DJA-24-AOSI-PR-0511 - JOFOC - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items - Redacted.pdf

Version 20220201 procedures in FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii).

FAR 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

FAR 6.302-2 Unusual and compelling urgency.

FAR 6.302-3 Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services.

FAR 6.302-4 International agreement.

FAR 6.302-5 Authorized or required by statute.

FAR 6.302-6 – National Security FAR 6.302-7 Public Interest

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring use of the authority.

ABILITY TO MEET CRITERIA

Criteria needed Whooster LeadsOnline FirstTwo

Current, real-time, and historical public & private data sources search capability

YES- Real-time queries are pulled at the exact moment the end user requests them via any of their platforms, so the updates are every few seconds.

NO- They use a third-party integration that is updated weekly. This is not real-time

YES

Current, real-time subscriber information- identity verification, porting dates, and fraud detection

YES- provides real-time subscriber information, identity verification, porting dates, and fraud detection.

NO- They use a third-party integration that is updated weekly. This is not real-time

NO

Real-time carrier information-returns current carrier associated with a phone number, phone type, carrier contact information.

YES NO they use a third-party tool to search personal data related to a phone number, which is updated weekly by the third party

NO-

Updated monthly for most of

Canada and Mexico datasets for phone number

YES NO NO

Receive investigative data on subjects through real-time SMS results- No internet connection, YES NO NO

Whooster is the only company that meet the criteria of the requirement.

Considering the mission-critical nature of ATF’s operations, it’s imperative to outline why certain mandatory criteria for a Telephone Subscriber Intelligence Analytical Tool were not met by LeadsOnline and FirstTwo.

Firstly, the requirement for current real-time subscriber information and identity verification is crucial for ATF’s mission. This capability ensures that investigations and operations are based on the most up-to-date and accurate information available. LeadsOnline and FirstTwo both lacked real-

ABILITY TO MEET CRITERIA

Criteria needed Whooster LeadsOnline FirstTwo

Wi-Fi, or app needed to search directly from phone International phone coverage & data sets

YES NO NO

Local routing- target IP connection logs

YES NO NO

Application Programming Interface (API) access connection to the Visual Analysis tool i2 Analyst’s Notebook, the evidence collection Software PLX by Penlink, and - a comprehensive and scale digital mapping and analytics software

YES NO NO

Single, Flex, or batch search tools YES YES NO Customizable alert delivery through desktop application, email, mobile (iOS and Android Application) and pop-up notifications

YES YES NO

Capability to review reports, print, download, and email (Password protected) in XLS, CSV, AND PDF

YES YES NO

On-demand user training YES YES YES

Access to helpdesk during normal work hours, at least 40 hours per week

YES YES YES

Unlimited access to the database/platform/system using # licenses

YES YES YES

time verification systems, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness for our law enforcement efforts. Timely and accurate identity verification enhances ATF’s ability to swiftly identify and apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities, contributing significantly to public safety. Inaccurate or outdated data can lead to incorrect conclusions or decisions.

Secondly, having the ability to get local routing-IP connection logs is indispensable to ATF. It enhances investigation efficiency, situational awareness, and inter-agency collaboration. By leveraging real-time data, the ATF can more effectively disrupt criminal activities, safeguard national security, and bring offenders to justice.

he availability of Canada and Mexico datasets for phone numbers is essential for ATF pecifically in support firearms trafficking investigations where international subscribers are crossing into the United States t is imperative we can quickly and accurately identify these subscribers in furtherance of firearms trafficking investigations. LeadsOnline and FirstTwo lack these comprehensive datasets covering these regions. Access to such international datasets strengthens ATF’S capability to gather critical intelligence and collaborate effectively in combating violent crime. Furthermore, International phone coverage and datasets are indispensable for ATF’s efforts to track and apprehend individuals involved in illicit firearms trafficking and other criminal activities. Both LeadsOnline and are lacking in comprehensive international coverage limiting ATF’s ability to gather actionable intelligence and coordinate investigations effectively. Access to international phone datasets is vital for ATF’S mission to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal networks involved in illegal firearms trafficking and related offenses.

he requirement for real-time SMS results with no internet connection is fundamental for ATF s operational flexibility during field operations and in remote areas with limited connectivity.

This capability allows ATF agents to receive crucial investigative data promptly and securely without dependence on internet access or specialized applications. Real-time SMS capabilities enhance ATF’ responsiveness and operational efficiency, ensuring timely decision making and action in dynamic law enforcement scenarios. Both LeadsOnline and cannot meet this requirement.

Lastly, the need for Application Programming Interface (API) connection to the Visual Analysis tool i2 Analyst’s Notebook, the evidence collection Software PLX by Penlink, and E a comprehensive and scale digital mapping and analytics software underscores ATF’s requirement for advanced analytical capabilities. Both LeadsOnline and are unbale to offer API access to these specific tools thus limiting ATF’s ability to perform in-depth data analysis and visualization critical to investigations and intelligence gathering. These tools are integral to ATF’S operational strategies, facilitating complex data interpretation and supporting informed decision-making processes essential for law enforcement operations.

In summary, the failure of LeadsOnline and to meet these mandatory criteria significantly impacts ATF’s ability to fulfill its mission of enforcing federal firearms laws, protecting public safety, and combating violent crime. These riteria are essential tools that enable ATF to conduct effective investigations, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard communities from firearms-related violence and illegal activities.

A search on GSA resulted in the following:

Sytech Corporation – Sells Whooster products under GSA Schedule: 47QTCA18D00AW.

However, they do not offer all Whooster products and services and therefore, are not able to meet the requirement.

Vendor demonstrations and presentations were Whooster and to verify they could or could not meet the criteria.

Based on the findings from this comprehensive market research, it was determined Whooster offers distinct and specialized capabilities that are not readily available from other vendors. This substantiates the sole source justification for procuring from Wooster, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, and meeting specific operational needs effectively.

Previously, the ATF used TARGUS, under contract NNG15SD71B / 15A00022FAQA00343.

The base year pricing was $361,581.00. Option Year 1 was not exercised as TARGUS was acquired by TransUnion in 2022, which resulted in a strategic shift towards integrating TARGUS's capabilities into TransUnion service offerings. This move influenced the decision to prioritize using TARGUS as an API (application programming interface) rather than a standalone web-based platform, which is what the ATF procured.

TARGUS was a Web-based network/application offering a compilation of data, from telecommunications providers. The tool was able to link together accurate names, addresses, and phone data.

TARGUS’s pricing was lower than the current estimated amount from Whooster. TARGUS and Whooster differ in pricing primarily due to their product offerings. Overall, Whooster offers specialized investigative platforms tailored specifically for law enforcement, investigators, and legal professional filling a niche that TARGUS with its broader data and analytics services, does not directly address. Whooster’s platform has a seamless integration of live phone, carrier data and personal identify information accessible directly from Agents mobile devices via text message. The real-time phone subscriber tool also incorporates international phone coverage and has access to international datasets, both of which TARGUS does not offer. Additionally, TARGUS was only for 150 users and not the current 300 users requested for this

9. Any other facts supporting the use of sole source.

N/A

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

1. Whooster Inc.

a. 112 Cimarron Park Loop STE C, Buda, Texas 78610-2850, United States

b. UEID: V7HKESYDMJQ5

c. Size: Small

d. Government Vehicles: N/A

e. Only company capable of meeting the criteria for the requirement.

2. LeadsOnline

a. 6900 Dallas PKWY STE 825, Plano, Texas 75024-4200, United States

b. UEID: K4D3PL65RSJ8

c. Size: Large under previous NAICS 541519 or current NAICS 561611

d. Government Vehicles: N/A

e. Can not meet criteria for the requirement.

3. FirstTwo Inc.

a. 17 Acela DR, Belvedere Tiburon, California 94920-1608, United States

b. UEID: QCKCLFJR21C3

c. Size: Small

d. Government Vehicles: GSA Schedule - 47QTCA21D00F8

e. Can not meet criteria for the requirement.

11. A statement of any actions the agency will take to remove or overcome any future barriers to competition.

The ATF will continue to search the market through all available avenues to find companies that can meet the criteria of the requirement.

12. Certifications.

Co-Prepared by:

As the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Government’s Technical Representative (GTR), I certify the above information is accurate to the best of my knowledge and contains complete data/information necessary to support the recommendation and the basis for this justification.

Stephanie Schoolfield, COR/GTR Office of Intelligence Operations

As the Contracting Officer and based on the information presented by the program office, the information is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and it is in the best interest of the US Government to pursue other than full and open competition for this requirement.

Brian Palmer, Contracting Officer Office of Management - Acquisitions Management Division

Reviewed by:

John Klar, Small Business Advisor Office of Management/Property, Acquisitions Management Division

Cheryl L. Hickman, Branch Chief – Mission Support Branch Office of Management/ Acquisitions Management Division

James M. Huff, Chief - Acquisitions Management Division Office of Management/ Acquisitions Management Division

Procurement and Contracts Attorney4 Office of Chief Counsel/Management Division

4 For all actions over $500K, OCC review is required.

Approved by:

Brian Palmer Contracting Officer5 Office of Management / Acquisitions Management Division

I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Recommend approval at all levels exceeding $750K.

Bureau Procurement Chief

As the ATF Competition Advocate, I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Since this JOFOC does not exceed $15M, this review serves as approval.

Franco Frandé7 Bureau’s Competition Advocate (CA) Assistant Director (AD)– Office of Management

5 CO is the final approval for all actions $750K and below.

6 For all actions over $750K, BPC review is required.

7 CA is the final approval for all actions above $750K but not exceeding the $7.5M threshold or $15M threshold for declared contingency operations.