36C24520Q0153-027.pdf

Attachment 2: Request for Sole Source Memo Format

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval

For

Other Than Full and Open Competition

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Crisis Line (101)

The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) utilizes a texting platform that allows Veterans and family members, in crisis, to communicate via short message service (SMS), “texting”, by way of the vanity short code

VETALK (838255). The texting platform is another modality for Veterans in crisis to reach out to the

VCL, connect with a trained responder, and receive services.

Cross Link Media LLC is the owner of the current texting platform that the VCL utilizes. Cross Link is the only entity that can provide access to this platform, with proprietary functionality. Cross Link provides both the use of the platform and acts as an aggregator to telecommunication companies.

Due to these conditions, Cross Link must be used as the vendor for this requirement.

This information serves as the “justification for other than full and open competition.” The applicable 2237 number is 101-20-2-5116-0093.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed:

This is to be a new six (6) month contract.

It shall be a firm-fixed price contract.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs:

The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) utilizes a texting platform that allows Veterans and family members, in crisis, to communicate via short message service (SMS), “texting”, by way of the vanity short code

VETALK (838255). This contract is to continue access, maintenance, and updating of the texting platform so end users have uninterrupted service.

Period of Performance: January 31, 2020 through July 31, 2020.

Provide texting platform, services, and maintenance $90,000.00

Total Contract Value $90,000.00

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition:

(X) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements per FAR 6.302-1;

( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per FAR 6.302-2;

( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services per FAR 6.302-3;

( ) (4) International Agreement per FAR 6.302-4 ( ) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute FAR 6.302-5;

( ) (6) National Security per FAR 6.302-6;

( ) (7) Public Interest per FAR 6.302-7;

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority):

Cross Link Media LLC is the owner of the web-based program for the texting platform the VCL is currently using. Cross Link is the only entity that has the rights to provide access to the platform.

Per Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) guidelines, the trade association representing the wireless communications industry in the United States, universal short codes, such as “STOP,” “END,” “CANCEL,” “UNSUBSCRIBE,” and “QUIT”, are required for consumer protection.

CTIA does not mandate a single universal short code, only providing a directive that indicates the short code must be available and if enacted, automates a message confirming that the consumer has successfully opted out of receiving future messages. The standard short code to indicate the customer is rescinding their consent (i.e. opting-out) for all toll-free phone numbers is “STOP”. Cross Link, however, has the unique, proprietary functionality in which the short code “STOP” prompts automation while also allowing for a clinical countermand to allow for rare exceptions when risk is imminent and clear. Along with providing the texting platform, Cross Link provides an aggregator to have texts sent from telecommunication companies to the VCL, without the need of a separate contract. Additionally, Cross Link is able to provide the following:

- A shared inbox or “lobby” where supervisors are able to monitor ongoing interactions

- The ability for agents to “claim” an interaction if original agent is unable to continue with interaction due to technical difficulties

- Automated responses upon initiation of contact and upon conclusion

- A link to a feedback form for the end user to rate the experience, that the agency can collect and evaluate.

- A web-based platform so no software needs to be installed on machines, servers, or the VA network.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable:

Cross Link Media LLC is the owner of current texting platform. Cross Link is the only entity that can provide access to this platform, with proprietary functionality. Cross Link provides both the use of the platform and an aggregator to telecommunication companies.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable:

Cross Link Media LLC is the only vendor the VCL has used since the inception of the texting platform and initial requirement due to owning the rights of the program. The VA/VCL has deemed the cost fair and reasonable as it is in line with previous year’s pricing, with the addition of a proportional increase due to higher platform demand and needed maintenance (as VCL has added a second site to utilize the platform).

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

Cross Link Media LLC is the owner of current texting platform. Cross Link is the only entity that can provide access to this platform, with proprietary functionality. Cross Link provides both the use of the platform and an aggregator to telecommunication companies.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition:

N/A

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

N/A

11. A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required:

No actions are planned at this time for vendor solicitation. Approval is being sought for a six (6) month contract due to the VA’s Office of Information and Technology is in the process of developing their own texting platform, to suit the needs of the VCL in the future.

12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a Bona Fide Need of the Department of Veterans Affairs and that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date

Name: Mary Woodruff Title: Advisor, VCL

13. Approvals in accordance with FAR 6.304

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

Name Date Title Facility

b. NCM/PCM (Required $3K and above): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition.

Name Date Network Contract Manager

VISN/PCA X

Title Facility

c. SAO (If over 500K): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition.

Name Date Director Service Area Office, East

d. VHA HCA Review and Approval: I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and recommend approval (if over $10million) or approve ($500K to 10 million) for other than full and open competition.

Name Date Chief Procurement and Logistics Officer VHA Head of Contracting Activity (HCA)

e. VA Deputy Senior Procurement Executive Approval (over $10 million but not exceeding $50 million): I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and approve for other than full and open competition.

C. FORD HEARD Date Deputy Senior Procurement Executive (DSPE) Office of Acquisition and Logistics Department of Veterans Affairs

f. VHA Senior Procurement Executive Approval (over $50 million): I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and approve for other than full and open competition.

Jan R. Frye Date Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) Department of Veterans Affairs