36C25619Q0011-001.pdf

VHAPM Part 819.7007/7008 Original Date: 08/30/2017

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A) For

Other Than Full and Open Competition

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C256-18-AP-2526

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Agency 16, Purchase Request # 564-19-1-816-0001.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: Acquisition of equine assisted therapy to Veterans who are receiving outpatient care/services from Mental Health Service at Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), located in Fayetteville, AR. The action will be awarded as a new firmed fixed price contract.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs: Acquisition consists of equine therapy provided by a provider that uses VA approved evidence based therapy for PTSD, PE and CPT. Therapy is to be provided weekly, in 90‐minute sessions. Therapy is to be billed monthly at a rate of $1,200.00 per month. Therapy must be provided in an environment that is conducive to the recovery of each participating Veteran. Therapy must be Provided in an environment conducive to recovery – no alcohol or other illegal drugs allowed on the premise.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition: 41 USC §3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302‐1:

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

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications and/or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): Heroes and Horses (Corral Coaching) is the only local equine assisted therapy that has a clinician with VA approved evidence based therapy for PTSD, PE and CPT who is also certified as an equine assisted therapist.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: Internet searches and phone calls were made. Companies listed on internet either catered to children, were not in close vicinity to VHSO or do not use EBT for clients with PTSD, PE and CPT.

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The basis of fair and reasonable is based on comparison to other companies not able to provide VA approved evidence based therapy for PTSD, PE and CPT as a result of customer market research for the same items and comparison to the IGCE. No other competitive quotes were received from SDVOSBs.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: Internet searches and phone calls were made. Companies listed on internet either catered to children, were not in close vicinity to VHSO or do not use EBT for clients with PTSD, PE and CPT.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: The suggested sole source vendor, Heroes and Horses (Corral Coaching) the have necessary capability and technical expertise to meet the procurement requirements. The price quote is considered reasonable based on comparison to other informal quotes received through customer market research.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: There were no sources that provided informal quotes.

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:

Approval will be sought for more than one year. Sole source effort is required for additional years (3) to avoid any disruption in care/services being provided to Veterans as well as ensuring that Veterans who have a difficult time dealing with change/transition do not have to start over with new company, new staff and new animals.

Brian L Moore Digitally signed by

147027 Brian L Moore 147027 Date: 2018.09.25 13:57:11 -05'00'

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.

September 25, 2018

Brian Moore, LCSW Acting Deputy ACOS, Mental Health Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks

13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP: This part if filled out by Contracting Staff as part of the Justification

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

Billy Morris Date NCO 16, Contracting Officer Little Rock VAMC

09/26/2018