Logical Follow-On Justification IAW FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C)_Redacted.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture (UDSA) Logical Follow-On Justification IAW FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C) for Task Order 12441923F0059

In accordance with (IAW) FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C) In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to the original Federal Supply Schedule Task Order 12441923F0059, which was placed competitively in accordance with (IAW) the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures.

1. Identification of the agency, the contracting activity and the proposed contractor

USDA Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina

Proposed Contractor: Leading Solutions LLC, 106A Zillicoa St, Asheville NC 28802

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

The Nationals Forests in North Carolina has an existing relationship and contract (#47QTCA22D000V) with this Contractor and the Engineering Technicians employed that has yielded timely, cost effective and highly optimized design results. Personell provided to meet this SOW are retired Forest Service Engineers with extensive project and subject specific knowledge.

This Contractor is the only source for providing these highly specialized design professionals.

These Engineering Technicians each have appropriately 30 years of experience serving as Engineers for the US Forest Service, with a significant part of that experience focused solely on National Forests in North Carolina. In addition to having intimate and detailed knowledge of the history and design features of facilities and project areas the will be working on, they also retain extensive knowledge of the Engineer and Construction standards set forth in the Forest Service Manual and Handbook, FP-14 Standard Specifications of Road and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, the latest NCDOT Specifications of Roads and Bridges, MUTCD, and zoning restrictions.

The design services detailed by this Scope of Work require follow-on services for highly specialized knowledge of project areas, specifications, standards and other engineering experience that are met by the Engineering Technicians employed by this Contractor, including:

PRE-DESIGN: Conduct detailed site assessments as directed by engineering program including the development of potential courses of action. Perform survey or assists with survey of projects as directed by COR. Perform or directs surveys to establish baseline data necessary to initiate facility construction and repair projects. Perform field surveys and investigations to determine existing conditions and recommend courses of action.

DESIGN: Plan project work as directed by engineering program. Prepare construction drawings, exhibits, studies, reports and contract documents for projects as directed by the COR. Provide Engineering Design Services for the planning, design and contract preparation in support of facility projects. This includes all aspects of the design, including planning, fieldwork, design, plan and specification preparation, CAD drafting, and cost estimating.

Assist in the development of a general engineering library, including but not limited to drafting standard engineering drawings and details, composing standard and specialized specifications, developing cost estimating information.

Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to engineering staff commensurate with contractor’s experience and term of service.

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

Provide full or partial engineering design and construction documents for the following natural resource development projects:

• Pisgah Ranger Station Drainage Improvements

• Pisgah Ranger Station Rafter Tails and Weather Barrier Repair

• Dam Inspections and Reports o Mead Lake Dam (Balsam Lake Dam) - NC01300 o Persimmon Creek Dam - NC00631 o Powhatan Dam - NC00359 o Skitty Creek Dam (Cliffside Lake Dam) - NC00161 o Jordan Lake Dam - NC62014

Estimated Cost:

• Roan Mountain GAOA - Carver’s Gap Paving Expansion, Solar System Replacement, Trail Rehabilitation, and Maintenance Agreements

• Nantahala River Retaining Wall Reconstruction LRT Project

• Cradle of Forestry in America GAOA – Pond Boardwalk Design, Trail Improvements, and Chimney Repair

• National Forests in North Carolina Administrative Facilities at Beech Creek Seed Orchard

Estimated Cost:

Transportation Engineering Documentation and Program Support for the following Roads Projects:

• NFSR # 3548 Doe Branch Road – 1 AOP Design Package

• NFSR # 475B Headwaters Road – 7 DSRs

• NFSR # 63 Stony Fork Road – 7 DSRs

Estimated Cost:

4. The authority and supporting rationale

The authority and supporting rationale (see 8.405-6(a)(1)(i) and (b)(1)) and, if applicable, a demonstration of the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service.

An unusual and compelling urgency exists to replace these units based on the following factors:

• A delay in the completion of the design services required to construct these projects risks a serious threat to Forest Service operations as well as health and safety of employees.

• Full and open competition via open market solicitation is not able to be processed through Forest Service Contracting before the end of the Fiscal Year.

• Solicitations through other vehicles, such as IDIQ contracts, have consistently resulted in unacceptable performance and/or failure to deliver the services required, thereby causing financial injury to the Government.

Specialized Knowledge for each individual provided for contract work though Leading Solutions is described below, as well as the approximate time spend by that individual on that project to date:

• Uwharrie DART Office Site Preparation (240 Hours)

• Mortimer Work Center Roof Repairs (72 hours)

• Tusquitee Office Parking Repairs (240 hours)

• District Office Interior Reconfigurations (180 hours)

• Nantahala River Retaining Wall Reconstruction (182 hours)

• General Engineering Documentation and Program Support (150 hours)

• Appalachian District Recreation Area Naturalization (144 hours)

• Grandfather District Recreation Area Naturalization (96 hours)

• Cheoah District Recreation Area Naturalization (96 hours)

• Mortimer Work Center Roof Repairs (72 hours)

• TAP Preparation (536 hours)

• Black Mountain Campground Reconstruction (240 hours)

• Green Knob Fire Tower Repairs (192 hours)

• Joyce Kilmer Trailhead Repairs (192 hours)

• Whiteside Trailhead and Parking Area Host Site design (144 hours)

• NFSR # 3548 Doe Branch Road – 1 AOP Design Package (400 hours)

• NFSR # 475B Headwaters Road – 7 DSRs (400 hours)

• NFSR # 63 Stony Fork Road – 7 DSRs (400 hours)

5. A determination by the ordering activity Contracting Officer (CO) the order represents the best value consistent with FAR 8.404(d)

Although GSA-FSS has already determined prices under its Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts to be fair and reasonable, the Contracting Officer will ensure the proposed cost to the Government for this services covered by this justification are evaluated for price reasonableness and the contemplated order represents the best value to the Government. A best value determination will be based on a Government technical evaluation and price analysis of the contractor’s quote, which will include a comparison of the contractor’s quote to the Independent Government Cost Estimate, other quotations, or by comparison to established GSA or other published price lists.

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

A cost estimate was developed through investigations of similar projects, and from prior quotes received from Leading Solutions, indicating that their quotes are fair and reasonable.

Market research was completed by conducting internet searches, inquiring with applicable contractors, reviewing previous quotes, and searching SAM.gov for registered vendors capable of performing the work.

7. Any facts supporting the justification

(viii) 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 barriers that restrict consideration are a direct function of the requirement for the technical specialists provided by Leading Solutions as outlined above. This is the only manner to acquire the services these engineering technicians provide.

(ix) The ordering activity contracting officer’s certification that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of the contracting officer’s knowledge and belief.

The information contained in this Limited Sources Justification is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(x) Evidence that any supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel (e.g., verifying the Government’s minimum needs or requirements or other rationale for limited sources) and which form a basis for the justification have been certified as complete and accurate by the technical or requirements personnel.

The Scope of Work and Specifications outlining the requirements for the Engineering Technicians described above were developed by current engineering staff with National Forests in North Carolina who are intimately familiar with the technical aspects of the facilities and project areas in question. This includes multiple licensed Professional Engineers and Surveyors.

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

For any future needs, the FS will fully solicit its requirements well in advance of this follow-on expiring to ensure proper and complete competition.

Certifications & Approval

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