80NSSC23FB258 Pathfinder Limited Sources Justification (LSJ)_2023_final_redacted.pdf

LSJ-2023-003

Rev.:10/2020

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER (NSSC)

LIMITED-SOURCES JUSTIFICATION For Unison Virtual Acquisition Office

Pathfinder Subscription

This is a Limited-Sources Justification (LSJ) prepared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC).

This action is for approval of a Limited Sources Justification for issuance of a firm-fixed price (FFP) task order to Unison Virtual Acquisition Office for Pathfinder Annual Subscription.

Pathfinder is a software solution for a SharePoint-based site to assist the acquisition workforce in navigating the acquisition lifecycle quickly and efficiently by mapping the procurement process through dynamic resource content that explains the core contracting processes (FAR and NFS) from requirements development through contract closeout.

Pathfinder’s mapping adheres to NASA’s policy and procedures for both the Requiring Office and Contracting Office with a focus on the specific areas below:

• Institutional Product and Service Lines (PSLs)

• Program/project information to aid end-users in selecting the appropriate instrument

(Contracts, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, Funded Space Act Agreements)

• FAR 8 – Required Sources of Supplies and Services

• FAR 12 – Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services

• FAR 15 – Contracting by Negotiation

• FAR 16.5 – Indefinite Delivery Contracts

The journey through Pathfinder provides a standardized set of policies, processes, and procedures for the contracting workforce, making training more efficient, effective, and consistent. Each map step details why a process is required, who performs what activities, and what resources and documentation should be used. Best practices, cautions, and lessons learned are included to enhance the user experience and provide increased knowledge sharing across the NASA contracting enterprise.

Office of Procurement’s (OP) vision is that Pathfinder will be used to help train interns, new hires, and mid-careerists in different contracting methodologies, providing increased developmental opportunities for the contracting workforce. Pathfinder supports 24/7 access to current policies, processes, and procedures to support just-in-time on-the-job training to ensure users at any level of career progression have the most current information and guidance at their fingertips. Pathfinder will create an enduring platform for continuous learning on the latest and greatest in contracting.

It is anticipated that award will be made to Unison Virtual Acquisition Office under General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). The Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, GS-35F-131GA expires 14 Dec 2026. The special item number (SIN) for this order is 511210 Software Licenses.

LSJ-2023-003

satisfy the requirement from the mandatory sources listed in FAR 8.002 and 8.003, the NSSC Procurement Operation Branch additionally reviewed other non-mandatory sources. A review of NASA Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) was performed and determined that the requisite software and support is not available through any Authorized Resellers.

Additionally, a review of GSA Advantage was performed, and the requisite software and support is available through Unison Virtual Acquisition Office. In addition to market research findings, Unison Virtual Acquisition Office was contacted directly, and it confirmed that Pathfinder software and services are only available directly from Unison Virtual Acquisition Office.

The NSSC contacted the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the software to request a list of value-added resellers authorized to distribute the Pathfinder Software products. The Contract Specialist, Shelby Lee responded, using company letterhead, that Pathfinder Software products and services are solely available through Unison Virtual Acquisition Office. The OEM does not authorize resell distribution.

Other Facts:

Unison’s Pathfinder is the is the most cost effective solution to the Government. Additionally, Unison has unique experience in the specific offering with other Federal Agencies (I.e.

Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense-Army, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Department of Labor)

A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made:

The Agency will continue to examine the market in the future for alternative solutions or new sources before executing any subsequent acquisitions for the same requirements. Due to the specialized nature of this requirement, there are no known actions which the Agency may take to give consideration to other manufacturers for the requirements described herein at this time.

Therefore, purchase of these requirements to Unison Virtual Acquisition Office for Pathfinder software and implementation services, is the only practical approach. NASA will continue to examine the market in the future for alternative solutions before executing any subsequent contract action for the requirements herein.

LSJ-2023

Unison Virtual Acquisition Office Pathfinder Subscription Implementation Services

LIMITED SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

SIGNATURE PAGE

Technical Representative: I certify that the supporting data presented in this justification are accurate and complete.

Technical Representative

Contracting Officer: I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. In addition, I hereby determine that the anticipated price(s)/pricing of the order will be fair and reasonable.

Contracting Officer