LSJ_Easement_Audit_Remediation_signed.pdf

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

Easement Audit Remediation Services

AUTHORITY: GSA Multiple Award Schedule Program FAR 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

OFFICE: USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service CSB-NE Region (NRCS-HQ-121A23)

1. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

Approval of a limited source award for easement audit remediation services.

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

The contractor will be required to review easement files to validate completeness, National Easement Staging Tool (NEST) data accuracy, and compliance with easement program policy during on-site reviews. All easement files will be tested for completeness and a sample of recent transactions will be tested for data accuracy and fiscal policy compliance. The contractor will review of eight to 10 states per year to ensure agency easement and financial data is correct as part of Agency audit remediation efforts, ongoing since 2012. The estimated value of this award is $485,000.

3. Identify the authority and supporting rationale [see 8.405-6(a)(1)(i) and (b)(1)] and, if applicable, demonstrate the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service.

The issuance of the limited sources award allows audit remediation services to continue at the level of quality required by the Agency.

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) provides the requiring activity the authority make a limited sources award when only one source is capable of providing services at the level of quality required because those services are unique or specialized. Allmond & Co. has been working with NRCS on this requirement for the past four years and is the only source familiar with the unique intricacies of the services required. Limiting sources allows for the continuity of quality remediation support services, which is key to the Agency’s compliance with easement policies.

Allmond & Co. has unique knowledge and understanding of NRCS, its policies, and the makeup of the easement files being reviewed under this audit remediation requirement.

Accordingly, issuing a task order to Allmond & Co. allows NRCS to acquire and retain audit services that are consistent with the quality level of work demanded by this requirement, and which have been accomplished in prior years. This award affords the Agency the ability to keep its audit review requirement on schedule, as Allmond & Co. can begin working on audit tasks immediately upon award, and reduces the period of time the Agency is exposed to noncompliance with easement policies.

4. A determination by the ordering activity contracting officer that the order represents the best value consistent with 8.404(d).

Per FAR 8.404(d), placement of an order against a schedule contract using the procedures in 8.405, the ordering activity has concluded that the order represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the Government’s needs.

5. A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Allmond & Co. is the only source capable of providing the services required and at the level of quality required. Allmond & Co. is uniquely suited to complete the remaining work in a timely manner because of their intimate knowledge and understanding of the organizational design, current implementation status, and needed steps for completion.

Per FAR and Agency policy, market research is not required to be documented in writing for orders under GSA FSS contracts. [FAR 10.001(a)(2); NRCSPOP 4I-10.002]

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

Allmond & Co. has been providing these specific services to NRCS for the past four years.

7. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.

The requirement for these services in the future will be dependent upon the findings/outcomes of this new contract. If it is found that states are complying with program requirements, then a new contract will not be needed. If a new contract is required in the future, Contracting Services Branch (CSB) will work with the customer to ensure the requirement is competed using the GSA Schedules program.

TECHNICAL/PROGRAM OFFICE CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

COMPETITION ADVOCATE CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

SARA

THOMPSON

Digitally signed by

SARA THOMPSON

Date: 2018.08.21 11:36:35 -05'00'

GAY MULLEN-

BROWN

Digitally signed by

GAY MULLEN-BROWN

Date: 2018.08.21 12:39:13 -04'00'

ANDREW

FISKE

Digitally signed by

ANDREW FISKE

Date: 2018.08.21 12:51:42 -04'00'