A16-JOFOC_FE_1.pdf

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition In accordance with the authority granted under 41 U.S.C. 253(c), this request for award under other than full and open competition is hereby submitted.

1. Contracting Agency and Activity.

The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), New Mexico State Office, 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87508, requests to contract on a sole source basis.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This will be a firm-fixed-price contract awarded to:

Purdue University Center for Global Trade Analysis (GTAP) Department of Agricultural Economics 403 Mitch Daniels Blvd.

West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2056

BLM NMSO has a requirement for development and delivery of a customized Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model and database of the U.S. economy that enables BLM’s proprietary Economic Impact Forecasting Tool (EIFT) to comprehensively and consistently estimate economic impacts for Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs:

The Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model and RunGTAP are proprietary intellectual property owned by Purdue University. BLM NMSO has developed a proprietary forecasting model (EIFT) which must interface with RunGTAP/GEMPACK.

Purdue will create a unique version of RunGTAP for BLM that integrates:

(1) a state- and county-level database, and

(2) specific economic sectors relevant to BLM including minerals, renewables, outdoor recreation, grazing, and timber.

The CGE model will generate simulations explaining how management activities affect local, regional, and national economies. The contract period is 12 months (September 25, 2025 – September 24, 2026) with an overall base award of $248,000.

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting competition other than full and open.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2): Only one responsible source and no other suppliers or services will satisfy agency requirements.

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

Purdue University’s Center for Global Trade Analysis is the originator and sole steward of GTAP and RunGTAP. GTAP is the most widely used CGE framework with the most complete global database at the national level. The GTAP CGE model is solved using GEMPACK, and RunGTAP provides the necessary interface. RunGTAP cannot operate without GEMPACK, and both are proprietary. BLM’s EIFT is purpose-built to integrate with RunGTAP/GEMPACK. At the core of GTAP and EIFT integration is an input-output accounting framework requiring vast proprietary data. Only Purdue has the rights, data lineage, and expertise to deliver this requirement.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable:

A Notice of Intent was issued on August 20, 2025, and closed on August 27, 2025, with zero capability statements received. GSA Market Research as a Service (MRAS) was also conducted. Two vendors responded:

- BeVera Solutions recommended a system-dynamics layer on a CGE model, but this was inconsistent with EIFT’s design.

- KPG Global suggested working with them through Purdue, which would create a pass-through arrangement adding cost and delay.

Neither response provided a viable alternative. No other sources were identified.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable and the basis for that determination:

The Contracting Officer has determined the cost is fair and reasonable. Analysis included comparison to the IGCE, review of prior GTAP-related awards, and benchmarking against GSA CALC labor categories showing proposed rates 44–57% below ceilings.

Extended-price comparisons show estimated Government cost at $408K–$537K under benchmarks versus $248K quoted, confirming significant savings.

8. A description of the market research conducted (as required by FAR Part 10) and the results:

A review of SAM.gov shows multiple federal sole-source awards to Purdue for GTAP between February–July 2025 by the U.S. International Trade Commission, USDA, and EPA. The Department of Commerce issued a prior award in 2019 for GTAP/GEMPACK services. FPDS research shows similar sole-source awards to Purdue for GTAP consortium memberships. These confirm Purdue’s unique position as the sole source.

RunGTAP also requires GEMPACK, which is proprietary to Victoria University. BLM’s EIFT is proprietary and was built specifically for RunGTAP/GEMPACK integration.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

None

10. A listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition:

Acquisition personnel submitted via GSA, Market Research as a Service (MRAS) to determine if there were any possible vendors who might be able to provide the required services. Vendors across two Special Item Numbers expressed interest in the requirement, however, during the feedback phase of MRAs, only two vendors provided feedback/more detail.

BeVera Solutions recommended a “system Dynamics layer to a CGE model, based off the assumption that RunGTAP was not good for a regional analysis which may not reflect evolving local economic structures.” Although it is correct that RunGTAP is internationally based with its interface to GEMPACK, BLM NMSO proprietary EIFT which will interface with the proprietary RunGTAP and GEMPACK, was coded and developed to provide regional/local economic impact and behavioral responses.

KPG Global expressed that they have a strong working relationship with Purdue University and suggested that BLM NMSO could work with them through Purdue University. The relationship between Purdue University and KPG Global was not extensively researched, however, this would create a pass-through situation between BLM NMSO-KPG Global-Purdue University which would add a potential extra cost by using a third party, for which BLM NMSO could work directly with the proprietary user.

By also using a third party, there could be delays in any resolution/support required that could prolong immediate economic decisions needed for management of public lands.

A notice of intent was issued on August 20, 2025, and closed on August 27, 2025. There were zero capability statements received in response to the notice of intent.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition:

The BLM will continue market research; issue sources sought notices and collaborate with other agencies to identify potential future alternatives. However, GTAP/RunGTAP remains proprietary to Purdue and is expected to remain sole source in the near term.

12. CERTIFICATIONS:

I hereby certify that this requirement does not exceed the Government’s minimum needs or schedule requirements and that the basis for award under other than full and open competition is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Hebin Lin, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Date

I hereby certify that this justification for other than full and open competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Ronald Shumate, Contracting Officer, BLM NMSO Date

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition