JFOC_National_Forest_Foundation_final_(2).pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Federal law (41 U.S.C. 253) requires full and open competition in soliciting offers and awarding Government contracts. This means that acquisitions must be advertised in the Federal Business Opportunities (FEDBIZOPPS) for 15 calendar days before issuing a solicitation, with at least 30 days response time for receipt of bids or proposals from date of issuance of a solicitation and that “all responsible sources must be permitted to compete” (48 CFR Part 6). The normal process of acquisitions takes a minimum of 90 calendar days. The FAR requires that justifications for total acquisition needs within certain dollar levels be approved by the Competition Advocate (FAR 6.304(a)(3).

Accordingly, the following Justification From Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) is prepared in accordance with FAR 6.302-2:

1. Identification of Agency:

USDA Forest Service

2. Nature and/or Description of Action Being Approved:

The U.S. Forest Service intends to award a firm fixed price Blanket Purchase Agreement with a five year period of performance including one base year period of four option year periods.

The U.S. Forest Service continues to pursue innovative and comprehensive partnerships in support of its stewardship, restoration, management and outreach mission activities. As the complexity surrounding the management of public lands increases, the relationships we have with our public have become an increasingly essential mechanism for achieving the social, economic and ecological goals associated with our mission. Sharing in the identification of management challenges/opportunities and collaborating towards improved decisions are important strategies to assist us in achieving our mission. The National Forest Foundation can help the U.S. Forest Service achieve these goals.

This instrument will directly benefit the U.S. Forest Service by enabling the National Forest Foundation to work with various interest groups and the general American public in defining strategies to address current/future opportunities and challenges associated with U.S. Forest Service mission activities.

Through this endeavor, both the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation will work collaboratively to increase their knowledge and connection to the public through activities associated with this agreement. The U.S Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation will gain valuable experience in the theory and practice of collaborative problem solving and strategic planning for partnerships across large landscapes. These activities will directly expand networks of partners and interests for both parties, enabling more work to be done through diverse avenues of support.

3. Description of Supplies or Services Required to Meet Agency’s Need Including Estimated the Value:

Examples of this work may include any combination of the following:

• Meeting planning, facilitation and coordination,

• Collaboration skill building, including community assessments of collaborative potential and collaborative process design and management,

• Knowledge sharing, including peer learning sessions and documentation of best practices, and webinars,

• Strategic planning for partnerships and collaboration, including planning, developing frameworks and recommending implementation strategies,

• Strategic communications, including coordination of joint public events with the agency and other partners,

• Volunteer engagement, and

• Management of scholarship funds in support of stakeholder engagement

(travel costs, etc.).

Prices are expected to vary depending on the size and breadth of engagement but example pricings for the above have been estimated at:

• Design, coordinator, facilitate and provide follow up for a two-day meeting – estimated cost $16,000.00 plus travel, facilities and other expenses (variables:

number of people, level of support from agency in coordination, etc.)

• Stakeholder assessment of collaborative potential – estimated cost $3,300.00 (assumes interviews with 20 people)

• Convening and facilitation of a collaborative process – estimated cost $24,150.00 plus travel and meeting facility cost (assumes 2 in-person steering/organizing meetings, 4 in-person full group meetings, multiple teleconference meetings over the period of one year)

• Documentation of Best Practices – estimated cost $1,610.00 (20 hours of research, interviews, collection of documents, writing, review)

• Coaching – estimated cost $4,850.00 (for example, supporting an outgoing leader over a period of several months through the handover process, including documentation of transition, community meetings, etc.; this item has many variables that would affect the cost)

• Peer Learning Sessions – estimated cost $1,500.00 (includes planning, preparation, compilation of participant list, all communications, facilitation of session, recording and documentation, follow up, web conference service)

• Provision of short term technical assistance or facilitation to a collaborative group or process – estimated cost $1,725 plus travel

4. Identification of Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open

Competition:

FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) Only One Responsible Source

5. Demonstration That the Proposed Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or the Nature of the Acquisition Requires use of the Authority Cited:

As the Agency’s congressionally chartered non-profit partner, the National Forest Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide immediate and direct benefit to the U.S.

Forest Service through the design and management of deliberate collaborative processes and syntheses of best management practices associated with strategic partnership endeavors. Our long-standing relationship, understanding of issues and Congressional designation allow for seamless upstarts of efforts (saving time and money in design and execution and increasing likelihood of project success) and foundational relationships with critical staff, networks, and stakeholders. These contributions complement the capacity of the U. S. Forest Service and its partners towards expanding networks of support that accomplish critical on-the-ground work and facilitate heightened awareness of the U.S. Forest Service mission and accomplishments on-the-ground.

The National Forest Foundation’s role as a neutral convener and facilitator, their knowledge of issues affecting the U.S. Forest Service and the public lands we manage, and their work with partner organizations nationwide enable the NFF to assist the U.S. Forest Service in ways that entities without this combination of factors cannot. This is exemplified by the fact that The National Forest Foundation possesses unique and intimate knowledge of the Forest Service mission, programs, and relationships and thus provides the highest quality context for the services required.

Finally, the NFF possesses a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Forest Service Partners and potential partners, our history in these partnerships, and has a significant history in facilitating these partnerships.

6. A Description of Efforts Made to Ensure that Offers are Solicited From as Many Potential Sources as is Practicable, Including Whether a Notice was or Will be Publicized as Required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, Which Exception Under 5.202 Applies:

No efforts were made as the unique qualifications as demonstrated in section “5” of this document preclude any other entity in meeting the U.S. Forest Service’s needs.

A notice will be posted as required by FAR 5.2.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer That the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable:

Based on similar services received and past services provided by the National Forest Foundation it is determined that the prices provided are fair and reasonable.

8. Description of Market Research Conducted:

See number “6”

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition:

National Forest Foundation Act of 1990 ((Pub. L. 101-59, 104 Stat. 2969; 16 U.S.C.

583j note, 583j to 583j-8)

Chartered in 1990 as the Congressionally-designated nonprofit partner of the U.S.

Forest Service, the National Forest Foundation engages America in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the National Forest System. This engagement often involves close collaboration with local citizens and communities in restoring, managing and monitoring our National Forest System.

The National Forest Foundation also has a unique role in cultivating and administering private gifts for the benefit of National Forests and Grasslands across the U.S. and building capacity of partners to better engage with the agency.

Specifically within its founding legislation, the National Forest Foundation has unique authority to operate as a corporation within the District of Columbia in entering into contracts and other arrangements with public agencies and private organizations to carry out the intent of the Foundation (Pub. L. 101-59, 104 Stat.

2969; 16 U.S.C.583j note, 583j to 583j-8).

10. A listing of the Sources, if any, That Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

N/A

11. A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency may Take to Remove or Overcome any Barriers to Competition Before any Subsequent Acquisition for the Supplies or Services Required:

N/A

12. I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

RECOMMENDED:

Erin Saelens Contracting Officer

APPROVED:

Shaun Marnien WO AQM Branch Chief

Tiffany Taylor AQM Policy Assistant Director, Competition Advocate lbowser Typewritten Text lbowser Typewritten Text Acting For: