ACEIT_SSJ_FY22-0191_Redacted.pdf

CISAM 3013.106-1(a)(1) Sole Source Justification (SSJ)

For Simplified Acquisitions (over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT)) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

SSJ No: FY22-0191 Page 1 of 3 Rev: 04/01/2020

SSJ Number: FY22-0191 PR Number: 70SBUR22P00000028

Sole Source Justification

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Office of Contracting, proposes to enter into a contract on behalf of the Office of Information Technology (OIT), Applied Technology Division (ATD).

2. Nature and/or description of the item/service being procured and anticipated cost.

Tecolote Research, Inc. (Tecolote) is the developer of the Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) software and is its sole source provider. No third-party providers have been approved to sell the ACEIT software or training. Tecolote is the only source for the ACEIT software license, DMS (distribution, maintenance, and support), and training in the United States.

DHS/USCIS/OIT/ATD requires the need to continue ACEIT software maintenance; a tool program managers use for cost/financial analysis during all phases of the Verification Modernization (VER MOD) program’s life cycle and Electronic Immigration System’s (ELIS) life-cycle. ACEIT application is needed for analyzing, developing, sharing, and reporting cost estimates, providing a framework to automate key analysis tasks and simplify/standardize the estimating process for ELIS.

The anticipated cost for this effort is $31,590.00. The period of performance will be for one (1) 12-month base period and two (2) 12-month option periods, beginning on 5/01/2022 through 4/30/2025.

3. Identification of the authority and rationale.

The proposed procurement will utilize simplified acquisition procedures and will be awarded on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) and as specified below.

Only one source reasonably available:

☐ Urgent and compelling circumstances exists. The nature of the requirement has been deemed urgent due to unusual and compelling circumstances. Following competitive procedures would result in unacceptable delays resulting in serious injury to the Government.

☐ Exclusive licensing agreement or restrictive rights exists. The source has one or more of the following: an established exclusive licensing agreement, proprietary data, limited

For Simplified Acquisitions (over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT)) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

SSJ No: FY22-0191 Page 2 of 3 rights in data, patent rights, OEM required certifications or OEM authorized reseller, copyrights or secret processes with regard to the supplies or services required.

☐ Brand name. The source has one or more of the following: an established exclusive licensing agreement, proprietary data, limited rights in data, patent rights, OEM required certifications or OEM authorized reseller, copyrights, or secret processes with regard to the supplies or services required.

☐ Compatibility to existing systems or equipment. The required supplies or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems or equipment and the source is uniquely qualified to meet the requirement.

☒ Other. Only one source is capable.

Rationale:

Sole Source Justification Rationale in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii).

Only one source can provide the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized.

ACEIT is a family of applications that support program managers and cost/financial analysts during all phases of a program's life cycle. ACEIT is the premier tool for analyzing, developing, sharing, and reporting cost estimates, providing a framework to standardize the estimating process. The unique capabilities of the software are:

• A stable environment for consistent and credible estimates.

• Includes an array of tools to speed up model development.

• User interface layout is customizable and designed to take advantage of multiple monitors.

• Defines uncertainty distributions using a variety of different methods; performs simulation-based uncertainty calculations.

• Full documentation capability within ACE including customizable reports and charts.

The ACEIT Cost Model Tool was developed with Government funding (primarily the Department of Defense) in conjunction with Tecolote to provide a comprehensive cost modeling tool for Government analysts. The ACEIT model contains proprietary Cost Estimating Relationships that are not replicated in any other commercially available model. Tecolote is the only source for the ACEIT software. No third-party providers have been approved to sell the ACEIT software or training.

For Simplified Acquisitions (over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT)) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

SSJ No: FY22-0191 Page 3 of 3

Procuring an alternate product other than ACEIT will require complete infrastructure replacement with a significant increase in cost. This involves purchasing and configuring the new equipment, changing control boards, implementation, and training.

4. The anticipated price will be determined fair and reasonable based on one or more of the price analysis techniques described below in accordance with FAR Part 13.106- 3(a)(2).

☒ Market Research; (attached) ☒ Comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases;

☒ Current price list;

☐ Comparison with similar items in a related industry;

☐ Comparison to Independent Government estimate;

☐ Contracting Officer’s personal knowledge; or ☐ Other reasonable basis.

Action taken: Performed market research and compared prices from previous orders #70SBUR21P00000049 and #70SBUR19P00000061.

APPROVAL:

Amir Hrnjic Contracting Officer

04/14/2022

Date

Digitally signed by AMIR

AMIR HRNJIC HRNJIC

Date: 2022.04.14

12:36:32 -04'00'