For_posting_Sole_Source_ORAU_v180820_CHPesign.docx

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. AGENCY INFORMATION

USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Forest Inventory and Analysis Program 1992 Folwell Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55108

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION BEING APPROVED

a. Acquisition, by noncompetitive contract, of research scientist support for Northern Research Station’s Forest Inventory and Analysis unit. The Government anticipates the award of an unpriced Five-Year Blanket Ordering Agreement (BOA) to support this action. Calls will be issued against the BOA for specific work to be done.

b. Proposed vendor: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc. (ORAU)

3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE REQUIRED, INCLUDING ESTIMATED VALUE

Description: This effort will be a firm-fixed price Research and Design (FAR part 35) action. Its purpose is to advance scientific and technical knowledge and applications related to the fields of forest inventory, forest ecosystem services including wildlife habitat and hydrology, database management, remote sensing and geographic information systems, and computer visualization. The proposed BOA will be used to expedite contracting for uncertain requirements for services in support of on-going research. Future research requirements are not known at this time, awarding a BOA will reduce administrative lead-time and allow more timely support of funded research requirements. Work will be awarded through the BOA on firm-fixed price Calls, negotiated after specific requirements become known. The Government’s long-term experience collaborating with ORAU through cooperative agreements, creates a unique possibility for an arrangement where the continued combination of research and development capabilities will yield more research than could be produced than if we identified and selected a new partner.

Both ORAU and the Forest Service have mutual interests in collaborating on major scientific initiatives that further our understanding of natural resource science and technological applications to distribute data and share information. The Forest Service has unique expertise in forest inventory, database management, and application of forest inventory data to policy and management questions. The Agency also has a long-standing interest in facilitating science-based decision-making through developing the scientific, technical, and policy-oriented capacities of the next generation of resource professionals. These areas of expertise and interests complement ORAU’s objectives in scientific assessment and workforce development. Collaborative efforts between the Forest Service and ORAU are logical, and lead to a leveraging of resources to accomplish more with available resources. Specifically, Forest Service researcher Charles Perry has expertise in forest inventory, data fusion and has been collaborating with ORAU since 2013.

An important outcome of continuing to foster this relationship is the value added to present and future STEM fellows at ORAU. The Forest Service has identified a need to foster, develop and promote STEM activities. The future of the organization’s R&D activities very much depend on the ongoing education and involvement of these fellows.

Estimated Value (for the 5 year effort): $1,500,000

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The authority permitting other than full and open competition in this acquisition is in FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii), under the Application in 6.302-3(b)(2)(iii). This authority allows for other than full and open competition when the requirement is needed to “establish or maintain an essential engineering, research, or development capability to be provided by an educational or other nonprofit institution . . . ”

5. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S QUALIFICATIONS

These areas of expertise complement ORAU’s demonstrated ability to procure high quality staff in a wide range of fields including forestry, ecology, and wildlife management. Additionally, ORAU has demonstrated the capacity to provide technical specialists in database management, remote sensing and geographic information systems, and computer visualization. Collaborative efforts between the Forest Service and ORAU are logical and lead to a leveraging of resources to accomplish more with limited resources.

The two organizations working together in a formal capacity substantially leverages the dollars of each organization for the future of these sciences and scientists.

6. EFFORTS MADE TO OBTAIN COMPETITION

The nature of R&D contracts does not always lend itself to competition, as referenced in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.007 – Research and Development Solicitations, which reads:

The submission and subsequent evaluation of an inordinate number of R&D proposals from sources lacking appropriate qualifications is costly and time-consuming to both industry and the Government. Therefore, contracting officers should initially distribute solicitations only to sources technically qualified to perform research or development in the specific field of science or technology involved. Cognizant technical personnel should recommend potential sources that appear qualified, as a result of --

(1) Present and past performance of similar work;

(2) Professional stature and reputation;

(3) Relative position in a particular field of endeavor;

(4) Ability to acquire and retain the professional and technical capability, including facilities, required to perform the work; and

(5) Other relevant factors.

As previously acknowledged, ORAU has similar areas of concentration that complement the work of the Forest Service. Their demonstrated, wide-ranging competence in the Agency’s specific interests of science combined with associated logistical issues would not allow for another vendors inclusion.

7. DETERMINATION THAT ANTICAPTED COST WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE

The Contracting Officer shall make Fair and Reasonable Determination prior to the award of any of the Calls made against this contract. Historical pricing may be used to make this determination, taking into account the history of Agreements previously made for similar work.

8. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET SURVEY

A market survey is not applicable to this requirement for reasons determined above.

9. OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS

FAR 35.002 – Research and Development General, acknowledges the unique purposes and difficulties in contacting for research actions. It reads:

The primary purpose of contracted R&D programs is to advance scientific and technical knowledge and apply that knowledge to the extent necessary to achieve agency and national goals. Unlike contracts for supplies and services, most R&D contracts are directed toward objectives for which the work or methods cannot be precisely described in advance. It is difficult to judge the probabilities of success or required effort for technical approaches, some of which offer little or no early assurance of full success. The contracting process shall be used to encourage the best sources from the scientific and industrial community to become involved in the program and must provide an environment in which the work can be pursued with reasonable flexibility and minimum administrative burden.

10. OTHER INTERESTED SOURCES

Not Applicable

11. ACTIONS TO OVER COME BARRIERS TO COMPETITION

Not Applicable

As required by FAR 6.303-1 and 6.303-2, the undersigned do herby certify that the data and information provided by us to support our recommendation for contracting for acquisition of Research Support Services without providing for full and open competition, is accurate and complete to the best of our knowledge and belief.

/s/ Charles H. Perry Charles Perry Analysis Group Leader Forest Inventory and Analysis

__/s/ Colleen M. Reittinger ____ Colleen Reittinger Contracting Officer Acquisition Group Leader