Akima_Sole_Source_Justification-Redacted_1.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Mid-Continent STSSC J&A for POP Extension

To ensure uninterrupted mission support during this transition, continuation under the current contract represents the only practicable and reasonable solution. The incumbent contractor already possesses the technical knowledge, historical familiarity, and operational integration needed to perform the required tasks without onboarding delays, data migration risks, or gaps in service. Any attempt to transition performance to a temporary new vendor at this juncture—prior to completion of the PO review process and issuance of a new competitive contract—would introduce avoidable schedule delays and operational inefficiencies, and would likely result in mission degradation.

Additionally, the services required during this interim period are uniquely tied to ongoing work already performed under the existing contract. The incumbent has proprietary familiarity with system configurations, project artifacts, and mission‑specific workflows that cannot be replicated immediately by another vendor. No other source can meet the Government’s immediate needs without significant disruption, additional cost, or unacceptable risk to the continuity of operations.

For these reasons, the Government has determined that proceeding under a sole source action for this limited interim period is both justified and essential. This approach ensures that mission‑critical activities continue without interruption while the Department finalizes its enhanced review procedures and executes a fully compliant, competitively awarded replacement contract. The sole‑source action is strictly time‑bound, limited in scope, and intended solely to bridge performance until the new contract is in place.

7. Other Information. N/A

8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources, Including the Market Research Conducted.

The Government conducted market research to determine whether multiple responsible sources were available to perform the requirement under a new competitive acquisition. Market research included a review of past procurement history, available small‑business participation, and an assessment of the 8(a) set-aside contractors' capability to perform the work. This research confirmed that adequate small‑business interest and capability existed in the marketplace.

As a result of these findings, the Government developed and released a follow‑on competitive solicitation under the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program. The solicitation is currently posted publicly for competition among eligible 8(a) firms, and responses from multiple sources are anticipated. The publication of this solicitation in the marketplace demonstrates that the Government has fully pursued competitive sourcing opportunities and has completed all required market‑research steps for the upcoming contract.

Because the competitive 8(a) solicitation is already released and active, efforts to identify additional sources have been completed. All interested 8(a) vendors now have the opportunity to compete for the new award. No further market‑research actions remain necessary at this time.

9. Future Plans to Permit Competition.

The acquisition has already been posted to the marketplace under the 8(a) competitive program, establishing early transparency and providing eligible 8(a) participants the opportunity to review and express capability. As the requirement continues to mature, the agency’s future plans are centered on ensuring full and fair competition consistent with FAR Part 19, while maintaining strategic alignment with small business goals and the mission needs of the program office.

To support these objectives, the agency intends to expand competitive opportunities in a phased and compliant manner. First, the contracting program team will assess the responses received from the 8(a) marketplace posting to determine whether two or more capable 8(a) firms have demonstrated the capacity, experience, and interest to compete. If this criterion is met, the acquisition will remain in the 8(a) competitive arena and proceed to solicitation as planned.