SSJ Scientific Research Services_Redacted.pdf

Justification & Approval Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Mission Area

United States Department of Agriculture Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.3 or 13.5, 41 U.S.C. 1901

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA, Forest Service, Procurement & Property Services (PPS), Field Procurement Operations (FPO), East Zone, Services & Supplies CSA10.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

A sole source contract award to Dr. Luis Alexis Rodriguez Cruz, SAM UEI # LL3PMYE2NVX9, for scientific research services in accordance with FAR 13.501.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

The USDA/Forest Service Caribbean Climate Hub requires scientific research services to support research, outreach, and engagement activities to build capacity among community health centers to address climate change impacts on agriculture workers in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The anticipated period of performance is a base 12-month period, plus 2 option years. The estimated value is $270,000.00.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

FAR 13.5, 41 U.S.C. 1901

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

The proposed contractor Dr. Luis Alexis Rodriguez Cruz is a leading published expert in the field of climate impacts to farmers and rural communities in the region. He is an applied and transdisciplinary scientist and writer, who brings visibility and understanding to food systems issues in the Caribbean and beyond. His work explores human-environmental interactions, from the individual to structural levels, in relation to sustainable agriculture, food security, and human and environmental wellbeing. He has experience in using applied and participatory work that strives to convene different voices and disciplines, while also engaging in science communication and creative storytelling to facilitate scientific information to different audiences. He has demonstrated experience working on:

Sustainable food systems and climate adaptation, including generating information, resources, and tools that support farmers, fishers, and agricultural service providers in their decision-making processes related to climate adaptation, sustainable food production, and policy dynamics.

Food security, food sovereignty, and disasters, including information on how we navigate disruptions in the built and natural environments to produce and access food in the context of compounded shocks. It is grounded in the assertion that disasters are not natural. It also uses interdisciplinary approaches to better understand our relationship to the food system.

Vulnerability and natural hazards, including engaging with public health, NGO, community, and governmental sectors, to work in understanding social determinants of health and wellbeing in relation to natural hazards. This work highlights the role of governance structures on individual outcomes.

This background demonstrates the unique qualifications of Dr. Rodriguez to do this work to address climate change impacts on agricultural workers.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

A sources sought request was posted on Sam.gov on December 29,2023 and closed on Jan 10, 2024.

The NAICS identified in the sources sought was 541620-Environmental Consulting Services, with a small business size standard of $19M.

The purpose of the sources sought was to conduct a market survey to determine the interest and capability of contractors for this requirement. The sources sought stated that the Government would determine an acquisition strategy determination based on the results of the market survey.

A draft of the scope of work was included for additional information on the Government’s upcoming requirement. Interested firms were required to submit the following information:

1. General Contractor/Entity Information and Business Size.

2. Experience: Submit information in sufficient detail regarding previous experience on similar requirements (include size, scope, complexity, timeframe, government or commercial), current capabilities, resume, relevant publications, pertinent certifications, etc., that will facilitate making a capability determination.

3. Identify whether your firm is interested in competing for this requirement as a prime contractor or not. Identify subcontracting, joint ventures or teaming arrangement that will be pursued, if any.

3 responses were received by the following entities/individuals:

1. Dr. Luis Rodriguez – Hispanic Owned Small Disadvantaged Business, SAM UEI #

LL3PMYE2NVX9

a. Submitted 16 Page Resume detailing experience and education

2. – Hispanic Owned Small Business, SAM UEI #

a. Submitted information detailing experience

3. – Small Woman Owned Business, SAM UEI #

a. 13 Page resume detailing experience and education

b. Business Profile

c. Capabilities Statement

d. Letter of Intent/Interest

The Government reviewed the 3 responses to determine capability to meet the technical requirements as stated in the SOW.

Technical requirements/Minimum Qualifications Dr. Luis Rodriguez

Ph.D. in a natural science or agriculture field x x Demonstrated experience with the full research cycle x x Experience in outreach, education, and science delivery in topics related to climate change effects on working lands and rural communities x x x Professional knowledge on designing and conducting social science research related to agricultural communities and climate change in the Caribbean x Ability to work in English and Spanish x x Familiarity with both the agricultural and rural health communities x Demonstrated proficiency in communicating verbally and in writing is imperative x x x Research expertise on the subject of interest x Experience (3 years) in conducting peer-reviewed and published science x

Based on the information submitted in response to the Sources Sought and DO NOT meet the requirement for the reasons listed below:

a. Information submitted did not demonstrate professional knowledge on designing and conducting social science research related to agricultural communities and climate change in the Caribbean.

b. Information submitted did not demonstrate familiarity with both the agricultural and rural health communities

c. Information submitted did not demonstrate Research expertise on the subject of the requirement/interest

d. Information submitted did not demonstrate experience of at least (3 years) in conducting peer-reviewed and published science (not sure, need Bill to verify this statement)

a. Information submitted for did not demonstrate education requirement of Ph.D. in a natural science or agriculture field

b. Information submitted for did not demonstrate experience with the full research cycle

c. Information submitted for did not demonstrate professional knowledge on designing and conducting social science research related to agricultural communities

d. Information submitted for did not demonstrate familiarity with both the agricultural and rural health communities

e. Information submitted for did not demonstrate Research expertise on the subject of the requirement/interest

f. Information submitted for did not demonstrate experience of at least (3 years) in conducting peer-reviewed and published science

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The pricing submitted from the contractor will be compared to the IGCE and in addition we will research salaries for enviornmental science research scientists and enviornmental consultants from various sources for comparison.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

Market research consisted of using the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search Database and posting a Sources Sought. 3,479 Small Businesses’ profiles were returned via the Dynamic Small Business search using the NAICS 541620. The market research breaks down the socioeconomic breakdown of the small businesses.

The Sources Sought resulted in the responses of the 3 entities described in section 6.

In addition, A Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted on Sam.gov, Notice ID #1112283, which allowed contractors that believe they possess the expertise and experience to respond in writing and submit their capabilities.

Response received:

SAM UEI #

Large Business Submitted

The response does not provide evidence of the skills and knowledge required. There is no indication of experience in conducting and publishing research, or expertise in the climate change issues affecting agricultural workers in the US Caribbean. There is no evidence of proficiency in Spanish and the written response does not demonstrate the communication skills required.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

The USDA Caribbean Climate Hub requires expert professional knowledge in research related to rural communities, agriculture, and climate change in the Caribbean. We require an exceptional individual with the ability to communicate verbally and in writing to develop peer reviewed scientific publications based on their unique research efforts. The qualified contractor must possess research skills to develop, conduct, and publish research on the subject of interest. They must be extremely knowledgeable of the research, organizations, and people working in agriculture in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. This project will serve as a critical step toward delivering climate services to the underserved communities in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

Dr. Luis Rodriguez – Hispanic Owned Small Disadvantaged Business, SAM UEI #

LL3PMYE2NVX9

– Hispanic Owned Small Business, SAM UEI #

– Small Woman Owned Business, SAM UEI #

SAM UEI #

11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

The Forest Service conducts continuous market research to identify individuals with the required scientific research skills, education, and experience. Competition will be sought to the maximum extent practical in meeting future requirements that are adequate for competition. The Forest Service conducts periodic market surveys and research in the advancement of scientific climate technology and research methods to allow potential sources an opportunity to respond with capability statements and express interest in upcoming requirements.

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data that form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

Insert Name of Program or Technical Personnel Insert Title of Program/Technical Personnel

The information contained in this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Insert Name of Contracting Officer Contracting Officer

William A. Gould, Research Ecologist