2024 AASHTO SSJ 9.4.24.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC) For Requirements > $10,000

(For use with contracts, please coordinate very closely with the Contacting Officer on the preparation of this document prior to signing. Note: this Justification is sometimes referred to as a “Sole Source”)

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity

Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590.

RE: Payment of conference fees that exceed the $10K GPC threshold

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved Justification and approval to use other than full and open competition to pay for AASHTO for conference registration fees for FRA/RPD attendees.

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value)

The 2024 AASHTO Council on Rail Transportation Annual Meeting (held in Norfolk, VA) is an opportunity to discuss industry trends and challenges, provide technical assistance to grantees, and build relationships with FRA’s stakeholders. Additionally, this meeting allows FRA to conduct critical stakeholder outreach. FRA has been lauded by oversight agencies for its outreach activities, many of which have occurred at the Rail Council. RPD participation will include presentations, informal technical assistance to states and professional development opportunities.

The total estimated registration amount for the 2024 AASHTO Council on Rail Transportation Annual Meeting (Sept 23 – 26) is $45,900.

4. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition The authority for permitting this effort without full and open competition is 6.302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited Competition is not possible because AASHTO is the sole sponsor of this nationwide event to which RPD employees have been invited. This event addresses the aforementioned opportunities and venue for FRA experts to both present to the industry, as well as evaluate industry trends/needs.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

N/A

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC) For Requirements > $10,000

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable The FRA will ensure that all costs associated with the conference are fair and reasonable.

8. Description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted No market research was conducted as the 2024 AASHTO Council on Rail Transportation Annual Meeting is the only event of its kind that is sponsored and organized by AASHTO.

9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition The conference registration price is determined by AASHTO and published on their website for all attendees. Based on the commercial published price list, this price is accepted as fair and reasonable.

10. Listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

N/A

11. Statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

There are no barriers to competition as AASHTO is the host of this nationwide event.

12. Certification/Approval Signatures I certify that the information provided in this justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Alexander Carson 09/04/2024 Alexander Carson, COR Date

Koren Wheeler, Contracting Officer Date Office of Acquisition Management

Based upon the preceding information, I hereby recommend approval of this Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition to award a contract to AASHTO for 2024 AASHTO Council on Rail Transportation Annual Meeting.