Sole Source Justification under FAR Part 8 RFO Signed Redacted.pdf

Last Updated 08/25/26

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

FAR 8.401(b) (FAR Class Deviation 25-20 R1 for FAR Part 8), GSAR 538.7104-3, HSAM 3008.401-71(a)

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard (USCG), HCA-COCO-11.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action being Approved.

(a) Nature of the action: This is a limited sources justification for a sole-source, six-month bridge task order to ensure uninterrupted continuity of critical Maritime Security Risk Analysis Model (MSRAM) database services. The proposed action will prevent a lapse in critical risk assessment capabilities while a competitive follow-on Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) and subsequent task order are completed.

(b) Name and address of the contractor:

ABSG Consulting, Inc 1701 City Plaza Drive Spring, TX 77389

(c) Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Order

(d) (Estimated total value (including options):

Period Unit Price Total

9/12/2026 – 3/11/ 2027

6 months

$884,576.32

$884,576.32

Total: $884,576.32

Previous Contract No. 70Z02325FPSA20001 Period of Performance 9/12/2025 to 9/11/2026 Contract Characteristics Type: FFP: contracting vehicle, award procedures per FAR

Part 8.4 Task order Option N/A Set-Aside Type N/A

(e) Type of funding: Operations and support funds

(f) Year of funding: Fiscal Year 2026

(g) Solicitation number: 70Z02326QPSA20001

(h) Background information about the requirement: CG-HCA-COCO-42 is currently procuring the MSRAM services; however, continued support is needed to meet mission requirements while the ongoing competition for the follow-on acquisition is being completed. This is a follow-on requirement for the continuation of MSRAM support.

There will be no change from the previous requirements under award 70Z02325FPSA20001, which expires September 11, 2026.

3. Description of Supplies/Services. This requirement supports the USCG Domestic Port

Security Evaluation Division (CG-PSA-2) in the ongoing maintenance, enhancement, and operational support of the Maritime Security Risk Analysis Model (MSRAM) database.

Specifically, the services encompass:

1. Database Maintenance & Optimization: System administration, security patching, and technical configuration of the MSRAM database to support the 2026/2027 performance cycles.

2. Model Integration & Enhancements: Maintaining risk-mapping tools and integrating proprietary chemical/hazardous material dispersion models into the broader Marine Transportation System (MTS) decision-support architecture.

3. Operational Field Support & Training: Providing tier-2 helpdesk support, refining MSRAM training curricula, and developing user job aids for active field operators.

The USCG relies on MSRAM to execute comprehensive, quantitative port-level terrorism risk assessments as mandated under the SAFE Port Act. The data generated by MSRAM directly drives strategic and tactical resource-allocation decisions. ABSG Consulting, Inc.

was awarded the predecessor task order competitively, establishing a baseline of highly specialized technical expertise and operational readiness that does not exist elsewhere.

4. Identification of Statutory Exception and Rationale.

GSAR 538.7104-3(b)(iii): The order should be issued on a sole source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency because it is a logical follow-on to an FSS order already issued on a competitive basis.

Rationale:

This sole-source, logical follow-on bridge order is necessary to ensure the continuity of specialized services while the competitive procurement evaluation and transition process are completed. ABSG Consulting, Inc. has performed satisfactorily under the existing order and possesses the necessary technical knowledge and experience to continue maintaining, updating, and supporting the MSRAM database tool. Issuing a logical follow-on order to ABSG Consulting, Inc. is in the interest of economy and efficiency because it will eliminate transition risk, prevent a critical disruption to support services, and maintain active risk-management operations until the long-term competitive procurement is awarded.

5. Demonstration of the Proposed Contractor’s Unique Qualifications to Provide the Requirement.

ABSG Consulting, Inc. possesses the unique experience, institutional knowledge, and technical expertise necessary to fulfill these requirements without disrupting maritime terrorism risk analysis services provided to CG-PSA-2. In coordination with Coast Guard subject matter experts, ABSG Consulting, Inc. developed the code necessary to establish the Maritime Security Risk Analysis Model (MSRAM) database as an independently verified and accredited maritime security risk analysis tool.

MSRAM was developed and configured specifically to support U.S. Coast Guard security and maritime risk requirements, making it a highly specialized tool. ABSG Consulting, Inc.

has developed, configured, and maintained the MSRAM database under multiple call orders against the expired Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), 70Z02320AMMP00300. As a result, ABSG Consulting, Inc. has the existing team, technical knowledge, and specialized skill sets necessary to avoid unnecessary disruption to the Coast Guard’s maritime security enterprise.

ABSG Consulting, Inc.’s project managers and software developers have continually improved MSRAM’s functionality and usefulness for field operators based on operational needs and user-requested enhancements. Most recently, ABSG Consulting, Inc. migrated and adapted the tool to address changing security and risk environments. ABSG Consulting, Inc. has also developed a hazardous material dispersion model for integration into MSRAM.

This model calculates the environmental impacts of a chemical release into the Marine Transportation System environment and helps Coast Guard operators make informed decisions regarding response and planning activities.

Additionally, field users typically require six months to one year to become proficient in MSRAM. Transitioning to a new contractor for a short-term follow-on requirement would negatively affect efficiency and create avoidable disruption to port security analysis and CG-PSA-2 field support. Specific services provided by ABSG Consulting, Inc. include, but are not limited to, help desk support for MSRAM database and Risk-Based Maritime Security Risk Operations methodology inquiries. Additional services include Port Security Grant Program support, MSRAM training, job aid development, special technical assessments, and issue-specific report preparation.

Due to the operational impact of Government shutdowns, including work stoppages resulting from furloughs of USCG personnel assigned to this requirement, as well as delays in obtaining approvals to issue the competitive solicitation, a short-term follow-on order is necessary to avoid disruption to critical maritime security and risk analysis support.

Consideration was given to awarding the BPA, including the associated call order, by the end of FY 2026. However, due to delays in the review and approval process, award by September 30, 2026, is impracticable. Awarding this follow-on order to ABSG Consulting, Inc. will ensure continuity of services, reduce transition risk, and allow the competitive procurement process to proceed without disrupting ongoing maritime security operations.

6. Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification.

I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

RIZMAN.MARY.CAT Digitally signed by

RIZMAN.MARY.CATHERINE.1530252

Date: 2026.08.26 11:55:13 -04'00' 26AUG2026

Mary Rizman Date Technical Representative

7. Contracting Officer’s Certification

I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

26AUG2026

Vicente Macho Date Contracting Officer

MACHO.VICENTE. Digitally signed by

MACHO.VICENTE.M.JR.12851919

M.JR.1285191960 60

HERINE.1530252937