2024.09.13 J&A_Redacted.pdf

CUI

SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A)

USTRANSCOM JUSTIFICATION FOR

OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Market Research & Data Analytics Platform 24-40

1. CONTRACTING ACTIVITY.

The USTRANSCOM Acquisition Directorate (TCAQ), Information Technology & Support Services Division (TCAQ-D), is responsible for the proposed contract action.

2. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF ACTION BEING APPROVED.

TCAQ requires access to a data analytics platform which will support market research and negotiations by providing insight into contractor availability, market trends (e.g., product/service costs, macro-economic impacts to costs), and recommended contract structures. The period of performance is 25 September 2024 - 24 September 2025. The Government anticipates award of a firm-fixed price (FFP) contract with a total estimated value of .

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE

AGENCY’S NEEDS.

The subscription shall consist of a non-transferable and non-exclusive Departmental License for 12 months, inclusive of unlimited access for unlimited users for an active archive of at least 1,400 reports, as well as those published between now and the end of the total license period.

The subscription fee shall also include training and website walkthroughs for all team members and a dedicated client relationship manager to provide training and act as a liaison with TCAQ-P.

Subscription and reports shall include the following features:

• Benchmarking

• Leverage assessments

• Supply chain risk

• Pricing forecasts

• Analysis of price drivers

• Templates and suggestions for requests for proposals in the respective market segments

• Major vendor statistics

• Emerging trends & technology analysis

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) – 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901)

Controlled by: USTRANSCOM Controlled by: Directorate of Acquisition CUI Category/ies: SSEL Limited Dissemination Control: FED ONLY

POC:

5. DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS OR THE NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES USE OF

THE AUTHORITY CITED.

IBISWorld and Procurement IQ reports provide a unique approach to market research by bringing together businesses, educational institutions, and Government organizations to provide scheduled and ad hoc research services. These activities include focused benchmark prices, sharing of best practices across industries, access to Procurement Insider, receipt of focused studies into commodities, participation in the research process, and on-demand research services.

Such activities are beyond the scope of the USTRANSCOM acquisition workforce. Additionally, the IBISWorld and Procurement IQ reports provide industry data for the major transportation and information technology categories procured in TCAQ. A side-by-side comparison of similar industry reports was conducted prior to purchasing the current licenses, and it was determined that the level of data needed by TCAQ was only met by the IBISWorld and Procurement IQ reports. All other vendors identified during the initial market research could only provide reports for a limited number of categories, and none could provide benchmark data and contract structure recommendations; therefore, no other vendor can offer a product that meets TCAQ’s needs.

6. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE

SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS IS PRACTICAL.

A Notice of Intent was posted on 08 AUG 2024 and remained open for seven days. No responses were received. Additionally, TCAQ actively reviewed the products and emerging technologies from other companies, inclusive of demonstrations.

7. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE

ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE.

The IBISWorld and Procurement IQ subscription offered to the Government is the same as what is offered to commercial customers. It is anticipated the quoted price will be determined fair and reasonable based on a comparison to published prices and similar commercial products on the market.

8. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE

RESULTS OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASONS MARKET RESERACH WAS NOT

CONDUCTED.

An internet search was conducted to find competitors to IBISWorld which identified two other potential sources. The products/platforms of Bloomberg LP and Statista Inc. were reviewed but it was determined that these products did not meet the Government's need as they did not provide the necessary industry/market data, including but not limited to, pricing forecasts, analysis of price drivers, and suggested contract type/structure. Additionally, in accordance with FAR 5.2 and in order to enhance competition opportunities, a Notice of Intent was posted to SAM.gov.

N.

Date: 2024.08.19 07:02:08 -05'00'

This provided interested parties the opportunity to identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement.

9. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND

OPEN COMPETITION.

N/A

10. A LISTING OF SOURCES, IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN THE

ACQUISITION.

N/A

11. A STATEMENT OF ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE

OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE MAKING ANY

SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION FOR THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED.

To increase competition, market research will be performed prior to any follow-on contract to determine if more than one vendor can provide a subscription that meets the needs of TCAQ.

12. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION.

I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

FOLSOM.TERINA.

ANN.

Digitally signed by

FOLSOM.TERINA.AN

Date: 2024.08.20 08:49:37 -05'00'

TERINA A. FOLSOM

Contracting Officer

13. TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION.

I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Procurement Analyst

14. WRITTEN DETERMINATION OF THE APPROVING OFFICIAL IDENTIFYING

THE CIRCUMSTANCE THAT APPLIES TO THE ACTION.

N.

Based on the above-cited justification, I hereby determine the circumstance in FAR 13.106- 1(b)(1)(i) applies to this justification for other than full and open competition.

FOLSOM.TERINA.

ANN.

Digitally signed by

FOLSOM.TERINA.AN

Date: 2024.08.20 08:50:11 -05'00'

TERINA A. FOLSOM

Contracting Officer