36C77618C0010-001.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A) For

Other Than Full and Open Competition (>$150K)

HIG SST Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription

1. Contracting Activity:

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC), 6150 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 300, Independence, OH 44131. Office of Health Informatics (OHI), VA Library Network Office, offer this Justification for Other Than Full and Open competition.

Purchase Request Number is 776-18-3-8152-0097.

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

This request is for a re-compete of a subscription to the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases for the VHA Library Network Office. The proposed action is for a new standalone, firm-fixed price contract (for a base plus four (4) option year period of performance) following the procedures in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.

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

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) continues to require an existing, commercial, off-the-shelf, web-based electronic subscription to the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases, which are only available together as a package that will be made available throughout the VHA healthcare system. Health Business Elite provides comprehensive journal content detailing all aspects of healthcare administration and other non-clinical aspects of healthcare institution management. Health Policy Reference Center provides a comprehensive full-text database which covers all aspects of health policy and related issues.

The requested period of performance for this re-competed contract is as follows: One (1) year from date of award; 6/30/2018-6/29/2019, plus four (4) one (1) year option periods to be exercised at the discretion of the Government The estimated total value of the acquisition is $1,608,988.00, for the five (5) year life of the contract.

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

FAR13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items: The authority for applying the Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items of FAR 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. 1901 and is implemented for restricting competition on this procurement via FAR 13.106-1(b)(2) ( ) (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;

Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): The source of supply for the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases, EBSCO, is the only provider of the two (2) database package. Health Business Elite is a comprehensive, full-text database covering all aspects of health policy and related issues. Health Business Elite supports decision-making, planning and research in a variety of healthcare system areas. Health Business Elite contains full-text content for more than 600 journals, including H&HN: Hospitals & Health Networks, Harvard Business Review (available back to 1922), Marketing Health Services, Modern Healthcare, and many more. Additional content also includes healthcare company profiles and a rich collection of images, including photographs, illustrations, charts, diagrams, maps and graphs. Health Policy Reference Center supports decision-making, planning and research in a variety of healthcare system areas. Health Policy Reference Center offers articles from hundreds of full-text publications, including industry-leading academic journals, monographs, magazines, trade publications and other valuable resources. In addition, Health Policy Reference Center provides hundreds of thousands of records with subject headings from an extensive thesaurus.

EBSCO aggregates source material from third-party publishers of over 600 journals and creates associated abstracts, indexes, and full text resources for such material in a cross searchable portal containing the two (2) databases; Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center. These databases are Athens accessible, which means they can be integrated into the VA’s Purchased Serials Solutions; a collection of existing and long standing VA purchased subscriptions that can be activated once the procurement is established. Because the databases are Athens accessible the need for users VA-wide to enter user names and passwords each time the user accesses the databases is eliminated. The Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases are derivative works as defined under the Copyright Act of 1976, Title 17 U.S.C., and are therefore subject to copyright protection. EBSCO is the sole holder of the copyright to the full text and abstracts in the databases as a whole. EBSCO is the sole provider and no other company is licensed to distribute these databases. The content provided by the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases are essential to VA management staff as well as other VA staff in compiling data for answering inquiries as well as in conducting research and making policy decisions.

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

Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) for this procurement of $300,046.00 (for the base contract period), and $1,608,988.00 (for the five (5) year duration of the contract) is reflective of the market price published by the vendor for unrestricted access for an unlimited number of users to the two resources required. The relevant procurement history for this requirement is based on one prior year, for a one-year period of performance, at the cost of $290,000.00. The new, follow-on, re-competed contract price reflects a 3.5% annual increase, considered reasonable for the market.

Prior to any award, the Contracting Officer will evaluate the proposal for price reasonableness by comparing the price to the IGCE per FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(vi).

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: On March 16, 2018, a Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted to FedBizOpps (FBO) to maximize competition for the subject requirement. The notice closed on March 28, 2018 at 4:00pm. On March 16, 2018 www.vip.vet.biz.gov (VIP) was queried to identify possible Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns capable of meeting the requirements for the subject procurement. The search criteria utilized was NAICS code “519130 – Internet Publishing, Broadcasting and Web Search Portals”. The search of this NAICS code identified 149 matches. An email was sent to all the vendors that resulted from the VIP query requesting a capability statement be submitted if interested in the requirement set forth in the FBO posting. Three (3) response received; two (2) from SDVOB’s and one (1) from a small business. A capability determination was requested from the Program Manager for all three (3) responses. The Program Manager determined that none of the vendor responses received were capable of meeting the requirement of HIG SST Health Business Elite & Health Policy Reference Center Subscription. There was no evidence found of these vendors being capable because they are not publishers nor aggregators of knowledge based information resources either in journal, literature, or book formats. In addition, there was no indication that they are already in the business of providing the services needed based on the information available on their websites. Therefore none were found to be capable of meeting the government requirement for this procurement.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: EBSCO will not permit pass-through procurements to other publishers or distributors. Procurement must be with EBSCO directly because the two (2) databases are EBSCO’s proprietary intellectual property.

There are no authorized resellers.

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

1. Premier Mechanical Group, Inc (PMG)

2. WYZ Solutions

3. NewSRX Tech, LLC

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: In order to remove or overcome barriers to competition in future acquisitions for this requirement, responses to the FedBizOps announcement will be reviewed and investigated in a timely manner to see if other solutions are feasible and can be considered as a viable alternative.

The VHA Library Network Office and Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC) will engage in continual market research to identify products that will enable competition to meet this requirement in future procurements.

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.

Tom Waugh Date Librarian VHA Library Network Offfice

13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP:

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.

Kaylan Grove Date Contracting Officer Program Contract Activity Central

b. Director of Contracting / Designee: I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition.

Richard Dahmen Director of Contracting Program Contract Activity Central

c. VHA SAO 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 $68 million) or approve ($700K to $68 million) for other than full and open competition.

Date

Randy Hays

Director, SAO Central

Kaylan M. Grove 1489779

Digitally signed by Kaylan M.

Grove 1489779 Date: 2018.06.20 15:03:55 -04'00'

Thomas P.

Waugh 105835

Digitally signed by Thomas P.

Waugh 105835 Date: 2018.06.20 14:34:07 -05'00'

ATTACHMENTS

(1) Independent Government Cost Estimate

(2) Statement of Work

(3) Market Research Report

(4) Acquisition Plan

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY PROCUREMENT SENSITIVE

IGCE developed by Tom Waugh 1/29/2018 based on an unrestricted number of simultaneous users (including remote users) across the VHA network (including 153 medical centers), and reflective of the market price published by the vendor for unrestricted access for an unlimited number of users to the two resources required. The relevant procurement history for this requirement is based on one prior year, for a one‐year period of performance, at the cost of $290,000.00. The new, follow‐on, re‐ competed contract price reflects a 3.5% annual increase, considered reasonable for the market.

Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription* Period of Performance

Base Period 6/30/2018‐6/29/2019 $300,046.00

Option Year One (1) of Four (4) 6/30/2019‐6/29/2020 $310,548.00

Option Year Two (2) of Four (4) 6/30/2020‐6/29/2021 $321,417.00

Option Year Three (3) of Four (4) 6/30/2021‐6/29/2022 $332,667.00

Option Year Four (4) of Four (4) 6/30/2022‐6/29/2023 $344,310.00

$1,608,988.00

*Note: Price cannot be broken out by database. Two (2) databases are sold together as one (1) package.

IGCE for HIG SST Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription (Five Year Period of Performance)

Attachment 1

Statement of Work Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration

HIG SST Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription

February 2018

A. General Information

1.0 Introduction:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requires an existing, commercial, off-the-shelf, web-based electronic subscription to the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases, which are only available together as a package that will be made available throughout the VHA healthcare system.

2.0 Background:

Health Business Elite provides comprehensive journal content detailing all aspects of healthcare administration and other non-clinical aspects of healthcare institution management. Health Business Elite is a comprehensive, full-text database covering all aspects of health policy and related issues. Health Business Elite supports decision-making, planning and research in a variety of healthcare system areas. Health Business Elite contains full-text content for more than 600 journals, including H&HN: Hospitals & Health Networks, Harvard Business Review (available back to 1922), Marketing Health Services, Modern Healthcare, and many more.

Additional content also includes healthcare company profiles and a rich collection of images, including photographs, illustrations, charts, diagrams, maps and graphs.

Health Policy Reference Center provides a comprehensive full-text database which covers all aspects of health policy and related issues. Health Policy Reference Center supports decision-making, planning and research in a variety of healthcare system areas. Health Policy Reference Center offers articles from hundreds of full-text publications, including industry-leading academic journals, monographs, magazines, trade publications and other valuable resources. In addition, Health Policy Reference Center provides hundreds of thousands of records with subject headings from an extensive thesaurus.

VHA’s goal is to insure uniform availability of high quality, healthcare business knowledge-based resources across the VHA system to improve clinical decision making.

3.0 Objectives:

The desired goals of the nationwide provision of a commercial healthcare business knowledge-based resource are as follows:

a. Providing access nationwide to standard knowledge-based healthcare business information resources will build on the enterprise wide availability of knowledge-based resources in the National Core Collection of Online Resources available to all VA staff.

Attachment 2

b. Improving healthcare business decision making by insuring a uniform availability to a subscription based collection of high quality, healthcare business information.

c. Initiating a nationwide, centralized purchase to capitalize on the economies of scale offered by vendors.

d. Negotiating one license/contract to decrease the current contracting and reviewing efforts that are required at the facility and/or VISN level and thereby avoid the costs and workload associated with multiple procurements.

4.0 Scope of Work:

a. The contractor shall provide all sites on the VHA network with access to a single online, web-based subscription to the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases. Authentication shall be through IP address validation on an enterprise basis, eliminating the need for users to enter identification, username and/or password.

b. The contractor shall provide an unrestricted number of simultaneous with immediate access from any web-enabled computer within VHA. It is required that all authorized remote users with VPN access have access to the product.

c. The contractor shall provide Athens authentication for remote users across the 153 VHA medical centers which provide remote access through Athens authentication service.

d. The contractor shall assure the requirements listed in paragraphs 6, Information Scope, 7, Information Quality, 8, Usability, and 9, Access, Content, Support, are addressed.

5.0 Performance Period: One (1) year from date of award, plus four (4) one (1) year option periods to be exercised at the discretion of the Government;

Base Year: 6/30/2018-6/29/2019.

Option Year One (1) of Four (4): 6/30/2019-6/29/2020.

Option Year Two (2) of Four (4): 6/30/2020-6/29/2021.

Option Year Three (3) of Four (4): 6/30/2021-6/29/2022.

Option Year Four (4) of Four (4): 6/30/2022-6/29/2023.

6.0 Information Scope:

The contractor shall assure the product includes:

a. Knowledge-based information covering healthcare business topics.

b. Information that reflects current practice issues and supports business decision making.

c. Comprehensive information in a single product available for stand-alone purchase or license, independent of complementary or companion products offered by the vendor.

7.0 Information Quality:

The contractor shall assure:

a. Information is accurate, authoritative, and relevant.

b. Authors and sources are well recognized subject experts in their fields.

c. “Best practice”, evidence-based information, or treatment practice guideline information is included.

d. Policies for determining validity and standards for inclusion of material are well described.

8.0 Usability:

a. Navigation within the system is logical and is easy to use.

b. The product has “user friendly” help and direction aids.

9.0 Access, Content, Support:

a. Product is 508 compliant (http://www.section508.gov/). If product is not 508 compliant, the contractor shall describe measures being taken to bring product into compliance and date, within 12 months of contract award, that product will be 508 compliant. Or, if product is not 508 compliant, the contractor shall describe why no work is being done to make it 508 compliant.

b. The product is compatible Internet Explorer and with most other standard web browsers, which have cookies enabled. To insure privacy, the product uses session cookies rather than persistent cookies.

c. The product is compatible with the Windows environment.

d. All site content and support of the web site is the responsibility of the contractor. This includes tech support to VHA users nationwide.

e. The system shall be accessible 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

f. System downtime is minimal and VA project manager is notified when such occurs.

g. Information is easily printed.

h. The system provides the ability to create personal accounts.

http://www.section508.gov/

i. The product’s licensing agreement permits free use for educational purposes of all pictures and graphics.

j. A single point of contact for customer service issues is assigned to VA.

k. Questions are responded to within two business day.

l. Usage statistics are available to the system administrator on an enterprise level.

m. The product is accessible via a variety of personal mobile devices including Apple and

Android devices.

n. Graphics, pictures, and/or images that are searchable are highly desirable.

o. Training services are offered. On an as requested basis, training session (web-based or live) shall be set up to train VHA staff on use of the product. Specialized training sessions may be requested for VA library staff.

p. Usage statistics at an IP level are available.

q. The system shall provide the ability for authorized users to share provided content including clinical and business reference library content with other authorized VA users, including emailing among VA colleagues.

B. Price/Cost Schedule:

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription (Two (2) databases only available together as a package) Base Period of Performance:

6/30/2018-6/29/2019

1.00 EA $ $

0001 Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription (Two (2) databases only available together as a package) Option Year One (1) of Four

(4) Period of Performance:

6/30/2019-6/29/2020

1.00 EA $ $

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription (Two (2) databases only available together as a package) Option Year Two (2) of Four

(4) Period of Performance:

6/30/2020-6/29/2021

1.00 EA $ $

0001 Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription (Two (2) databases only available together as a package) Option Year Three (3) of Four (4) Period of Performance: 6/30/2021- 6/29/2022

1.00 EA $ $

0001 Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription (Two (2) databases only available together as a package) Option Year Four (4) of Four

(4) Period of Performance:

6/30/2022-6/29/2023

1.00 EA $ $

Grand Total

Attachment 1—Market Research Report Template for Contracting Officers

VHAPM Part 810 Market Research SOP Page 1 of 5 Revision: 01, Effective Date: 10/12/17

Market Research Report Note: COs must ensure supporting documentation is uploaded to support procurement strategy decision

(including decisions not to set-aside an action for SDVOSB/VOSB).

Date: 6/15/2018

Purchase Request/2237 Number: 776-18-3-8251-0097 Description of Requirement: HIG SST Health Business Elite & Health Policy Reference Center

Subscription Period of Performance: 6/30/2018 – 6/29/2019

Estimated Value: Base Year: $300,046.00 Base plus 4 Option Years: $1,608,988.00 Product Service Code (PSC) - Federal Supply Codes (FSC):

R605 – Library Services

NAICS Code: 519130 – Internet Publishing, Broadcasting and Web Search Portals

Size Standard for NAICS: 1,000 Employees Market Research Findings:

Supplies (Mandatory IAW FAR 8.002): Results from Market Research:

(1) VA inventories including the VA supply stock program (41 CFR

101-26.704) and VA excess:

Not Applicable

(2) Excess from other agencies (FAR 8.002): Not Applicable

(3) *Federal Prison Industries (FPI) (See VAAR 808.603 Purchase Priorities) *VA COs may purchase supplies and services produced or provided by FPI from eligible service disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses, in accordance with procedures set forth in subpart 819.70, without seeking a waiver from FPI, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 8128, Small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans:

Contracting priority

Not Applicable

(4) Supplies from Ability One - (VA AbilityOne Procurement List for Supplies/Services) (FAR 8.002):

However, VA COs shall, prior to adding any new VA requirements to the Procurement List, conduct market research, apply the VA Rule of Two to consider Vendor Information Pages (VIP) verified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) as required in 38 U.S.C. 8127 and implemented in subpart 819.70.

Not Applicable

(5) Wholesale supply sources such as stock programs of the GSA (see 41 CFR 101-26.3), the Defense Logistics Agency (see 41 CFR 101- 26.6), the Department of Veterans Affairs (see 41 CFR 101-26.704 (VA Subsistence Items), and military inventory control points.

Not Applicable

(6) Prime Vendor and National Contracts/BPAs: Reference CPL&O Memo dated 23Aug16, Subj: Mandatory Use of Prime Vendor Distribution Contracts and National Contracts): It is VHA's policy that any item(s) that is/are available in prime vendor formularies/catalogs, it is mandatory in VHA that any such item(s) will be “ordered”/acquired through the prime vendor. It is also VHA’s policy that items available on national contracts/BPAs that are not available via prime vendor distribution networks will be acquired by placing appropriate orders against these national contracts. Such orders will only be placed by properly warranted COs or properly trained Ordering Officers appointed by the appropriate CO. In cases where an Ordering Officer has been appointed, orders placed are not competitive contracting actions subject to the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 8127. In cases where OO appointments are NOT available, the appropriate CO must make a

Not Applicable

Attachment 3

VHAPM Part 810 Market Research SOP Page 2 of 5 Revision: 01, Effective Date: 10/12/17 determination as to whether the Rule of Two applies (see the Decision Tree Tool to assist with the determination).

Services (Mandatory IAW FAR 8.002): Results from Market Research:

(1) Services that are on the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (see subpart 8.7). Note: VA COs shall, prior to adding any new VA requirements to the Procurement List, conduct market research, apply the VA Rule of Two to consider VIP verified SDVOSBs) and VOSBs as required in 38 U.S.C. 8127 and implemented in subpart 819.70.

Not Applicable

(2) Unusual and compelling urgency. The contracting officer may use a source lower in priority than as specified in 808.002-70 when the need for supplies or services is of an unusual and compelling urgency (see FAR Subpart 6.302-2 and FAR Subpart 8.405-6).

Not Applicable

Use of Other Mandatory Sources (FAR 8.003): Results from Market Research:

Agencies shall satisfy requirements for the following supplies or services from or through specified sources, as applicable:

(a) Public utility services (see part 41).

(b) Printing and related supplies (see subpart 8.8).

(c) Leased motor vehicles (see subpart 8.11).

(d) Strategic and critical materials (e.g., metals and ores) from inventories exceeding Defense National Stockpile requirements (detailed information is available from the DLA Strategic Materials, 8725 John J. Kingman Rd., Suite 3229, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6223.

(e) Helium (see subpart 8.5 -- Acquisition of Helium).

Not Applicable

Mandatory Sources for VA (Ref. 38 U.S.C. 8127 and 8128): Results from Market Research:

Search the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/ and document findings to ensure compliance with 38 U.S.C. 8127’s “Rule of Two.” VA must set aside procurements for VOSBs when market research determines that two or more VOSBs are able to meet the procurement requirements at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States.

NOTE: A determination of price fair and reasonableness does not have to be done during market research phase BUT is required prior to contract award.

NOTE: In the paragraph above, “VOSBs” includes SDVOSBs.

If market research reveals there are one SDVOSB and one VOSB, the action should be set aside for VOSB because a SDVOSB is also a VOSB.

Conduct Market Research by NAICS in VIP Verify Companies are VOSBs for Size Standard for NAICS in the System for Award Management (SAM) “Reps and Certs”

Verify in VIP SDVOSB or VOSB set-aside is subject to the Limitations on

Subcontracting clauses—VAAR 852.219-10. Any SDVOSB or VOSB that proposes to furnish an end product it did not manufacture (a “nonmanufacturer”) must meet the requirements in FAR 19.102(f) to receive a benefit under the Veterans First Contracting Program.

Does the CO have a reasonable expectation that two or more verified SDVOSBs/VOSBs in VIP is capable of providing the item will submit offers, and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States?

Yes, action can be set-aside— two or more eligible SDVOSB/VOSBs can provide item(s) at reasonable price

No, there are NOT two or more eligible VOSBs that can provide the items. COs should attach supporting documentation (excel spreadsheet with VIP search results or screen shots with search results) under (P02)

VHAPM Part 810 Market Research SOP Page 3 of 5 Revision: 01, Effective Date: 10/12/17

808.004-70 Use of Non-Mandatory Sources by VA. Results from Market Research:

(1) IDIQ Contracts awarded by VISN, Region, or Local VA Contracting

Officers for FSC Groups 65 and 66.

If two or more verified SDVOSBs/VOSBs in VIP is on the VISN/Regional/Local IDIQ contracts, use competitive set-aside procedures

Not Applicable

(2) GSA FSS and Pre-Existing Contracts, including Interagency and Intra-agency Contracts.

GSA FSS/Pre-Existing Contracts including IAs, use competitive set-aside procedures

Not Applicable

(3) Open Market Purchases, including Educational and Non-Profit Institutions.

open market, including educational/non-profit contracts, use competitive set-aside procedures

Not Applicable

(4) Eligible Beneficiaries:

1) A CO may authorize an acquisition from the Veterans Canteen Service or a commercial source when a VA healthcare official (e.g., social worker, physician) determines that personal selection of shoes, clothing, and incidentals will result in a therapeutic benefit to an eligible beneficiary.

2) The CO must cite FPI, Inc., clearance No. 1206 in the purchase document for any purchase of dress shoes from the Veterans Canteen Service or a commercial source similar to FPI, Inc., Style No. 86-A.

Not Applicable

(5) Three contracts for desktops and laptops have been established as mandatory:

a. NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP)

b. GSA IT Schedule 70

c. National Institutes of Health Information Technology

Acquisition and Assessment Center Chief Information Officer – Commodities and Solutions (CIO-CS)

SEWP, GSA IT Schedule 70 contracts or others in this category, use competitive set-aside procedures

Not Applicable

Use of Other Sources (FAR 8.004) Results from Market Research:

If an agency is unable to satisfy requirements for supplies and services from the mandatory sources listed in 8.002 and 8.003, agencies are encouraged to consider satisfying requirements from or through the non-mandatory sources listed in paragraph (a) of this section (not listed in any order of priority) before considering the non-mandatory source listed in paragraph (b) of this section. When satisfying requirements from non-mandatory sources, see 7.105(b) and part 19 regarding consideration of small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business (including 8(a) participants), and women-owned small business concerns (see VAAR 819.7004). VA COs must comply with PPM 2016- 05 Implementation of the Veterans First Contracting Program as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision.

Not Applicable

VHAPM Part 810 Market Research SOP Page 4 of 5

(a)(1) Supplies. Federal Supply Schedules, Governmentwide acquisition contracts, multi-agency contracts, and any other procurement instruments intended for use by multiple agencies, including blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) under Federal Supply Schedule contracts (e.g., Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) agreements accessible at http://www.gsa.gov/fssi (see also 5.601)).

(2) Services. Agencies are encouraged to consider Federal Prison Industries, Inc., as well as the sources listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section (see subpart 8.6).

(b) Commercial sources (including educational and non-profit institutions) in the open market.

If two or more verified SDVOSBs/VOSBs in VIP is on any of the categories above, use competitive set-aside procedures

Customary Commercial Terms and Conditions:

1. Per FAR 10.002, market research is conducted to determine if commercial items or nondevelopmental items are available to meet the Government’s needs or could be modified to meet the Government’s needs.

Summary of Market Research Results:

2. Results from VIP--are there two or more verified SDVOSB/VOSBs that are able to meet the procurement requirements? No.

On March 16, 2018, a Special Notice was posted to FedBizOpps (FBO) to maximize competition for the subject requirement. On March 16, 2018 www.vip.vet.biz.gov (VIP) was queried to identify possible Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns capable of completing the requirements for the subject procurement. The search criteria utilized was NAICS code “519130 – Internet Publishing, Broadcasting and Web Search Portals”. The search of this NAICS code identified 149 matches. An email was sent to all the vendors that resulted from the VIP query which provided a link to the FBO posting, and requested a capability statement be submitted if they were capable of meeting the requirement. The notice closed on March 28, 2018 at 4:00pm. There were three (3) response received, two (2) from SDVOB’s and one (1) from a small business.

On April 5, 2018 a capabilities review request was sent to the Program Manager. The response from the Program Manager was received on April 9,2018. The Program Manger determined that none of the vendors that responded were capable of meeting the requirement of HIG SST Health Business Elite & Health Policy Reference Center Subscription. None of the vendors that responded are publishers or aggregators of knowledge based information resources either in journal, literature, nor book formats. In addition, there was no indication that they are already in the business of providing the services required based on the information available on their website.

On May 1, 2018 a System for Award Management (SAM) search was conducted utilizing search records with business name EBSCO Industries Inc., the vendor currently providing these services. The entity registration summary indicated that their registration status was Active with DUNS: 052711686 and CAGE Code: 5J575. Alexis LeColst at EBSCO confirmed that there are no authorized resellers of this subscription.

3. MARKET PRICE:

The cost of the Base Year for this requirement is $300,046.00, Plus Four (4) Option Years with total value of $1,608,988.00.

4. ACQUISITION HISTORY:

VHAPM Part 810 Market Research SOP Page 5 of 5

This requirement was previously awarded to EBSCO Industries Inc. under contract VA701-17-C- 0020, Firm Fixed Price utilizing NAICS 519130 with total award amount of $289,900.00. Period of Performance: 06/30/2017 - 06/29/2017.

5. OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION:

None.

6. RECOMMENDATION:

Market Research has indicated that there is only one source, EBSCO Industries Inc., which can meet the Government’s requirements. Based upon the results of the market research detailed in this report, it is the Contracting Officer’s discretion to request a quote from EBSCO Industries Inc. in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(2).

7. Program Office Point of Contact (POC) Email Address: Tom.Waugh@va.gov

8. Contracting Office POC Email Address: Lamonte.Jones@va.gov

Kaylan M. Grove 1489779

Digitally signed by Kaylan M.

Grove 1489779 Date: 2018.06.29 10:06:49 -04'00'

For Official Use Only/Source Selection Sensitive Acquisition Planning SOP Page 1 of 4 Revision: 04, Effective Date: 11/22/17

VA701 18 AP 0012 HIG SST Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center Subscription

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requires an existing, commercial, off the shelf, web based electronic subscription to the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases, which are only available together as a package that will be made available throughout the VHA healthcare system.

Health Business Elite provides comprehensive journal content detailing all aspects of healthcare administration and other non clinical aspects of healthcare institution management. Health Business Elite is a comprehensive, full text database covering all aspects of health policy and related issues. Health Business Elite supports decision making, planning and research in a variety of healthcare system areas. Health Business Elite contains full text content for more than 600 journals, including H&HN: Hospitals & Health Networks, Harvard Business Review (available back to 1922),Marketing Health Services, Modern Healthcare, and many more. Additional content also includes healthcare company profiles and a rich collection of images, including photographs, illustrations, charts, diagrams, maps and graphs.

Health Policy Reference Center provides a comprehensive full text database which covers all aspects of health policy and related issues. Health Policy Reference Center supports decision making, planning and research in a variety of healthcare system areas. Health Policy Reference Center offers articles from hundreds of full text publications, including industry leading academic journals, monographs, magazines, trade publications and other valuable resources. In addition, Health Policy Reference Center provides hundreds of thousands of records with subject headings from an extensive thesaurus.

VHA’s goal is to insure uniform availability of high quality, healthcare business knowledge based resources across the VHA system to improve clinical decision making.

1. DATE PREPARED: 2/12/2018. 2. PREPARED BY: Brian K. Jarrell.

3. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT:

a. The contractor shall provide all sites on the VHA network with access to a single online, web based subscription to the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases. Authentication shall be through IP address validation on an enterprise basis, eliminating the need for users to enter identification, username and/or password.

b. The contractor shall provide an unrestricted number of simultaneous with immediate access from any web enabled computer within VHA. It is required that all authorized remote users with VPN access have access to the product.

c. The contractor shall provide Athens authentication for remote users across the 153 VHA medical centers which provide remote access through Athens authentication service.

d. The contractor shall assure the requirements listed in the SOW, paragraphs 6, Information Scope, 7, Information Quality, 8, Usability, and 9, Access, Content, Support.

Attachment 4

Acquisition Planning SOP Page 2 of 4 Revision: 04, Effective Date: 11/22/17

4. PRODUCT OR SERVICE? Service. 5.NAICS/FSC/PSC: 519130/R605.

6. REQUESTOR: Tom Waugh 7. PHONE NO: 312-995-0212.

8. PLANNED/ACTUAL DATE SUBMITTED:

2/12/2018.

9. PLANNED AWARD DATE: 6/30/2018.

10. ESTIMATED TOTAL COST: $1,608,988.00. 11. ESTIMATED BASE PERIOD COST: $300,046.00.

12. RISKS:

The database access being requested is for an existing, commercial off the shelf (COTS), web based, subscription that has well defined functionality, and has been utilized by the VA for the last year. The contractor is responsible for all access and maintenance issues, and the contract will be firm fixed price (FFP). Therefore, cost, performance/schedule, and technical risks to the Government are considered low.

13. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Payment for commercial subscriptions is generally made in advance, and market research has revealed that advance payments for the type of subscription sought in this procurement is a common commercial practice. Therefore, one

(1) full payment shall be made to the successful offeror, and in accordance with FAR 13.302 5, clause 52.213 2, Invoices, shall be incorporated into the solicitation and subsequent contract for this procurement. Clause 52.232 12, Advance Payments, has been determined to be non applicable for subscription procurements.

14. COMPETITIVE?

YES NO

15. REASON FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION: The source of supply for the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases, EBSCO, is the only provider of the two (2) database package.

The Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases are derivative works as defined under the Copyright Act of 1976, Title 17 U.S.C., and are therefore subject to copyright protection. EBSCO is the sole holder of the copyright to the full text and abstracts in the databases as a whole. EBSCO is the sole provider and no other company is licensed to distribute these databases. The content provided by the Health Business Elite and Health Policy Reference Center databases are essential to VA management staff as well as other VA staff in compiling data for answering inquiries as well as in conducting research and making policy decisions.

16. POTENTIAL SOURCES:

EBSCO

Dan Denton (ddenton@ebsco.com)

Acquisition Planning SOP Page 3 of 4 Revision: 04, Effective Date: 11/22/17

17. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET RESEARCH EFFORTS CONDUCTED OR TO BE CONDUCTED (USE

RESULTS FROM Market Research Worksheet for Customers Or Simplified Market Research Report Template for COs Or Detailed Market Research Report Template for COs:

A notice of intent to sole source will be posted to FedBizOps (https://www.fbo.gov/). The notice will notify the open market of the government’s intent to award a sole source contract to EBSCO. Vendors will be asked to respond to the notice by emailing a capability statement if they feel they can provide a product meeting the requirements in the Statement of Work (SOW). In addition, a VetBiz search will be conducted for vendors providing services within NAICS code 519130. Vendors from that search will be emailed a copy of the SOW and asked to respond if they feel they could meet the requirement.

18. *SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

*VA must be cognizant of socioeconomic set-aside considerations, including the Veterans First Contracting Program/ 38 U.S.C. 8127’s “Rule of Two.”

*See “Procurement Request and Bundling Requirements” if applicable

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Set-aside

Veteran-Owned Business Set-aside

8(a) Set-Aside

HUBZone Set-Aside Small Business Set-Aside

Women- Owned Small Business Set Aside

19. PLANNED CONTRACT TYPE: Firm-fixed price.

20a. COMMERCIAL ITEM OR SERVICE?

YES NO

20b. If NO, could the requirement be changed to provide for commercial item or service?

YES NO

21. IF SERVICES, ARE INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS INVOLVED?

YES NO N/A

22a. SUITABLE FOR PERFORMANCE-

BASED?

YES NO N/A

22b. If performance-based unacceptable, provide explanation:

A straightforward online, COTS subscription purchase is unlikely to provide opportunities for the Government to include performance incentives in the contract.

23a. OPTIONS:

YES NO

23b. If YES, number and type:

Four one (1) year options to be exercised at the discretion of the Government.

24a. GOVERNMENT PROPERTY TO BE

FURNISHED?

YES NO

24b. If YES, describe (attach additional sheets, if necessary):

25a. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TO

BE PROVIDED?

YES NO

25b. If YES, describe:

26. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES:

27. SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS: None. Per Appendix A, 6500, Security Checklist, the contractor shall have no contact with the VA’s computer systems/networks. In addition, there are no privacy concerns.

28. EVALUATION FACTORS:

Award shall be made based on price reasonableness and contractor’s ability to address the requirements of the SOW.

Acquisition Planning SOP Page 4 of 4 Revision: 04, Effective Date: 11/22/17

SIGNATURES OF APPROVAL IAW - VHAPM Part 807.1 Acquisition Planning SOP Program Manager Name:

Signature:

Date:

Contracting Officer Name:

Signature:

Date:

Kaylan M. Grove 1489779 Digitally signed by Kaylan M. Grove 1489779 Date: 2018.06.26 15:27:55 -04'00'

Thomas P. Waugh 105835 Digitally signed by Thomas P. Waugh 105835 Date: 2018.06.26 15:49:33 -05'00'