LSJ - Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Orders or BPAs est. under FSS for FAR 8.4 - Redacted.pdf

(3) Description of Supplies/Services.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) employs approximately 8,500 civilian employees throughout the United States, U.S. Territories, and several foreign countries. As a military service, the Coast Guard's civilian workforce is supervised by both civilian employees and military personnel (e.g. a blended workforce).

The USCG's blended workforce presents unique challenges for human resource management including the operation of distinct human resources and payroll systems. The continuation of these services is required by the Civilian Human Resources (CG-12).

While the major (core) functions are provided by National Finance Center (NFC) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), there is a significant portion of Human Resources Line of Business (HRLOB) that is not directly supported by these entities. As a result, the USCG requires a web-based system to improve tracking and transparency of actions associated with general human resources case management (personnel actions), employee benefits case management, recruitment action requests, employee financial (retirement) planning, and employee/labor relations case management. This web-based system is essential to support efficient and effective management of the federal HRLOB. The period of performance will have a 12 month base period plus four (4) 12 month option periods.

(4) Identification of the justification and the rationale.

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B)- Only one 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. This requirement will be a sole source Task Order to an original Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) order that was placed in accordance with (IAW) the applicable FSS ordering procedures.

ESI is the sole producer and distributor of "FedHR Navigator'', a suite of web-based human resources software tools. FedHR Navigator (licenses, functionality, and maintenance) are proprietary products of ESI. ESI is the only entity who can support or modify them.

The services needed for this requirement are uniq_LJe and highly specialized. FedHR Navigator is a proprietary product of ESI. FedHR is “modular” and is delivered through a single interface. USCG bought the licenses for each module (e.g., onboarding, PAR tracking and ePerformance), which were seamlessly integrated within the system. If USCG was to award a Task Order to a new Contractor, the cost would be much higher, as the Contractor would have to design and develop a similar system to meet USCG’s requirements. This would cause significant delays, as a new Contractor would have to meet DoD, DHS, and USCG security requirements, including a new Authority to Operate (ATO). Currently, the timeframe to attain a new ATO is 18 – 24 months.

ESI is currently performing the services on an existing Call Order 70Z02320FPPC01000 which expires 29 September 2025. Since the service is commercially offered by ESI, if we do not issue another Task Order, the USCG could experience a lapse in services which would be detrimental to HR functionality. USCG requires an automated, web-based system capable of initiating, assigning, tracking, and managing the following:

• Personnel actions

• Recruitment action requests

• Onboarding cases (new hire document tracking)

• Employee and Labor relations cases

• General HR Cases

• Employee benefits planning (including annuity estimates)

• Process-based activities and workflows

• Performance Plan and Appraisal processing

(5) Determination by the ordering activity Contracting Officer that the anticipated order represents the best value consistent with 8.404(d).

IAW FAR 8.404(d), GSA has already determined the prices and rates for services offered at hourly rates under schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable. Therefore, ordering activities are not required to make a separate determination of fair and reasonable pricing. The ordering activity Contracting Officer has determined that issuing the proposed Task Order to ESI represents the best value and will result in the lowest overall cost alternative, considering price, administrative costs, training, and pricing is reasonable based on the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) to meet the Government's needs.

(6) A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Market Research was conducted on 08 July 2025 via GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) SIN 511210, Software Licenses resulted in the identification of multiple Contractors that offers a web-based system to improve tracking and transparency of actions associated with general human resources. The Government reviewed 20 Contractors via GSA MAS, SIN 511210, to locate a similar service being provided. The Government was unable to locate a similar service needed for this requirement.

Additionally, the Government released a sources sought on GSA MAS utilizing SIN 541611W on 08 September 2025. Responses were due no later than 11.LSeptember 2025. The sources sought resulted in nine (9) responses.

The Government reviewed the price catalogs that are posted on GSA and the nine (9) responses received. Of the nine (9) responses received, it was noted that one (1) Vendor has the capability of providing similar services.

It was determined that ESI is the only Vendor capable of meeting the Government's requirement. ESI owns all data rigl)ts and licenses for FedHR Navigator. Market Research did not reveal additional sources for the FedHR Navigator Suite.

(7) Any other facts supporting the justification.

ESI is currently performing the services under Task Order 70Z02320FPPC01000.

Additionally, a search was conducted through sam.gov and the Government located other Limited Sources Justifications for the same services that are met by ESI:

• Library of Congress - 2025HRS0012

• lnternation Trade Commission - 34300025Q0039

(8) A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that preclude the agency from meeting the requirements of 8.405-1 and 8.405-2 before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.

The Government shall acquire a technical data packet as a result of this award. This will allow the Government to seek competition of future acquisitions for the same type of support, thus eliminating barriers to competition.

The Task Order will be awarded as firm-fixed price (FFP) for Final Human Resources Case Management System Services for a 12-month base period and four (4) 12-month option periods.

The Government has determined through Market Research that ESI is capable of continuing services as described in the Government's requirement and that rates awarded in the GSA MAS are fair and reasonable. Based on this current market research, ESI is the only Contractor the required and necessary services.

(9) Ordering Activity 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.

BLACKWELL.JENNIFE Digitally signed by BLACKWELL.JENNIFER.RENEE.15 Date: 2025.09.1116:12:59-04'00'

Jennifer Blackwell Date Ordering Activity Contracting Officer

(10) Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification.

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

MARK.MALCOLM.CRAWFORD.1011786673

RD.1011786673 Date: 2025.09.12 08:39:04 -04'00' ---------------

Malcolm Mark Date

COR

Maria L. Kersey-Robinson Date Procuring Activity Advocate for Competition (PAAC)