-15400.pdf

VHAPM Part 813.106 Page 1 of 2 Original Date: 08/30/17

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($3K to $150K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C260-18-AP-0723

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 20, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System. This request is for other than full and open competition for Technical assistance with evaluation and improvement of the VHA PACT program, PACT Demonstration Lab Initiative. The action will be a Firm-Fixed Priced new contract with a total estimated value of $67,076.00 on 2237 # 663-18-3-3326-0080.

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:

The purpose of this contract is to enhance achievement of VHA and PACT priority goals for 2018-2019 (Primary Care Priority Goals). Services provided include overview of analyses, dissemination of findings to leadership, generation of Evidence Briefs and other internal VA reports, and manuscript preparation. Firm-Fixed Priced new contract with a total estimated value of $67,076.00 on 2237 # 663-18-3-3326-0080.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:

Dr. Rubenstein, an Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) vendor, was one of the original leaders of the PACT Demo Lab Initiative (DLI), which is now the “Primary Care Analytics and Evaluation Unit” (PCAEU). She has extensive expertise related to the intervention and evaluation components of the DLI, as well as extensive knowledge of the structure and functions of the PCAEU. These experiences will make her a uniquely valuable resource for the Primary Care Analytics and Evaluation Unit. No other vendor possesses this knowledge and level of capability. Dr. Rubenstein has carried out many large studies both within and outside the VHA. Her partnership with the Office of Mental Health, the VISN 22 PC-MHI leadership, and the PCAEU work group on Mental Health in Primary Care are needed to provide continuity of services. This is the only vendor capable of completing the tasks in the strict time line outlined in the agreement.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Market research was conducted to satisfy the requirements of FAR 10.002(b)(1) and (2). A VetBiz search was done using NAICS code 541690 “Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services”.

There were 1,848 SDVOSB/VOSB vendors with this NAICS code. However, a random sampling of their capabilities did not indicate any SDVOSB/VOSBs are capable to perform. A search was done on the SBA Dynamic Search for NAICS code 541690 and there 415 Small Businesses listed.

Additional internet searches were performed, but consultations with other VA facilities determined that Dr. Rubenstein's specific background and expertise related to VA PACT and PC-MHI make Dr.

Rubenstein the only vendor capable to perform the required services. As a result, no other market research was performed.

https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/13

VHAPM Part 813.106 Page 2 of 2 Original Date: 08/30/17

Contracting Officer or Designee’s Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Lisa Spiral O’Neil Contracting Officer VISN 20, Services 2, Acquisitions Team

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b). In accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(ii), the pricing was compared to pricing on a similar contract (VA260-17-P-2396) for medical surveys. The hourly rate on the proposed new contract is the same at $101.63, as contract VA260-17-P-2396, which was determined fair and reasonable, because it is a National Institute of Health (NIH) sanctioned rate. Therefore, the pricing quoted by Dr. Rubenstein is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Government.