1.5.1-JA-24-007 LSJ approved.pdf

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

ICE Acquisition Manual 3006.301-90

LIMITED-SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

ORDERS OR BPAS EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

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Authority: ICE/OAQ intends to procure STRATCOM Support Services through the Multiple Award Schedule Program under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 152(3), Competitive Procedures, and 40 U.S. C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies pursuant to the following authority.

Select only one of the following circumstances justifying limiting sources pursuant to FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i) below and demonstrate the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service.

8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A) An urgent and compelling need exists and following the ordering procedures would result in unacceptable delays.

8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized.

8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C) In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. The original order or BPA must not have been previously issued under sole-source or limited-sources procedures.

Rationale:

The current contract period of performance expires on January 6, 2024. The recompete effort is underway with an estimated award to occur in February 2024. To avoid a lapse in service between the current contract end date and the new contract award date, and account for the potential for protests on the new award, it is in the Government’s best interest to award a short-term bridge contract for up to six (6) months to Guidehouse.

Guidehouse is the only source capable of providing the highly specialized strategic communications support services on an uninterrupted basis and to allow for a seamless transition to a new contractor at the level of quality required by SEVP. Guidehouse’s assigned personnel have obtained highly specialized level of knowledge and critical information needed for effective continuation and management of SEVP’s public-facing website (studyinthestates.gov), SEVP’s mission critical training program, and continued internal and external messaging campaigns that inform program participants and stakeholders of important program changes and requirements.

The highly specialized services required also involve maintenance and updating of the Study in the States website, a DHS academic engagement initiative that serves as a dedicated resource for U.S. educational institutions and international students to navigate the F and M student process.

For these reasons, Guidehouse is the only source capable of performing these services at the level of quality required by SEVP because the services are highly specialized, and continuity is necessary until a new contract is awarded. Guidehouse also provides highly specialized communications support to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).