ACQ-26-0718 JEFO USPTO-OP-073 final_signed_03.04.26_Redacted3.4_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity (JEFO) form submitted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a sole source contract modification.

The modification expands the existing task order with Zermount under Security Architecture and Engineering Contract Support Services (Order #1333BJ22F00280036) to add approximately ten additional contractor full-time equivalents (cFTEs) for the Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO) support services program. The contract value increases from $6,739,154.23 to $10,444,442.74, with a total modification price of $3,705,288.51. The modification covers two option periods: Option Year 3 (03/07/2026 – 08/07/2026) valued at $1,076,643.03, and Option Year 4 (08/08/2026 – 08/07/2027) valued at $2,628,645.49, executed as a firm-fixed-price action. The justification cites urgent mission requirements due to the expiration of the current prime contractor's period of performance on March 31, 2026, necessitating uninterrupted support to prevent disruption to cATO workflows, training, and authorization continuity. Zermount is selected as the sole source based on its existing familiarity with USPTO OCISO, current contract scope, and ability to rapidly onboard personnel without risking service disruption. The document includes technical certification, contracting officer certification, and Office of General Law counsel approval, indicating the modification exceeds the $900,000 threshold requiring legal review.