Sole_source_justification_final-less_signature_page.docx

SOLE SOURCE OR LIMITED SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

(APPLICABLE TO PURCHASES $3,500 - $150,000)

1. Contracting Activity:

2. Purchase Request Number: CNS1710250001

3. Authority for Action:

|X| FAR 13.106-1(b), Soliciting from a Single Source

4. Describe the supply or service to be acquired and the total estimated dollar value:

The Corps Network provides critical leadership to the Corps movement and to our nation’s Service and Conservation Corps as they harness the power of youth and young adults to tackle some of America’s greatest challenges and transform their own lives. A one year subscription to The Corps Network service will cost an estimated amount of $11,255.00. The Corps Network shall:

· Provide access to information and expertise on Corps programming

· Provide access to partnerships, recruitment, and service opportunities

· Provide publicity on a national level

5. List the proposed contractor (name, contact, and phone number) and describe the unique knowledge or capabilities of the proposed contractor:

The Corps Network encompasses over 130 Corps programs, both urban and rural, and has assisted in the birth of virtually all of these Corps (which includes CNCS and AmeriCorps NCCC). The Corps Network is governed by a board of directors composed of Corps program directors and nationally known individuals who bring expertise in national service, evaluation, youth development, education, conservation and employment and training.

Currently operating in 44 states and Washington, D.C., Corps annually enroll more than 29,000 young men and women who mobilize approximately 227,000 community volunteers who in conjunction with Corps members generate 21.3 million hours of service every year.

The Corps Network supports Corps by providing access to national service initiatives, providing access to information, and by offering expertise in Corps operations and programming. Every year, The Corp Network’s efforts enable over 24,000 diverse young people, ages 16-25, to strengthen communities, improve the environment and transform their lives through service in Corps programs. The Corps Network assisted in the establishment of AmeriCorps NCCC from its conception and account for 20 percent of all AmeriCorps members nationally through partnership and recruitment.

The Corps Network is uniquely qualified to provide the services aforementioned in section number 4. No other organization or resources exist in the marketplace that provide, or can readily obtain, the combination of unique expertise and capabilities critical for partnership building, project opportunities, press coverage, and Corps programming.

6. Describe your market research efforts and efforts to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable:

Market research showed The Corps Network as the sole vendor to have the resources, experience, and capabilities necessary to perform the full requirement. The Corps Network is unique in that it focuses specifically on service and conservation corps programs.

7. State why you feel that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The services required by CNCS and AmeriCorps NCCC are available from only one responsible source, and no other type of services will satisfy the agency’s requirements. The Corps Network fees are based on an agencies total number of members (sliding scale). The price quoted to CNCS is off the commercial price list that is offered to all Corp Network members. A copy of the commercial price list is included:

FY18 TCN Membership Dues

8. Other:

In 1993, the Congress enacted and President Clinton signed The National and Community Service Trust Act, which amended Subtitle C of the 1990 legislation to provide federal support to many kinds of community service programs besides the traditional Youth Corps. The new law also established post-service educational benefits for participants through the AmeriCorps Program. During the first full year of AmeriCorps, beginning in September 1994, 53 youth corps received AmeriCorps grants through statewide population-based and competitive processes as well as through a national direct application process and collaborations with Federal agencies.

Over the ensuing ten years, Corps involvement in federal national service programs has grown under both Presidents Clinton and Bush to where Corps members enrolled in The Corps Network Corps account for 20 percent of all AmeriCorps members nationally. Part of this total includes a large AmeriCorps Education Awards Program run directly out of The Corps Network involving over fifty programs and over 3,500 Corps members annually.

9. Statement of Period of Performance and/or Delivery Schedule:

This contract will be 1 base year, no options.

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