36C25726P0327_1.docx

Award Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

BASE NOTICE TYPE

OALC NCO-17

Central Texas Veterans HCS 1901 Veterans Memorial Dr. Building #171 Temple TX 76504

POINT OF CONTACT*

Senior Contract Specialist Horacio Fernandez horacio.fernandez@va.gov 254-421-4096

AWARD INFORMATION

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AWARDEE ADDRESS LINE 1*

AWARDEE ADDRESS LINE 2*

AWARDEE ADDRESS LINE 4*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

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DESCRIPTION

1. Purpose The purpose of this Memorandum for Record (MFR) is to document that, for this procurement action, a formal solicitation, site visit, solicitation amendments, or an RFI period are not required because the Government is utilizing the VISN‑wide Architect/Engineer (A/E) Short Selection Database, which was previously competed and established for use under the Brooks Act and RFO Part 13 streamlined procedures.

The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 13.101(b) permits direct award from quotes and authorizes the use of innovative, streamlined procedures that minimize administrative burden when the Government has an existing qualified pool of A/E firms and no further competition is required.

This MFR is included in the official contract file to document the decision to use the Short Selection Database and the resulting selection of the highest‑qualified firm for fee proposal request.

2. Background The VISN 17 A/E Short Selection Database consists of thirty‑five (35) Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) A/E firms, previously evaluated and shortlisted to support VISN 17 engineering requirements. This database was created specifically to streamline Architect/Engineer acquisitions and reduce procurement lead times while remaining fully compliant with the Brooks Act.

For this requirement, an A/E Evaluation Board memorandum dated 17 November 2025 documented the review and ranking of all firms in accordance with Brooks Act criteria (FAR 36.602‑1). The Board determined that Elk Consortium, LLC was the most highly qualified A/E firm among the Short Selection Database firms and recommended the Government request a fee proposal from this firm.

Because the Short Selection Database represents a previously established and qualified pool, additional competition is neither required nor appropriate.

3. Authority: RFO Part 13.101(b) and Brooks Act Procedures RFO Part 13.101(b) authorizes the Government to:

• Use streamlined, innovative procedures

• Minimize administrative burden

• Issue awards directly from quotes

• Forego unnecessary solicitation activity for actions under simplified acquisition thresholds Under the Brooks Act, the Government must request a fee proposal from the most highly qualified A/E firm. Since qualification‑based selection has already occurred via the Short Selection Database, no new competition, synopsis, or solicitation is required.

These procedures remain fully aligned with long‑standing SAP principles, including:

• No requirement for competitive range determinations

• No requirement for formal solicitation packages

• No requirement for RFIs, Q&A periods, or formal debriefings

• Reduced protest risk due to compliance with qualification‑based selection

• Emphasis on efficiency, best value, and Government interest

4. Determination: Solicitation and Associated Procedures Not Required Based on the existence and applicability of the Short Selection Database:

a. No Solicitation (RFQ) Needed A formal solicitation is not required because the Short Selection Database already provides a fully evaluated pool of qualified A/E firms. The highest‑qualified firm, Elk Consortium, was identified by the Evaluation Board.

Therefore, the Government is authorized to directly request a fee proposal.

b. No Site Visit Required A site visit is optional under RFO Part 13. Given the established qualification‑based process and the nature of the requirement, a site visit is not required prior to requesting a fee proposal.

c. No Amendments Required Because no solicitation is issued, amendments are not applicable.

d. No RFI or Q&A Period Required All required evaluations were completed as part of the pre‑existing Short Selection Database process. RFIs or Q&A are not required.

e. No Posting or Public Notification Required Under RFO Part 13 and the Brooks Act qualification‑based selection process, public posting is not required when requesting a fee proposal from the most highly qualified A/E firm.

5. Basis for This Determination This determination is based on:

• The VISN 17 Short Selection Database containing 35 previously vetted A/E firms

• The A/E Evaluation Board memorandum identifying Elk Consortium as the most highly qualified firm

• Brooks Act requirements to select the highest‑qualified firm without price competition

• RFO 13.101(b) authority allowing streamlined acquisition and direct requests for quotes/fee proposals

• The established purpose of the Short Selection Database to reduce procurement lead times Given these factors, additional competition or formal solicitation procedures would provide no benefit and are not required.

6. Conclusion Use of the VISN 17 A/E Short Selection Database satisfies all requirements for qualification‑based selection. Accordingly, the Government is authorized to:

• Proceed without issuing a solicitation

• Forego site visits, amendments, RFIs, and public posting

• Request a fee proposal directly from the most highly qualified firm, Elk Consortium

• Use streamlined procedures consistent with RFO Part 13 and the Brooks Act These actions are appropriate, justified, and in the best interest of the Government.

7. Contracting Officer Certification I certify that this MFR accurately reflects the facts and authorities supporting the decision that no solicitation, competition, site visit, amendments, or RFI period are required for this procurement, based on the use of the VISN 17 Short Selection Database and RFO Part 13 authorities.

*= Required Field Award Notice