Sole_Source_Justification_-_FAC-C-DS_DITAP.pdf

Sole Source Justification (SSJ) For Simplified Acquisitions (over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the Simplified Acquisition

Threshold (SAT) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

SSJ No.: FYI 9-3882

Date: 09/12/2019 PR Number: CON190107

1. Nature and/or description of the item/service being procured and anticipated cost:

The proposed sole source action is for a one-year firm-fixed price (FFP) effort to procure the training required to enable USCIS Contracting Officer (CO) workforce to obtain Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Core-Plus Specialization in Digital Services (F AC-C DS). It is proposed that this training be procured from ICF International Inc. (ICF), 9300 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22031. This firm-fixed-price effort is estimated at inclusive of training/certification for up to 25 students and travel costs.

On May 18, 2018, 0MB issued a memorandum announcing the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) launched a new digital services certification program (FAC-C-DS) with the goal of creating a digital IT acquisition professional (DITAP) community. This new specialization aligns with the President's Management Agenda in the areas of modernizing the government's IT, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our services, and developing a 21st century workforce. A common component of these strategies is delivering data, information, and transactional services across multiple platforms to transform how citizens interact with their government. To develop this new generation of digital services, the workforce must learn and apply new skills. Buying digital services is not a skill that is gained through the F AC-C curriculum, thereby necessitating a specialized and immersive training and development program called the DITAP, which leads to the FAC-C-DS. This specialization meets an urgent need for digital services expertise and will be part of a larger effort to raise the overall competency of the acquisition workforce in acquiring IT solutions.

The memorandum issued by 0MB stated that, "Contracting professionals assigned to acquisitions consisting primarily of digital services over the FAR Subpart 13.5 certain commercial item threshold, currently $7 million (or $13 million for acquisitions as described in 13.S00(c)), are required to be certified." It further stated that "contracting professionals assigned to acquisitions consisting primarily of digital services in FY-19 thru FY-21 over the above threshold shall obtain the specialization within two years of assignment." These two statements explain why it is vital for USCIS CO workforce to obtain the FAC-C-DS specialization. Not only will the specialization raise the overall competency of the workforce in acquiring IT solutions, but it will also enable the COs to meet the requirements of the OFPP memorandum within the stated timeframe.

The OFPP memorandum indicated that both government and commercial training providers can offer DITAP to government contracting professionals, and that approved programs include those offered by either government or industry and validated by OFPP and U.S. Digital Service. It further states that a list of validated programs and information on how to apply shall be maintained by the Federal Acquisition Institute (F AI) on www.fai.gov and identifies the TechF AR Hub at https://techfarhub.cio.gov as an additional source of information.

SSJ: FYl9-3882

Rev. 1/30/2018

1-1

Threshold (SAT) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

Based on the market research findings, ICF is currently the only government certified FAC-C- DS training providers. U.S. Digital Services is currently not offering new cohorts. Furthermore, there is no way of knowing how long it would take other vendors to obtain approval. USCIS requires a vendor who is currently approved and has experience delivering this specialized training.

In order for the USCIS CO workforce to obtain this specialization by the end of FY20, the training program will need to begin right away upon contract award. Delaying the training in order to allow for other vendors to become certified could inhibit USCIS' ability to support its IT customers. As a result, it is imperative that USCIS procure this training from ICF.

2. Sole Source Justification Rationale in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii).

(Check one and explain below):

X Only one source reasonably available.

Urgent and compelling circumstances exists.

Exclusive licensing agreement exists.

Brand name. If the brand name requirement applies to a portion of the procurement, please identify that portion.

Industrial Mobilization

Other. Explain:

3. The anticipated price will be determined fair and reasonable based on one or more of the price analysis techniques described below in accordance with FAR Part 13.106-3(a)(2). (Check one and provide short explanation or description of action taken):

Market Research.

Comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases.

Current price List.

Comparison with similar items in a related industry.

Comparison to IGCE.

Contracting Officer's personal knowledge.

Other.

SSJ: FY19-3882

Rev. 1/30/2018

1-1

X

X

X

Threshold (SAT) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

SSJ: FY19-3882

Rev. 1/30/2018

1-1