1.5.1 SSJ_Simplified_Acquisitions_Below_SAT Translation Services._Redacted.pdf

Sole Source Justification (SSJ) For Simplified Acquisitions (over $10,000 and up to $250,000) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand

Name

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions (over $10,000 up to $250,000) Template

SSJ

Date: November 24, 2025 PR

1. Nature and/or Description of the Item/Service Being Procured and Anticipated Cost:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), intends to procure written translation services for Central Alaskan Yup’ik language to support disaster response and recovery operations for in Alaska. These services are critical for ensuring effective communication between FEMA staff and non-English-speaking disaster survivors in affected areas, including surrounding boroughs and Tribal communities in the Northwest Arctic Borough, Lower Yukon Regional Education Attendance Area (REAA), Lower Kuskokwim REAA, and other locations impacted by Typhoon Halong.

This effort, led by FEMA’s Office of External Affairs (OEA), seeks to translate FEMA program documents to support the State of Alaska and assist with outreach to Alaska tribes impacted by Typhoon Halong. The goal is to ensure FEMA’s communications are accessible, culturally appropriate, and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal regulations. By providing disaster survivors with timely and accurate translations of FEMA materials, this initiative will improve accessibility and ensure equitable access to FEMA programs and services.

The contractor must provide timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate translations of FEMA disaster-related materials, including public notices, recovery guidance, and other essential documents. These translations will ensure accessibility and inclusivity for Yup’ik-speaking disaster survivors, enabling FEMA to fulfill its mission of equitable disaster response and recovery.

The is uniquely qualified to provide these services. Established in 2005, has extensive experience in language access services across Alaska, including written translations for federal, state, and tribal organizations. Alaska Native Languages Program (AKNLP), led by , a , employs a team of translators who are members of various Yup’ik communities and have deep knowledge of the language and culture. translation process uses language panels to account for regional dialects and ensure quality assurance, making them uniquely positioned to meet FEMA’s requirements.

rates for written translation services are based on hourly compensation for panelists, ensuring quality and cultural appropriateness. Travel is not required for this contract, and formatting and layout fees are charged per page.

For Simplified Acquisitions (over $10,000 and up to $250,000) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand

Name

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions (over $10,000 up to $250,000) Template

The anticipated cost for this procurement will be determined based on the scope of services required, with a focus on ensuring fair and reasonable pricing through market research and price analysis techniques.

Total:

Base Period Option Period 1 TBD:

Option Period 2 TBD):

2. Sole Source Justification Rationale in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii).

(Check one and provide rationale below):

____X____Only one source reasonably available.

_________ Urgent and compelling circumstances exists.

_________ Exclusive licensing agreement exists.

_________ Brand name. If the brand name requirement applies to a portion of the procurement, please identify that portion.

_________ Industrial Mobilization ________ Other. Explain:

Only one source reasonably available (13.101(b)(DEVIATION 26-01):

Only one source reasonably available (FAR 13.101(b) (DEVIATION 26-01)):

This procurement is justified as a sole source due to the limited availability of qualified vendors capable of providing Central Alaskan Yup’ik written translation services. Market research conducted for DR-4893-AK identified only two Alaska-based vendors capable of meeting FEMA’s requirements. A third vendor, not based in Alaska, lacked the necessary expertise and cultural knowledge required for effective service delivery.

qualifications and proven track record make it the only vendor reasonably available to meet FEMA’s needs for written translation services. team includes Yup’ik speakers and culture bearers with lived experience in preserving the language and culture. Their translation process ensures quality assurance through panel consensus, addressing the challenges posed by regional dialects. extensive experience with federal, state, and tribal organizations further demonstrates their ability to deliver accurate and culturally appropriate written translations.

The urgency of requires immediate action to provide written translation services to support disaster survivors. Full and open competition is impracticable due to time constraints, and is the only vendor that can meet the immediate need for services. Based on the urgency of and unique immediate availability and capability to provide culturally appropriate and accurate Yup’ik written translation services, soliciting from a single source

For Simplified Acquisitions (over $10,000 and up to $250,000) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand

Name

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions (over $10,000 up to $250,000) Template is justified and in the Government’s best interest pursuant to FAR 13.101(b) (DEVIATION 26-01).

3. The anticipated price will be determined fair and reasonable based on one or more of the price analysis techniques described below in accordance with FAR Part 13.106-3(a)(2). (Check one and provide short explanation and description of action taken):

____X____ Market Research.

_________ Comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases.

_________ Current price List.

_________ Comparison with similar items in a related industry.

_________ Comparison to IGCE.

_________ Contracting Officer’s personal knowledge.

_________ Other.

Price Reasonableness Determination (FAR 13.101(b) (DEVIATION 26-01):

The anticipated price will be determined fair and reasonable using one or more of the following techniques:

Market Research: Extensive market research conducted for identified a limited pool of qualified vendors. The pricing proposed by will be compared to historical pricing for similar services and evaluated against industry standards:

Comparison of Vendor Quotes: Quotes from Alaska-based vendors will be reviewed to ensure competitive pricing within the limited vendor pool.

Past Performance Analysis: Pricing will be assessed in conjunction with vendor performance history to ensure value for money and avoid risks associated with non-Alaska-based vendors.

Controls Applied:

The solicitation will specify the requirement for an Alaska-based vendor to ensure the selected vendor has the necessary expertise in Central Alaskan Yup’ik language and cultural nuances. This approach aligns with FEMA’s commitment to providing accurate and culturally appropriate language services to Alaska Native communities.

Additional Background and Supporting Information

Market research shows that there are very few Alaska-based vendors capable of providing written translation services in Central Alaskan Yup’ik. is the only vendor that can meet FEMA’s immediate need for culturally appropriate and accurate translations.

has successfully completed translation projects for FEMA, EPA, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and other organizations, demonstrating their ability to deliver high-quality services.