Justification and Approval for Other than Full and Open Competition_ORR_Only One Source REDACTED.pdf

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Attached to
Afghan Evacuee Telecommunication Services Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
75ACF122C00011
Issued by
Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families

About this file

This justification and approval document outlines a proposed sole source contract award by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Refugee Resettlement. The contractor, CDC Foundation located in Atlanta, Georgia, would provide continued Afghan evacuee telecommunication services for up to one year at a cost of up to $REDACTED. The services include maintaining approximately 10,000 phone lines and numbers to ensure Afghan arrivals continue receiving public health messages, connecting to resettlement services, and providing a means for research on integration needs. A full and open competition was not feasible due to the urgent need to maintain continuity of services without disruption by April 15, 2022, as the contractor was already providing the phones and services through its existing agreement with AT&T. The proposed sole source award would preserve this continuity of critical support while further market research on alternatives is conducted for future requirements.

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JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Completion Instructions: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established a standard template for the preparation of a J&A for Other Than Full and Open Competition. If this is an 8(a) set-aside, please note this form is not required unless the acquisition is valued (including all options) at greater than $22 million. This template is NOT applicable for actions using simplified acquisition procedures (FAR Part 13), Federal Supply Schedule orders (FAR 8.4) or task or delivery orders subject to fair opportunity (FAR 16.505).

Tailor all aspects of this template to the individual acquisition. Consult FAR Subpart 6.3 for guidance. An addendum may be added in case additional space is needed.

When this document is printed, the blue italic instructions are automatically deleted on the printed version.

Acquisition Title:

Agency:

Acquisition Year (FY):

Author and Title:

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-on Requirement

Modification to Existing Purchase Order/Contract Number:

Pricing: Firm-Fixed Price Time & Materials Cost

Other:

Funds: OMA Other Funds:

Name of Proposed Contractor(s):

Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

3. Description of Services or Supplies:

Basis for Approval (FAR 6.303-1(d)): Individual Basis Class Basis

The total estimated value of the proposed action, including all options is $

As applicable, briefly describe the services or supplies required to meet the agency's needs, including make & model number where appropriate. Include quantities of supplies or period of performance for services. Provide information for any options included. If the action is a modification to an existing contract, distinguish clearly between the work covered by the original contract and the work to be obtained by the proposed modification.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-8#FAR_Subpart_8_4 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-16#FAR_16_505 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6#FAR_Subpart_6_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6#FAR_6_303_1

4. Authority and Rationale: Identify the statutory authority, FAR title and FAR citation permitting other than full and open competition. It may be one of the following most commonly used citations by the operating divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but other exceptions may apply per FAR Subpart 6.3.

Actions other than simplified acquisition procedures (select only one and provide an explanation):

FAR 6.302-1: Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, 41 U.S.C.

3304(a)(1)

Explain why the intended contractor is the only responsible source who can provide the required supplies or s ervices.

Discuss the unique capabilities, expertise, etc. that support the lack of competition/why no other type of supplies or servic es will satisfy agency requirements. Explain factors/unique qualifications such as proprietary data or exclusive licensing rights, if applicable. When competition is limited to items particular to one manufacturer, this justification must explain why the particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government's requirements, and that market research indicates other companies' similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet the agency's needs in accordance with FAR 11.105. If in connection with a follow-on contract for continued development or production of highly specialized equipment, detail the substantial duplication of cost or unacceptable delays.

FAR 6.302-2: Unusual and compelling urgency, 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(2)

If unusual and compelling urgency is the basis for the justification, explain the chronological events leading up to the requirement and explain why time constraints cannot permit even a limited competition. Describe the detrimental effects/ serious injury to the mission of the requiring activity or to the government, financial or otherwise, that will result if this justification is not approved. Describe impact of required delivery/performance date. Describe the detrimental effects/ serious injury to the mission of the requiring activity or to the government, financial or otherwise, that will result if this justification is not approved and the product or service cannot be provided by the intended sole source contractor. Failure to plan for expiring funds is not a valid reason for citing this exception. May not exceed one year, including all options, unless the head of the agency determines that exceptional circumstances apply.

FAR 6.302-5: Authorized or Required by Statute, 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(5)

Provide a citation to the statutory authorization and a brief description of its content, or identify the specified source or other agency.

Other (See FAR Subpart 6.3 for additional authority)

Provide the authority and citation to the applicable section of FAR 6.3.

Provide a full explanation to justify use of the exception.

5. Agency Actions to Take or Remove Barriers That Led to Other Than Full and Open Competition (If applicable):

Describe the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration prior to any subsequent acquisition for the supplies of services is made. If no such actions have been taken, explain why.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6#FAR_6_302_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6#FAR_Subpart_6_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-11#FAR_11_105 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6#FAR_6_302_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6#FAR_6_302_5

6. Bridge Contracts:

For contract extensions or bridge contracts when a competitive follow-on is in the process of being developed, summarize history of current contract and explain the reasons for any delays in the acquisition. Include discussion of the milestones f or the follow-on action; the milestones should be as efficient as possible. Discuss why it would be neither cost effective nor realistic to expect another contractor to perform during the brief interim period; include issues such as start -up costs, phase-in, transfer of GFP, recruitment and staffing, etc. If the action is because of a protest, provide a brief discussion of the protest including the date the protest was filed and the basis of the protest. Explain that the action will provide the minimum quant ity or performance period.

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

Describe efforts made to compete the action, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart

5.2 or which exception under FAR 5.202 applies. If a notice was publicized, discuss the number of written responses to the synopsis and the results of the assessment of the written responses. List sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. Provide rationale if interested sources were rejected. If applicable, state that no other sources have expressed interest, but all offers received shall be considered. Describe what actions will be taken to increase competition before subsequent acquisition of the supplies or services is required. You may state that an action is a one-time requirement, but if a similar requirement arises, every effort will be made to compete it to the maximum extent possible. If action is sole source because of proprietary data or licensing rights and there will be a continuing need for the requirement, there must be evidence that advanced planning has been initiated to overcome the barriers to competition, or there should be documentation to support an analysis that replacement costs/licensing purchase costs outweigh the benefits of competition. If the action is a contract extension or bridge, explain actions to compete the follow-on. If action is an urgent new requirement and a competitive follow-on is anticipated, explain that efforts are underway to facilitate a full and open competition.

8. Market Research:

Describe the extent of the market research conducted to identify all qualified sources and the results thereof. “Market Research” is defined as those attempts you made to ascertain whether other qualified sources exist, and can include contact with knowledgeable experts regarding similar or duplicate requirements, contact with industry, results of a sources sought synopsis, or draft solicitations. Research of the marketplace may consist of written, electronic (i.e. email) telephonic, or world wide web inquiries. Lack of advanced planning is not an acceptable reason for the lack of market research, but true urgency may necessitate abbreviated market research that is limited to readily available historical and commercial information. If ac tion is a contract extension or bridge contract, describe the market research efforts underway or completed for the follow-on. See FAR 10.002(b)(2).

9. Procurement History:

Purchase order or contract number:

Was action competed? Yes No

If action was not competed, state the cited authority, summarize rationale, and describe the actions that were supposed to be taken to increase competition and the results thereof:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-5#FAR_Subpart_5_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-5#FAR_Subpart_5_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-5#FAR_5_202 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-10#FAR_10_002 drena.vining Sticky Note Completed set by drena.vining

10.Additional Information to support the justification:

If applicable, explain why technical packages or specifications to facilitate competition were not developed or available;

describe actions taken to remedy the situation.

11. Technical / Requirements Certification: By my signature below, I certify that the supporting data included in this

J&A is accurate and complete.

Program Manager

Name:

Position Title:

Email address:

Phone:

Program Manager Supervisor (or one level above Program Manager)

Name:

Position Title:

Email address:

Signature:

Date:

12. Fair and Reasonable Price/Cost Determination: As Contracting Officer, by my signature below, I hereby determine that the anticipated price/cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

Provide the basis for this determination, e.g., describe techniques to be used to determine fair and reasonable price (FAR Subpart 15.402), such as price analysis, cost analysis, cost realism. Per FAR Subpart 15.403-4(a)(1), the threshold for obtaining cost or pricing data is $750,000.

Name: Phone:

Signature: Date:

13. Contracting Officer's Approval (Required for proposed contract not to exceed $700,000 (value calculated including all options)): I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I approve this justification subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services and supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Name: Phone:

Signature: Date:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-15#FAR_15_402 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-15#FAR_15_402 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-15#FAR_15_403_4

14. Legal Review:

All J&As greater than $68 million must have a legal review from the General Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel prior to sending it to the Department.

15. OPDIV Competition Advocate Approval (Required for proposed contract over $700,000 but not exceeding $13.5 million (value calculated including all options)):

I have reviewed this justification and find that it adequately supports other than full and open competition.

Name:

Phone:

Signature:

Date:

All J&As greater than $68 million must have a review from the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) prior to sending it to the Department. The OSDBU at their discretion may review any J&A.

16. Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Review: (Required for contracts exceeding $68 million (value calculated including all options)):

Concur:

Non-Concur:

17. OPDIV HCA Approval (Required for proposed contract over $13.5 million but not exceeding $68 million (value calculated including all options)):

18. Department Competition Advocate (Required for contracts exceeding $68 million (value calculated including all options)):

Concur:

Non-Concur:

(The below approval paragraph is required if the cumulative contract value, including all options, exceeds $68 million.)

19. HHS Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) Approval:

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve other than full and open competition for the above stated procurement, subject to the availability of funds, and provided that the services herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

State supplies/services being procured:

State the full statutory authority and FAR cite and title, consistent with paragraph 4, e.g. 41 U.S.C. 3304:

Modificationto Existing Purchase OrderContract Number:
Other:
Other Funds:
Name: Ken Tota
Position Title: Deputy Director
Email address: ken.tota@acf.hhs.gov
Phone: 202-401-4858
Name_2: Cindy Huang
Position Title_2: ORR Director
Email address_2: cinfy.huang@acf.hhs.gov
Date: 4/27/2022
Phone_2:
Date_2:
Phone_3:
Date_3:
Name_3: Donna Griffith
Phone_4: (202)934-1857
Date_4: 6/3/2022
Name_4:
Phone_5:
Date_5:
Name_5:
Phone_6:
Date_6:
Name_6:
Phone_7:
Date_7:
Name_7:
Phone_8:
Date_8:
Text51: Afghan Evacuee Telecommunication Services
Text52: Scott T. Riggins
Text53: 2022
Dropdown54: [ACF]
Check Box55: Yes
Check Box56: Off
Check Box57: Off
Check Box58: Yes
Check Box59: Off
Check Box60: Off
Check Box61: Off
Check Box62: Off
Text63: CDC Foundation
Text64: 600 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000
Text65: Atlanta, GA 30308
Check Box66: Yes
Check Box67: Off
Text68: REDACTED
Text69: The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is requesting approval to solicit and issue an award in the amount of up to $REDACTED to CDC Foundation, in Atlanta, Georgia. ORR proposes to use these funds to extend the existing telecommunication services through CDC Foundation for up to one year, in order to preserve approximately 10,000 phone lines and numbers for the more than 36,000 Afghan evacuee families who received a phone upon their arrival in the United States. CDC Foundation will be able to leverage the existing telecommunication services which is the only way to prevent the loss of contacts and not cause a disruption of critical services to ensure Afghan arrivals continue to receive public health messages, to facilitate their connection to resettlement services, and to provide a conduit for research to understand the ongoing needs for resettlement and integration services for this population. The contractor has been able to fully perform at an acceptable level. Per FAR 6.302-2(b)(1) and (2) Urgent and Compelling requirements have been established. First, the unusual and compelling urgency precluding full and open competition (as prescribed in (b)(1)) is clearly established to have the phones and related services from CDC by April 15, 2022. No other source could have provided this since CDC had the phones and services through A T & T. The Market Research does not support any viable alternative within the requisite time period related to the April 15 award deadline.

Second, a delay in award of the contract would have resulted in serious injury, financial, or other to the Government (as prescribed in (b)(2)) where it has been articulated that several thousand refugees would not have phones or services which the Government has committed to provide. Any compromise or jeopardizing the Government’s commitment seriously damages the Government’s credibility and the mission.

Text70: The intended contractor is the only responsible source who can provide continued telecommunication services without risk of disruption or interruption resulting in the loss of close to 10,000 client phone numbers. The phones were originally provided to OAW Afghan arrivals by the CDC Foundation for purposes of pandemic messaging. As a result, this effort and its funding were never communicated to ORR. ORR learned of this service in late December, during coordination calls with the UCG External Affairs team, and immediately realized it would be critical for ORR to continue to support the CDC Foundation's provision of telecommunication services in order to ensure Afghan arrivals continue to receive public health messages, to facilitate their connection to resettlement services, and to provide a conduit for research to understand the ongoing needs for resettlement and integration services for this population. ORR was put in touch directly with CDC Foundation in early January, and has been working since then to find ways to avoid the interruption of service plans. The current service plan ends on April 15. No other source could have provided this since CDC had the phones and services through A T & T. The Market Research does not support any viable alternative within the requisite time period related to the April 15 award deadline.
Text71:
Check Box72: Yes
Check Box73: Off
Check Box74: Off
Check Box75: Off
Text76:
Text77:
Text78:
Text79: There will be Market Research conducted to seek other alternatives in the future to provide related Telecom Services and Cell phones for required future acquisitions.
Text80: N/A Not a contract extension or bridge contract.
Text81: A notice will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 as no exception under FAR 5.202 applies. Subject action is a one-time requirement, but if a similar requirement arises, every effort will be made to compete it to the maximum extent possible.
Check Box82: Off
Check Box83: Yes
Text84: Market research established that the CDC Foundation is a non-profit/health organization providing health policy, created by Congress. Due to the unprecedented scope and scale of OAW, and the fact that responsibility for successful integration of Afghan evacuees will increasingly rely on HHS, the continuation of the existing telecommunication services through the CDC Foundation is the only viable source. Specifically, the CDC Foundation is the only source able to provide continued services before the award date of April 15, 2022. There are 59 potential sources available on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule under NAICS 517312. Market Research specifically reviewed to sources under GSA Schedule 47QTCA18D00K0 (Sprint) and GS-35F-0613Y (USTronics). Both schedules allowed for expedited deliveries at an increased price, however, both vendors would not be able to deliver prior to the shutoff date of April 15, 2022. ORR’s mission supports the reception of public health messages, facilitation of resettlement services connections and provision of needs-based research of resettlement and integration services for this population. The loss of close to 10,000 client phone numbers would cause irreparable harm to the government’s interest. The performance period for the requirement is 12 months. As stated no other viable source is possible after extensive efforts to find an alternative.
Text85: N/A
Text86: N/A Action was not competed.
Text87: N/A No additional information available to support the justification.
2022-04-27T12:54:20-0400
Cindy Huang
Text89: Paul Brown
Text90: Paul Brown
2022-04-13T15:29:42-0400
Paul D. Brown -S
2022-04-15T18:23:59-0400
Paul D. Brown -S
Text93: N/A Contract value is less than $68 million.
2022-06-03T16:05:00-0400
Donna R. Griffith -S
Check Box96: Off
Check Box97: Off
Check Box98: Off
Check Box99: Off
Text102:
Text103:
Text105: The price of $REDACTED is the best value for the government to extend the existing telecommunication services CDC Foundation has

currently established to preserve 10,000 phone numbers servicing potentially 36,000 Afghan Families. To secure any alternatives would not have represented the best value to the Government. Comparison of the proposed prices to historical prices paid between AT&T and the CDC Foundation were reviewed under agreement completed under AT&T GSA Federal Supply Schedule 47QTCA19D00MV. Based thereon I find the price Fair and Reasonable.

Text1:

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