Sole Source Justification - Mahon M-I.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

Project Title: Switchgear Replacement Project - Construction Management and Inspection Services

Date: 08/17/2026

1. Identification of the Agency and Contracting Activity: GSA/PBS

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Approved: This justification seeks approval for a sole source contract with HED for Construction Management and Inspection (M&I) services for the critical Switchgear Replacement Project located at the Mahon Federal Courthouse in Fort Worth, TX. This contract will cover the oversight, quality assurance, and technical support during the installation phase of the new switchgear system.

3. Description of the Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency's Needs: The services required include comprehensive construction management, quality assurance, and inspection services during the installation of a new main electrical switchgear system.

This encompasses, but is not limited to, reviewing contractor submittals, conducting site inspections, verifying adherence to design specifications, resolving field conditions, managing change orders, and providing expert technical guidance throughout the construction phase. The successful execution of these services is paramount to ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant installation of this critical infrastructure.

4. Identification of the Sole Source Contractor: HED. DUNS # 44960581

5. Justification for Sole Source Procurement:

This procurement is justified as a sole source award to HED based on the following compelling reasons, which collectively demonstrate that HED is the only firm capable of providing the required services without unacceptable delays, significant cost increases, or compromised project outcomes:

• Intimate Knowledge of Design: HED was the architect firm responsible for the comprehensive design of the new switchgear system. Their team possesses an unparalleled, in-depth understanding of the specific design intent, technical specifications, and underlying assumptions that went into the development of the switchgear replacement plans. This intimate knowledge is critical for effective management and inspection, as it allows for immediate recognition of deviations or potential issues that a third-party firm would need significant time to understand.

• Efficient Issue Resolution and Design Changes: Given HED's ownership of the original design, they are uniquely positioned to address any construction issues or unforeseen field conditions that may arise during installation. Should a design clarification or modification be required, HED can provide swift, authoritative, and integrated solutions, minimizing potential delays and avoiding costly misinterpretations that could occur if a separate firm, unfamiliar with the original design philosophy, were involved. This direct line to the design authority ensures efficient decision-making and problem-solving.

• Critical Building Operation and Urgency: The switchgear replacement is a critical building operation that directly impacts the power supply and operational continuity of the Mahon Courthouse. The existing switchgear is past the life expectancy, necessitating immediate action to mitigate significant operational risks, including potential power outages, disruption to essential services, and safety hazards. Any delay in this project due to onboarding a new firm or resolving design interpretation issues could have severe and unacceptable operational consequences.

• Continuity and Leveraging Prior Investment: Awarding the M&I services to HED ensures seamless continuity from the design phase through construction. This approach leverages the substantial investment already made in HED's design work, maximizing its value by ensuring that the firm most knowledgeable about the design is overseeing its implementation. Introducing a new firm at this stage would require extensive time for them to review, understand, and validate HED's design, effectively duplicating effort and negating the efficiency gained by the initial design process.

• Risk Mitigation and Operational Impact of Delays: The urgency of replacing the switchgear cannot be overstated. Engaging a firm other than HED for M&I services would introduce substantial risks, including:

• Significant Delays: Time required for a new firm to familiarize itself with the complex design, project history, and stakeholder expectations.

• Increased Costs: Potential for errors, rework, and prolonged project schedules due to a lack of intimate design knowledge.

• Design Interpretation Issues: Higher likelihood of misinterpretations of design intent, leading to construction errors or disputes.

• Operational Disruption: Extended project timelines directly increase the risk of critical system failures and prolonged operational impacts on the facility.

6. Determination that the Anticipated Cost is Fair and Reasonable: The Contracting Officer will determine price reasonableness through a detailed analysis of HED's cost proposal, comparing it to historical data for similar services, market research, and an independent government estimate.

7. Market Research: Due to the unique circumstances outlined above, specifically HED's intimate and proprietary knowledge of their own switchgear design and the critical, urgent nature of the project, market research for an alternative M&I provider for this specific project was deemed impractical and unlikely to yield a firm capable of meeting the project's stringent requirements without incurring unacceptable delays or risks. While other firms may offer M&I services, none possess the direct design authorship and the associated comprehensive understanding that HED brings, which is essential for this time-sensitive and technically complex installation.

8. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other Than Full and Open Competition: None beyond those already stated, which collectively demonstrate the unique qualifications of HED for this critical project phase.

9. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I further certify that the anticipated cost will be determined fair and reasonable.

GSA Contracting Officer Kevin Mack 08/18/2026