19AQMM26A0131 Limited Sources JA - R.pdf

planning process for a new long-term BPA anticipated in FY26-27. The selected vendor will be required to demonstrate proven experience, global reach, and the ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects in diverse and challenging environments, ensuring that the Department’s mission objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

The estimated value of this requirement is with a period of performance consisting of a one-year base period and an additional six-month option period.

SECTION 4: AUTHORITY AND SUPPORTING RATIONALE

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Multiple-Award Schedule Program (41 U.S.C. 152(3) and 40 U.S.C. 501), as implemented in FAR 8.405.6 by the following:

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C) – In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. The original order or BPA must not have been previously issued under sole-source or limited-sources procedures.

This authority is directly applicable to the current requirement, as the proposed acquisition represents a seamless extension of ongoing work, ensuring continuity of operations and preservation of institutional knowledge critical to program success. The original EGRD BPA was awarded following a competitive procurement process conducted in accordance with applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures, satisfying the prerequisite for logical follow-on authority under FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C).

Mission Alignment and Programmatic Need The Department of State, Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Office of Energy and Mineral Supply Chains (EEB/ESC) is uniquely positioned to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives by strengthening global energy and mineral supply chains. ESC’s mission is central to U.S. strategic interests, as it enables the identification, development, and protection of critical mineral supply chains and energy infrastructure. The office’s specialized government-to-government technical and advisory services are essential for creating commercial opportunities and fostering competitive investment environments. ESC’s deep technical expertise and industry alignment are unmatched within the U.S. government and among foreign counterparts, making continuity of contractor support vital to maintaining program momentum and achieving mission objectives.

Program Complexity and Contractor Requirements ESC’s global energy foreign assistance programs, including the Energy and Mineral Governance Program (EMGP) and the Power Sector Program (PSP), are complex, multi-faceted initiatives that require contractors capable of managing numerous large-scale task orders in diverse and challenging environments. The scope and complexity of these programs demand a vendor pool with proven technical expertise, global operational reach, and robust logistical capabilities. The logical follow-on approach ensures that contractors with demonstrated experience and capacity continue to support these programs, minimizing disruption and risk associated with onboarding new vendors unfamiliar with the intricacies of ESC’s requirements.

Vendor Selection and Market Research

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

This procurement will be a sole source award to Deloitte for concurrent projects. While small businesses play a vital role in the federal contracting ecosystem, the operational scale and complexity of ESC’s programs exceed the capacity of most small firms, particularly without substantial reliance on subcontractors or teaming arrangements. Such reliance could introduce inefficiencies, dilute accountability, and jeopardize program outcomes. Awarding a sole source contract to Deloitte as a logical follow-on leverages the established capabilities of a proven vendor, ensuring continuity, reliability, and effective program delivery.

The logical follow-on is justified by the need to preserve program continuity, avoid unnecessary duplication of effort, and maintain the high standards required for successful implementation of the EMGRD III program.

Conclusion This acquisition is fully aligned with the principles of economy and efficiency outlined in FAR 8.405- 6(a)(1)(i)(C). By pursuing a logical follow-on, the Department of State ensures uninterrupted support for critical foreign assistance programs, advances U.S. strategic interests in energy and mineral supply chains and achieves mission objectives effectively and efficiently. The recommended approach balances the need for high-quality performance with the realities of the global operating environment, safeguarding program integrity and maximizing value to the government.

SECTION 5: DETERMINATION BY THE ORDERING ACTIVITY CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE CONTRACT

ACTION REPRESENTS THE BEST VALUE CONSISTENT WITH FAR 8.404(D)

The Contracting Officer has determined that the proposed contract action represents the best value to the government, consistent with the requirements of FAR 8.404(d). This determination is based on a thorough review of the acquisition strategy, the unique programmatic needs of the Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Office of Energy and Mineral Supply Chains (EEB/ESC), and the demonstrated capabilities of the identified vendor pool.

In accordance with FAR 8.405, the Contracting Officer will rigorously evaluate the proposed solution to ensure that it meets all technical, management, and performance requirements at a fair and reasonable price. The best value determination will consider not only price, but also the vendor’s proven ability to deliver complex, high-impact foreign assistance programs in challenging global environments, as well as their track record of successful performance under previous BPAs.

Although approval is requested to contract with a single source as a logical follow-on, the Contracting Officer will not proceed with award unless the proposed pricing is determined to be fair and reasonable in comparison to current market conditions and historical pricing for similar requirements. The Contracting Officer will document the price analysis and ensure that the government receives the highest possible return on investment, consistent with the Department’s mission objectives and statutory requirements.

SECTION 6. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AMONG SCHEDULE HOLDERS AND THE

RESULTS OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASON MARKET RESEARCH WAS NOT CONDUCTED

The Office of Energy and Mineral Supply Chains (ENR/EP) conducted comprehensive and methodical market research to identify qualified vendors among Federal Supply Schedule holders, with a particular emphasis on assessing the capabilities of small businesses. This research included a review of the GSA eLibrary, analysis of System for Award Management (SAM) profiles, outreach to industry associations, and examination of past performance data from similar Department of State and interagency programs.

The market research process involved reviewing the results of prior competitions and engaged in direct discussions with both large and small business vendors to assess their technical expertise, global reach, and ability to manage multiple, complex task orders in diverse and challenging environments.

Based on this thorough market analysis, ENR/EP identified a limited number of firms that possess the necessary qualifications, resources, and proven track record to successfully fulfill the Department’s mission-critical needs. This conclusion is supported by both quantitative data and qualitative assessments gathered during the market research process.

The results of this market research fully support the decision to proceed with a logical follow-on acquisition strategy that ensures continuity, mitigates risk, and delivers best value to the government.

SECTION 7. 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

Bridge Contract Strategy and Transition to Full and Open Competition

This BPA is explicitly designed to maintain critical program continuity while the Department prepares for a comprehensive, full and open competition for a long-term successor BPA anticipated to be awarded in FY26-27.

The Department is committed to maximizing competition and removing barriers to broader participation in future acquisitions. To achieve this objective, the following actions will be undertaken during the interim BPA period:

1. Comprehensive Acquisition Planning: The Department will conduct thorough acquisition planning for the follow-on requirement, including detailed market research, requirements analysis, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the solicitation is structured to attract the broadest possible pool of qualified offerors.

2. Industry Engagement: The Department will host industry days, conduct one-on-one meetings with potential offerors, and issue draft solicitations for public comment to ensure that all interested parties understand the requirements and have adequate time to prepare competitive proposals.

3. Requirements Refinement: The Department will work with the requiring activity to refine and clarify technical requirements, performance metrics, and evaluation criteria to ensure they are clearly defined, objectively measurable, and do not create unnecessary barriers to competition.

4. Adequate Lead Time: By establishing this interim BPA, the Department ensures sufficient time to conduct a thorough and deliberate competitive process for the long-term requirement, avoiding the need for rushed or emergency procurements that could limit competition.

5. Lessons Learned: The Department will document lessons learned from the current and previous BPAs to design the follow-on acquisition, ensuring that the competitive solicitation reflects best practices and incorporates improvements based on operational experience.

Timeline and Commitment to Competition:

The BPA will have a limited period of performance consisting of a one-year base period and a six-month option period until the new long-term BPA can be competitively awarded. The Department commits to issuing a full and open competitive solicitation for the follow-on requirement, with adequate time provided for comprehensive acquisition planning, robust competition, and a smooth transition to the new contract vehicle.

The use of this limited source approach is strictly temporary and necessary to prevent disruption of critical foreign assistance programs. The Department's commitment to full and open competition for the follow-on requirement demonstrates its dedication to maximizing opportunities for all qualified vendors and ensuring the best value to the government over the long term.