C14 - Redacted Sole Source Justification.doc

28 April 2022

MEMORANDUM

From: L. Tindell, NSWC PCD Code 00X To: M. Furbush, NSWC PCD Code 024

SUBJ: S O L E S OUR C E JUSTIFICATION MEMORANDUM TO ACQUIRE DIVERSITY TRAINING KEYNOTE SPEAKER / TRAINING

Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Limited Source Justification.”

This is a sole source justification. Contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), 110 Vernon Avenue, Panama City, FL 32407-7001 (Contracts Department Code 02).

Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

This action will award a firm fixed price order to SL Robbins & Associates, 2469 Grand River Dr, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (CAGE 4B5R9) on a sole source basis for required Diversity Event Support

A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

This requirement is to purchase the following:

The Contractor shall be conducting Inclusion and Diversity Training for NSWC PCD leadership at a “Leadership in a Diverse Environment” training event. The Contractor shall educate the NSWC PCD leadership on the neuroscience of unconscious bias and its effect on the workforce. The Contractor shall educate NSWC PCD leaders on the science of human behavior and provide practical examples in the work place to educate leaders on the values and importance of diversity in an organization. The training shall include lecture, visual presentations, and audience participation in exercises.

The Government’s minimum needs have been verified by the certifying technical and requirements personnel. This memo does not authorize acquisition for other requirements. This acquisition will be conducted using simplified acquisition procedures with a total dollar value above micro-purchase levels, but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000.00. The training / event will be completed by 09 August 2022. The purchase will be funded with FY 2022 Navy Working Capital Funds (NWCF – Overhead).

Identification of the justification rationale and, if applicable, a demonstration of the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications to provide the re q u i re d supply or service.

10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1) - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, FAR 6.302-1

NSWC PCD will be conducting a “Leadership in a Diverse Environment” training event in August 2022 and requires the services of a Keynote Speaker and training facilitator for the event.

This purchase is not suitable for full and open competition for the following reasons. S.L. Robbins and Associates uses the brain or the socio-psychology, cognitive neuroscience approach to provide Diversity Training. Dr. Robbins, of S.L. Robbins and Associates, has provided this type of diversity training over the past 13 years to various Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare (NSWC / NUWC) Centers (such as the NUWC Newport Division, NSWC Carderock Division) and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) senior leaders. Dr.

Robbins’ diversity-training message, which combines the use of brain science and the subject areas of bias and unconscious bias, is unique to the diversity-training realm. Dr. Robbins’ training technique has been consistent throughout his tenure of delivering the diversity-training message throughout NAVSEA warfare centers. Consistency throughout NAVSEA in diversity is imperative to ensure interpretation among all personnel is “ahead” instead of “behind” the learning curve. When people are working together and hearing the same message, they will have a common understanding of the processes, which will provide more positive synergy for teamwork and learning. Positive learning carries over into the workplace because of a consistent diversity message process. Having another diversity curriculum would alter the current diversity philosophy at NSWC PCD. Another training would not provide the same message and the current synergy, based on S.L. Robbins methods, would be lost. In addition, introducing a different diversity philosophy can create confusion between generations and cause communication differences in the workplace, which incites conflict. Conflict often results in complaints that, can affect productivity and moral in the workplace, which has a direct impact on accomplishing the organizations mission.

This training must be met by S.L Robbins and Associates to ensure that the current diversity teachings and methods are consistent among all the Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers. S.L Robbins developed the required training and will provide the same research, supporting materials, and guides previously provided to senior personnel throughout NAVSEA.

A determination by the ordering activity contracting officer that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR 13.106-1(b).

The Contracting Officer has determined that the order represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs.

A description of the market research conducted among schedule holders and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

This requirement is less than $25,000 and does not require synopsis on the Contract Opportunities website at SAM.gov. No additional market research was conducted for the reasons specified in paragraph 4 above.

Any other facts supporting the justification.

None

A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.

As stated in paragraph 4 above, the SL Robbins & Associates is the only source that can meet the requirement.

SIGNATURES FOLLOW THIS PAGE

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS REQUESTING OFFICIAL

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification and its supporting acquisition planning data, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

TINDELL.LISA.CA ROL.1230066287

Digitally signed by TINDELL.LISA.CAROL.12300662 87 Date: 2022.04.28 13:13:47 -05'00'

Lisa Tindell Strategic Planning Code 00X REQUESTING OFFICIAL

CONTRACTING OFFICER REVIEW AND APPROVAL

I, as Contracting Officer for the contracting activity, have reviewed this justification and certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification

KILGORE.JAMELL.LA

QUAN.1030526569

Digitally signed by KILGORE.JAMELL.LAQUAN.1030526569 Date: 2022.05.12 11:03:12 -05'00' file_0.bin

Marina Furbush or Vincent Tomasi or Jamell Kilgore CONTRACTING OFFICER