1.JOFOC 80SSC026Q0001 Signed 1_2_2026 Redacted 3_26_2026.pdf

80SSC026Q0001

Rev.: 10/2025

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER (NSSC)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(JOFOC)

for Wastewater Collection and Treatment Services for

John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) and Buffer Zone (BZ)

1. FAR 6.104-1(a)(1) – Identification of the Agency and Contracting Activity

This document constitutes a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition prepared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for services required at John C.

Stennis Space Center (SSC).

The procuring agency is NASA, and the contracting activity is the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC), Office of Procurement.

2. FAR 6.104-1(a)(2) – Nature and Description of the Action

This justification supports the use of other than full and open competition to award a sole-source utilities services contract to the Hancock County Utility Authority (HCUA) for Wastewater Collection and Treatment Services for SSC and its Buffer Zone (BZ).

SSC encompasses approximately 14,000 acres within the Fee Area (FA) and supports critical infrastructure including administrative, industrial, warehouse, laboratory, and rocket engine test facilities. Wastewater generated from these facilities is currently treated on-site using two sewage lagoons that have reached the end of their service life and are scheduled for decommissioning.

To ensure uninterrupted operations and continued compliance with all applicable State and Federal environmental regulations, SSC must transition to a sustainable, long-term wastewater collection and treatment solution.

HCUA is the only entity with the statutory authority and existing infrastructure to provide wastewater collection and treatment services within Hancock County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region Utility Act (§49-17-703 et seq.). HCUA owns and operates the required metering stations, trunk lines, and treatment facilities necessary to meet SSC’s requirements, making it the sole responsible source capable of providing these services without operational or regulatory risk.

Additionally, NASA submitted a formal request to the General Services Administration (GSA) for a Delegation of Authority (DOA) under FAR 41.103 to enter into a utility services contract exceeding one year. GSA approved this request, confirming that no Areawide Utility Contract

Rev.:10/2025 exists for the required services and affirming that the proposed sole-source action is in the best interest of the Government.

3. FAR 6.104-1(a)(3) – Description of the Supplies or Services Required (Including Estimated Value)

SSC is the nation’s largest rocket engine test complex, surrounded by a 125,000-acre acoustical Buffer Zone (BZ) that supports safe execution of hazardous and sensitive test operations. The BZ is designated as supporting infrastructure to the NASA Critical Infrastructure (NCI) located within the SSC Fee Area.

Within the FA, SSC operates administrative offices, industrial facilities, warehouses, laboratories, and specialized rocket engine test stands. Wastewater generated from these facilities is currently processed through two on-site sewage lagoons that have reached the end of their useful life and are scheduled for closure.

NASA requires wastewater collection and treatment services that fully comply with all applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requirements.

Under this requirement, HCUA will provide all necessary personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials to convey and treat SSC wastewater at its treatment facility located on Texas Flat Road, Hancock County, Mississippi. The scope of services includes:

• Accepting SSC wastewater at a mutually agreed-upon point of entry located outside the Fee Area within the Buffer Zone;

• Constructing, operating, and maintaining all infrastructure necessary to convey and treat wastewater from the entry point to the HCUA treatment facility;

• SSC will construct, operate, and maintain infrastructure necessary to convey wastewater from SSC facilities to the designated entry point

The estimated total value of this requirement is over a ten-year period, beginning in January 2026, inclusive of base and option periods.

4. FAR 6.104-1(a)(4) – Statutory Authority

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

5. FAR 6.104-1(a)(5) – Demonstration of Unique Qualifications

The wastewater collection and treatment services required by SSC are available from only one responsible source, the Hancock County Utility Authority.

SSC is located within the proprietary jurisdiction of Hancock County, Mississippi. No other commercial entity, state agency, or local utility authority possesses the legal authority, regulatory approvals, or infrastructure necessary to provide wastewater collection and treatment services within SSC’s service area.

HCUA’s unique qualifications stem from its statutory authority under the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region Utility Act (§49-17-703 et seq.) and its ownership and operation of the required wastewater infrastructure, including metering stations, trunk lines, and treatment facilities.

The requirement will be executed through a Utilities Services Contract, which will define service scope, contract term and renewal options, pricing methodology, permitting responsibilities, and other applicable provisions.

The planned decommissioning of SSC’s end-of-life sewage lagoons necessitates a compliant and sustainable wastewater solution. Only HCUA can provide these services without disruption to SSC operations or regulatory compliance.

This requirement represents a small portion of SSC’s overall Site Services and Operations portfolio and is not expected to adversely impact competition for other services at SSC.

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government is fair and reasonable and certifies that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge and belief.

6. FAR 6.104-1(a)(6) – Efforts to Solicit Offers

A notice was not publicized on the Government Point of Entry (SAM.gov) in accordance with FAR 5.101(b)(1)(vi), which provides an exception for utility services (excluding telecommunications) when only one source is available.

GSA confirmed via email dated April 17, 2025, that no Areawide Utility Contract exists for wastewater services at SSC. Additionally, on August 28, 2025, GSA executed a Delegation of Authority granting NASA authority to negotiate and execute wastewater utility service contracts at SSC.

7. FAR 6.104-1(a)(7) – Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination

The Contracting Officer’s signature on this document affirms that the anticipated cost to the Government is fair and reasonable. HCUA will be required to submit a proposal, which will be evaluated and negotiated prior to contract award. A proposal analysis will be conducted to ensure the final agreed-upon price is fair and reasonable.

8. FAR 6.104-1(a)(8) – Market Research

Market research was conducted through direct coordination with GSA. This research confirmed:

• No Areawide Utility Contract exists for wastewater services at SSC; and,

• HCUA is the only entity with both statutory authority and infrastructure to meet SSC’s requirements

Accordingly, this requirement meets the criteria of 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1.

9. FAR 6.104-1(a)(9) – Other Supporting Facts

HCUA is the only available wastewater collection and treatment provider capable of processing SSC wastewater. Wastewater will be delivered at designated points of entry into HCUA’s system, where metering stations will measure flow volumes. HCUA will be responsible for conveyance, treatment, and disposal in compliance with EPA, MDEQ, and Authority standards.

10. FAR 6.104-1(a)(10) – Sources Expressing Interest

A notice of intent to award was not publicized in accordance with FAR 5.101(b)(1)(vi). No other sources expressed interest, as HCUA is the only available provider.

11. FAR 6.104-1(a)(11) – Actions to Promote Future Competition

NASA will continue to monitor the market and evaluate alternative solutions or new sources prior to any future acquisitions for similar requirements.

Rev.: 10/2025

Wastewater Collection and Treatment Services

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

SIGNATURE PAGE

I certify that the facts presented in this justification are accurate and complete.

Technical Representative

I hereby certify that the above justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer

APPROVED:

Competition Advocate

NSSC