SSED 1 Extension JOFOC_052324_Signed_Redacted.pdf

IRS Form (Rev. 6/21)

IRSAP 1006.3

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(JOFOC)

FAR SUBPART 6.3

I recommend the use of other than full and open competition for the acquisition of the following supplies or services. If this acquisition is to be made with only one source or a limited number of sources, negotiations will be conducted with the indicated proposed supplier(s).

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE AGENCY AND CONTRACTING ACTIVITY:

IRS Procurement, Office of Information Technology, Tier 2/3 Support Branch, (OITA)

2. NATURE/DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING APPROVED:

Type of Action: Bridge Modification Order Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Period of Performance: Four (4) months - Two (2) month Base period + Two (2) one (1) month Option periods

IRS's Information Resources Accessibility Program Office (IRAP) is requesting approval to issue a bridge modification to extend the period of performance of the current Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for an additional three months. This extension is necessary to allow the Government sufficient time to award the follow-on contract for the Support Services for Employees with Disabilities (SSED 2).

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES:

This bridge modification will extend the current IDIQ contract (Contract# 2032H5-20-D-00010), which is set to expire on June 1, 2024. The new period of performance will extend from June 2, 2024, to September 30, 2024. The extension is required to ensure continuity of essential services provided under the current contract, which include the procurement of Assistive Technology (AT) hardware, software, and support services for IRS employees with disabilities.

The follow-on contract, Support Services for Employees with Disabilities (SSED 2), is anticipated to continue these services, but additional time is needed to complete the procurement process and ensure a smooth transition without service disruption. The bridge modification will maintain the current service levels and support the IRAP Office by providing the necessary AT solutions and support during this interim period.

4. SHOPPING CART

NUMBER: 5000191077

5. NAME OF PROPOSED SOURCE(S):

Integration Technologies Group Inc.

6. COST ESTIMATE:

Base Period: $338,667 Option Period 1: $169,333 Option Period 2: $169,333

7. CERTIFICATION OF TECHNICAL OR REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL

IRSAP 1006.3

acquisition process for the follow-on contract is intricate and requires additional time to ensure all technical and policy requirements are adhered to and captured in the solicitation. This process involves preparing solicitation documents, conducting thorough internal reviews, and evaluating proposals to ensure a fair and effective selection.

Before the solicitation is issued, it undergoes multiple layers of internal review within the IRS to ensure compliance with internal policies, regulations, and standards. Given the significance of the services being procured, this scrutiny is necessary and has significantly contributed to the delay in the procurement process.

The procurement office has also faced significant personnel turnover, impacting the timeline for completing the acquisition process. New staff members need time to familiarize themselves with the specifics of the procurement, including understanding the technical and operational demands, which has slowed progress.

Extending the current contract ensures that the IRS maintains operational efficiency and service continuity during this transitional period. The established processes and in-depth understanding of the IRS's needs by the current contractor minimize the risk of service disruption. This is especially important for services that affect the productivity and accommodations of employees with disabilities, where any interruption could have serious negative consequences for the IRS.

Additionally, unforeseen delays have affected the timeline for the acquisition process, including unexpected revisions to solicitation documents and the need for additional internal consultations to resolve specific technical concerns.

In conclusion, extending the current contract is crucial to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services and to allow for a thorough completion of the acquisition process, which is vital for selecting the most suitable contractor to meet the IRS’s needs.

B. DESCRIBE THE EFFORTS TAKEN TO ENSURE OFFERS WERE SOLICITED FROM AS

MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS IS PRACTICABLE, INCLUDING WHETHER A NOTICE

WAS OR WILL BE PUBLISHED AS REQUIRED BY FAR SUBPART 5.2 AND, IF NOT, WHICH

EXCEPTION UNDER FAR 5.202 APPLIES.

Notice will not be published as the proposed contract action is made under the conditions described in 6.302-2 and the Government would be seriously injured if the agency complies with the time periods specified in 5.203. In accordance with FAR 6.305 (b) Availability of the justification, this justification shall be posted within 30 days after contract award.

C. DETERMINATION THAT THE ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR

AND REASONABLE.

The anticipated cost to the Government for the proposed three-month extension will be based on the rates established at the award of Option Year 3 of the current contract. These rates were evaluated and determined to be fair and reasonable by a warranted Contracting Officer at the time the option year was exercised.

IRSAP 1006.3

D. DESCRIBE THE MARKET RESEARCH THAT WAS CONDUCTED AND THE RESULTS OF

THAT SURVEY. IF ACTIONS WERE TAKEN BY PROCUREMENT PERSONNEL TO SATISFY

THIS REQUIREMENT (SUCH AS A GPE SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS), PLEASE SPECIFY.

No formal market research was conducted in relationship to this JOFOC. The decision to extend the current contract is based on the immediate need to ensure continuity of critical services while the follow-on procurement process is completed. Given the unique qualifications of the current contractor and the urgent need to avoid service disruption, it was determined that extending the existing contract was the most practical solution.

E. DESCRIBE ANY OTHER FACTS TO SUPPORT THE JOFOC.

N/A

F. LIST SOURCES, IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED, IN WRITING, AN INTEREST IN THE

ACQUISITION.

N/A

G. LIST THE ACTIONS THE BUREAU WILL TAKE TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY

BARRIERS TO PROMOTE THE COMPETITION ON ANY SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITIONS FOR

SIMILAR SUPPLIES OR SERVICES.

To make the solicitation process more accessible, the bureau will review and streamline solicitation documents and processes. This includes simplifying the language and requirements in the upcoming solicitation to reduce barriers for new and smaller vendors who may have previously been deterred by complex and burdensome documentation. Additionally, the contracting office will issue pre-solicitation notices to provide potential offerors with advanced notice of upcoming opportunities to review draft documentation. This allows vendors ample time to prepare and submit competitive proposals, thereby enhancing the pool of responses and fostering a more competitive environment.

H. STATEMENT THAT REQUIREMENT DOES NOT RESULT FROM A LACK OF PLANNING OR

THE EXPIRATION OF FUNDS.

The need for this contract extension is not due to a lack of planning or the expiration of funds. The Service had a well-structured plan to transition to a follow-on contract. Instead, it arises from unforeseen delays and challenges in the acquisition process. This extension is a proactive measure to address logistical challenges and maintain service continuity while the follow-on contract is awarded.