SSJ_Fresche_Solutions_Newlook_Smartclient_(DCS-18-315D0)_-_signed_Redacted.pdf

Contemplated Contract Type:

_x__ Firm fixed-price ____ Time and materials/labor hour ____ Combination

We seek approval of a SSJ to obtain the following:

____ Expansion of mainframe software licensing required for compliance with our license agreement, due to agency mainframe hardware capacity increases.

Since commercial mainframe software companies commonly license software based on the capacity of the mainframe hardware on which we install software, we are responsible for expanding our mainframe software licenses commensurate to the hardware capacity each time we upgrade mainframe hardware.

_x__ Maintenance of Newlook Smartclient and Newlook Developer software manufactured by Fresche Solutions, Inc.

We will solicit a proposal and award a single firm-fixed-price award to Fresche Solutions, Inc. for one year.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES AND ESTIMATED VALUE

Estimated Value:

Newlook Smartclient and Newlook Developer software provide critical support to the Modernized Integrated Disability Adjudicative System (MIDAS) and the eDib initiative for the state Disability Determination Services (DDS) offices. We require maintenance to support the state DDS offices to allow the processing of disability claims without interruption.

SSA uses Newlook Smartclient and Newlook Developer software for the Graphics User Interface (GUI) front-end for the MIDAS case processing system. We use this software in Delaware, Alaska, Missouri, California, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Disability Determination Service (DDS) offices. The Office of Disability and International Operations and some of the Disability Processing Branches at the Payment Service Centers also use it.

These centers assist in processing disability claims. The products run on an IBM iSeries processor as an SSA centralized case processing production system.

The maintenance subscription for Fresche Solutions, Inc. software includes updates, fixes and patches, as well as online and telephone technical support, allowing the software to remain operational in a changing environment.

____ Responses received listed under item 10 below.

_X__ No responses received.

Based on the results of the posting, as well as market research described in item 8 below, we do not believe there are any entities with similar capabilities at this time.

7. DETERMINATION BY THE CO THAT THE ANTICIPATED COST TO THE

GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE

In accordance with FAR Part 15.404, the CO will perform a final price analysis in order to determine the eventual awardee’s proposed price is fair and reasonable.

8. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET RESEARCH

See Section 6 above.

These software products are proprietary products licensed to the agency. Market research has confirmed that Fresche Solutions, Inc. is the copyright holder of this software;

therefore, the only known source capable of providing the required software maintenance is Fresche Solutions, Inc..

Additionally, __x_ We used market research conducted within 18 months of the anticipated award date. Therefore, we consider the information still current, accurate, and relevant.

_x__ When examining whether this is a requirement for Commercial vs Non- Commercial items, market research helped determined that this requirement involves _x__ A) Items of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace;

Fresche Solutions, Inc. Newlook Smartclient and Newlook Developer are both commercially available. SSA currently owns perpetual licenses for these software products.

____ B) Items of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace with modifications; or

____ C) Items used exclusively for governmental purposes (i.e. not commercially available).

____ Market research helped determine ____ Customary practices regarding customizing, modifying, or tailoring of items to meet customer needs and associated costs;

____ Customary practices, including warranty, buyer financing, discounts, contract type considering the nature and risk associated with the requirement, etc., under which commercial sales of the products or services are made;

____ Requirements of any laws and regulations unique to the item needed;

____ Availability of items that contain recovered materials and items that are energy efficient;

____ Distribution and support capabilities of potential suppliers, including alternative arrangements and cost estimates; and ____ Size and status of potential sources (see FAR Part 19).

_x__ Techniques for conducting market research include any or all of the following:

____ (i) Contacting knowledgeable individuals in government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements.

____ (ii) Reviewing the results of recent market research undertaken to meet similar or identical requirements.

____ (iii) Publishing formal requests for information in appropriate technical or scientific journals or business publications.

_x__ (iv) Querying the government-wide database of contracts and other procurement instruments intended for use by multiple agencies available at https://www.contractdirectory.gov/contractdirectory/ and other government and commercial databases that provide information relevant to agency acquisitions.

Fresche Solutions, Inc. is not listed on ContractDirectory.gov.

_x__ (v) Participating in interactive, on-line communication among industry, acquisition personnel, and customers.

Emailed Fresche Solutions, Inc. to obtain a cost estimate and details about the software products and our licenses.

____ (vi) Obtaining source lists of similar items from other contracting activities or agencies, trade associations or other sources.

_x__ (vii) Reviewing catalogs and other generally available product literature published by manufacturers, distributors, and dealers or available on-line.

____ (viii) Conducting interchange meetings or holding presolicitation conferences to involve potential offerors early in the acquisition process.

____ Additional information, sources, comments

9. ANY OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS

In accordance with FAR 4.1102, 4.1201, and 9.401, upon selection of an awardee, the CO will examine the System for Award Management in order to make an affirmative determination of the contractor’s responsibility.

10. LIST OF SOURCES EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITION IN

WRITING

No other sources have expressed an interest in this acquisition.

11. ACTIONS AGENCY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME BARRIERS TO

COMPETITION BEFORE ANY SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION IS REQUIRED

We will continue to survey the market place by synopsizing our requirement and reviewing product literature and capability statements submitted by the vendor community.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE

(COTR) AND PROGRAM OFFICIALS’ RECOMMENDATION

AND CERTIFICATION

The COTR and other program officials hereby certify that the information provided in support of the justification for an exception to fair opportunity, and which forms the basis for this justification, is accurate and complete.

RECOMMEND:

CERTIFICATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER AND

OTHER CONTRACTING OFFICIALS

The contracting officer and other contracting officials hereby certify that the information provided in support of this justification for an exception to fair opportunity is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge and belief.

APPROVE: