manufacturer.

C. X UNUSUAL AND COMPELLING URGENCY. The supplies or services are of such unusual and compelling urgency that the Government would be seriously injured unless the agency is permitted to limit the number of sources from which it solicits bids or proposals.

Urgent requirements are supplies or services that will result in a work stoppage, or are mission critical, and the routine processing time would result in injury to the Government. The determination that the procurement for the above item/service is an urgent and compelling requirement is based on the following:

1. Date on which the requirement was first identified: 06 June 2025

2. Required delivery date/period of performance: 01 September 2025

3. Explanation of why delivery/commencement of services by the date mentioned above is required:

The mission of Unaccompanied Housing is to provide convenient and reliable laundry services to students attending training at NAS Pensacola/Corry Station, NATTC Unaccompanied Housing, NAS Pensacola, and the EOD School at Eglin Air Force Base. The current contract N6883625P0035 expires on 31 August 2025.

The solicitation for re-procurement was issued on 19 May 2025 with a closing date of 18 June 2025. Multiple inquiries were received regarding solicitation verbiage. However, one pre-award agency level protest was received due to ambiguities concerning the Government requirement.

Also, it was discovered the requirement involved the consolidation of two contracts. The agency has determined the appropriate corrective action is to cancel the solicitation, refine the Government’s requirement, obtain approval to consolidate the two contracts, and resolicit.

Without an active contract, students would be required to travel off-base and incur additional costs to use external laundry services. This would not only negatively impact on their quality of life and overall morale but also disrupt their training schedules and overall efficiency. The continuous need for laundry services is evident as these services are essential for maintaining hygiene, convenience, and the overall well-being of the students. The impact of not providing these services immediately would be severe, affecting the students' ability to focus on their training and potentially causing delays in their educational progress. A four-month base period and a one-month option is necessary to give Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville (FLCJ) time to award a follow-on contract using a competitive small business set-aside solicitation. This time frame allows for:

a. Adequate Market Research: Engaging in comprehensive market research to identify potential vendors.

b. Solicitation Preparation: Reviewing the performance work statement with the customer to ensure the Government’s requirement is properly defined. Preparing and finalizing solicitation documents to ensure a thorough and fair procurement process.

c. Evaluation and Award: Conducting a fair and thorough evaluation process to award the follow-on contract.

The current contract is being fulfilled by Martin and Edwards Associates, who provided services under the prior agreement, to maintain the continuity of service and avoid disruption. The vendor owns all washers and dryers currently in place at the specified locations. Transitioning to a new provider would require the installation of new equipment, leading to unacceptable delays and increased costs. Given the urgency of this requirement and the immediate need to avoid service gaps, sole sourcing to the current provider is justified.

4. If appropriate, include any additional pertinent information.

IV. CERTIFICATIONS/APPROVALS:

A. Technical / Requirements Certification: I certify that the facts and representation under my cognizance which are included in this justification are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

B. Certification/Approval.