A06-LSJ - Redacted.pdf

LSJ-DOL-26-24

Limited Source Justification

FAR Part 8.4 (GSAM 538-7104-3) Federal Supply Schedule

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity

Contracting activity Customer Agency Department of Labor Department of Labor

OASAM/OPS EBSA/OPPEM

200 Constitution Avenue, NW 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 Washington, DC 20210

2. Nature and description of the action being approved:

This Limited Source Justification and Approval authorize and approves the issuance of a contract under the Federal Supply Service Schedules Program to Management Concepts, Inc. (GSA Contract: 47QREA18D000Y), Leesburg Pike, Suite 800, Tysons Corner, Virginia 22182-2641. The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is seeking approval to award a sole source to Management Concepts, Inc. Award on a sole source basis is crucial because the agency needs an existing, conference-ready conflict management course that can be delivered within a fixed timeframe and without delay, burden, and added cost of custom course development. The market research showed that other vendors either offered training only through fixed academic or individual enrollment formats, did not have an identifiable off-the-shelf conflict management course for private group delivery, or could not meet the requirement as quickly and economically. Management Concepts is therefore the only source identified that can satisfy the agency’s needs in time for the scheduled event.

The period of performance will be a 2-months base period, July 12, 2026 – September 11, 2026. All the work will be performed at the contractor’s location and Washington Marriott Georgetown, 1221 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value):

The contractor shall provide private, live, instructor-led group training for EBSA personnel in a classroom setting. Training shall include up to six sessions, which may be conducted simultaneously in separate rooms by different instructors, with approximately 35 participants per session. The scope of work includes furnishing electronic course materials for each participant through a learning management system or similar platform; providing attendance sheets, evaluation forms, and a course evaluation summary; and issuing training certificates to participants who successfully complete the course. The contractor shall coordinate training delivery dates with the Government and provide all instructional support necessary for effective presentation of the course content. The scope also includes support for classroom-style delivery at the Government’s designated location, including identification of facility and classroom setup requirements needed for successful instruction and participant participation.

The task order will be awarded using GSA Schedule with a total estimated value for Base is $30,000.00.

4. Identification of the authority and rationale:

RFO 8.4 and General Acquisition Manual (GSAM) Subpart 538.7104-3: “Only one responsible source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized.”

Market research showed that Management Concepts, Inc., under GSA Schedule contract 47QREA18D000Y, is the only source reviewed that can provide an existing off-the-shelf conflict management training course for private group delivery during the managers conference on August 12, from 1:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Washington Marriott Georgetown. Other vendors reviewed either offered training through fixed academic or individual enrollment formats, did not have an identifiable off-the-shelf conflict management course suitable for the conference requirement, or would have required custom development that could not be completed within the required timeframe. Sole source award is therefore necessary to meet the agency’s schedule, format, and delivery needs in a timely and cost-effective manner.

5. Determination by the ordering activity that the order represents the best value GSAR

Subpart 538.7104-3(b)(ii):

The ordering activity has determined that this order represents the best value in accordance with GSAM Subpart 538.7104-3(b)(ii). Management Concepts, Inc. is a GSA Schedule holder under contract 47QREA18D000Y, and the ordering schedule establishes that awarded prices have been determined fair and reasonable at the contract level. Based on market research, Management Concepts offers the only identified existing off-the-shelf conflict management training course that can be delivered in the required format, within the required timeframe, and at a reasonable price for the managers’ conference. This approach avoids the added time, cost, and administrative burden of developing a custom course and also reduces potential travel costs because Management Concepts is a local provider with instructors available in the Washington, DC area.

6. A description of market research conducted, and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted:

EBSA conducted market research (RFO10.002) via the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule number 611430, as well as through DOL BPA Enterprise- Wide Vehicles and internet search for Instructor Led Training, Web Based Training and Education Courses, Course Development, and Test Administration.

Market research to find an off-the-shelf conflict management training course for a private group of managers at the agency’s conference on August 12, from 1:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Washington Marriott Georgetown in Washington, DC. We reviewed publicly available course catalogs, delivery formats, and pricing for American University, Center for Creative Leadership, George Washington University, Graduate School USA, Harvard Kennedy School, Partnership for Public Service, and Management Concepts. The university-based providers—American University, George Washington University, and Harvard Kennedy School—were not a good fit because their programs are mainly designed for individual enrollment and fixed academic or executive education schedules, not private group delivery at a conference. Their available options also appeared to cost more than Management Concepts. Graduate School USA, Center for Creative Leadership, and Partnership for Public Service were also not suitable because we did not identify an existing off-the-shelf course specifically focused on conflict management that could be delivered in the required format and timeframe. While some of these vendors may be able to develop a custom solution, there is not enough time for that approach.

Management Concepts is the best fit for this requirement. It offers two existing off-the-shelf courses on conflict management that are directly relevant to the leadership training goals for the managers’ conference. We met with the vendor to confirm its capability and fit, and Management Concepts stated that it can quickly tailor its existing course content to the agency’s needs at no additional cost. This allows the agency to get training that is relevant to the conference audience without the delay and expense of creating a custom course.

Management Concepts is also a local provider with a large pool of instructors in the Washington, DC area, which helps avoid travel costs that may apply to non-local vendors.

Based on the market research, Management Concepts is the most practical, timely, and cost-effective source for this training.

7. Any other facts supporting the justification:

None

8. A statement of action, if any, the agency may take action to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition of the supplies or services is made:

It is suggested that this requirement will be for a two-months base period. If a new requirement is required, the government will look to compete with the action to the maximum extent practicable.

9. Technical certification:

The program/technical official further certifies that no conflict of interest exists in awarding a sole source contract to the contractor identified herein.

I hereby certify that the supporting data, which are the responsibility of the technical personnel, and which form a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

Maria Robles, Contracting Officer Representative

Contracting Officer's Certification:

I certify this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and Belief.

Deborah Worrells, Contracting Officer

Maria Robles Digitally signed by Maria Robles

DEBORAH

WORRELLS

Date: 2026.06.23 08:33:37 -04'00'