Crimson_Hexagon_extension_LW2_signed_Redacted.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Description of supplies or services required (including estimated value).

Access to the full API data stream (as opposed to analyzed data through a dashboard). Access to real-time and historical “fire hose”, not throttled, data from multiple social media and online sources o Real-time data refers to users’ ability to monitor keywords/phrases from present onwards o Historical data refers to users’ ability to monitory keywords/phrases from the past 3 years at minimum Availability of relatively unprocessed data (exportable via API) from many sources (not just two or three) such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, blogs, forums, comment and review sections, etc. that include the following data fields (at minimum): date/time stamp, user id, user location, text content.

The Government anticipates procurement award to: Crimson Hexagon

Estimated Value is not expected to exceed $

2. Statutory Authority:

The authority permitting other than full and open competition in this acquisition is in FAR 6.302- 1(a)(2)(ii), under the Application in 6.302-3(b)(1)(i).

This authority allows for other than full and open competition when no other source will satisfy agency requirements. In accordance with FAR 6.302-3(b)(1)(i), the use of this authority is appropriate as the purchase of these supplies from another source will result in duplicative costs.

Due, in part to the historic Government shutdown of 2019 some of the subscription time awarded under the previous contract was lost and Crimson Hexagon has agreed to add time missed from the shutdown to the new award.

3. A demonstration that the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

Crimson Hexagon won a competitively awarded one-year effort for social media datamining services in 2018. The USDA Forest Service scientists determined that the original award and current contract, contain more than what is needed for Forest Service use. Forest Service scientists are still determining the optimal subscription requirements for their needs and Crimson Hexagon has agreed to work with the Government in assisting them in making this determination.

4. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

As the USDA Forest Service scientist hone-in on exactly what future requirements will be future long term efforts will be competed. Additionally, the Crimson Hexagon offering is unique it the ability to get full data streams (access to the AQI). This is not available to the government directly from the social media companies, nor from other social media data analytic firms we have investigated.

5. Is the Price Fair and Reasonable?

The Contracting Officer will determine price reasonableness at the time of award.

6. A description of market survey conducted and the results or a statement of reasons why market survey was not conducted.

No formal market survey was performed as the Government is still determining the optimal utilization and requirements for future use. The incumbent contractor has agreed to partner with us in understanding our future needs with the intention to define those needs for future competitive contract actions.

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

none

August 14, 2019 Research Social Scientist Approving Official/Technical Person Date Contracting Officer Date

15 August, 2019