P03 J AND A SOLE SOURCE CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS - AMENDED.doc

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A)

For

Sole Source (<SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C24620 -AP-2839

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 06, Hampton VA Medical Center.

Purchase Request # 637-20-3-9008-0028

2. Brief Description of Supplies/Services required and the intended use:

Crucial Conversations is an evidence-based approach resource that incorporates the use of cue cards for each lesson provided in a desktop display case, modeling cards and user’s manual.

Crucial Conversations also includes “Tools for Talking When Stakes are High” audio companion with a MP3 download capability and course completion certificate.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: This requirement is sole sourced to VitalSmarts, LC. (LB; (DUNS: 039279380)). The system is part of the Asheville VA Medical Center executive office certification agreement for facilitators and supervisors. Crucial Conversations incorporates unique educational modules for users functioning at different levels. Employees can practice improving leadership, discipline and communication skills. The system has an online search tool to assist with communication skills as part of the curriculum. Additionally, Crucial Conversations offers well-established train-the-trainer certification courses which is a critical component of this purchase request. The staff needs to continue with the same content and training materials in an effort to capture the best return on our investment. Changing learning resources may cause users to lose some of the talent and success from previous versions.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Research was conducted by querying the website under NAICS 611430 with Keywords Crucial Conversations. VIP Search results showed 4 SDVOSB’s and 0 VOSB’s under the respective NAICS. Additional searches were conducted on ECAT, MSPV, NAC and SAC; each had no results. GSA eLibrary revealed GSA schedule contract; GS-1-F-0220R. FPDS search displayed one vendor with exact description. SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (SBDS) revealed four results. A Sources Sought was posted on 4 May 2020; no responses. The items needed for this procurement are proprietary to VitalSmarts, LC. Insight Management Consulting is VitalSmarts, LC. only authorized distributor and stated that this product should be purchased through them using FSS schedule. However, the distributor is unable to meet the NMR. The Rule of Two cannot be met. The Contracting Officer believes that it would be in the government’s best interest to award sole source to VitalSmarts, LC. IAW FAR Part 13.106-1(b).

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR Part 13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

JERRY L. MANN

Contracting Officer, Branch Chief Supply Team III VHAPM Part 813.106

Original Date: 08/30/17 Revision 01 Eff Date: 04/23/2018