DTOS5916F00052 MOD P00008 JOFOC.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR

OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Upon the basis of the following justification, I, as the Contracting Officer, hereby approve the issuance of the contractual action described below using other than full and open competition, pursuant to the authority cited herein.

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE REQUIRING ACTIVITY AND CONTRACTING

ACTIVITY:

AGENCY (REQUIRING ACTIVITY):

Surface Transportation Board 395 E. Street, SW Washington, DC 20423

CONTRACTING ACTIVITY:

U.S. Department of Transportation/OST Acquisition Services Division, M-63 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

2. NATURE/DESCRIPTION OF ACTION:

The aforementioned contracting activity proposes to issue a 12-month time extension to Qwest Government Services Inc., not to exceed March 28, 2021. With the Task Order expiring March 28, 2020, an extension is warranted in order to complete existing services. This will enable the continuity necessary, and prevent a possible disruption to the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB or Board) network infrastructure. The STB is working to issue a new award but requires additional market research prior to transitioning to a potential different service provider.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES:

The proposed modification will provide continuous services of its CentruyLink’s Networx contract to provide the STB a comprehensive solution-based vehicle to address all aspects of the Board’s IT telecommunications, and infrastructure requirements. Specific services the contractor shall perform include: managed security services through the Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Services (MTIPS) program, which complies with the Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) initiative. Also, a Managed Network Services (MNS) where the vendor provides overall management of an agency's infrastructure including: Real-time proactive network monitoring;

Rapid troubleshooting; and Service restoration. In addition, Networx Security Services offers Anti-Virus Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention and other offerings to provide:

Complete data, voice and security solutions; and Protect agencies against constantly evolving security threats. The estimated cost is $156,035.04.

4. IDENTIFICATION OF STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. USDOT has no other option to allow for a timely transition.

5. DEMONSTRATION OF CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE CAPABILITIES

The current vendor possesses an understanding of the STB’s network requirements and infrastructure in place to maintain current services at a consistent level. It would take considerable time and resources to prepare the vendor to perform at an acceptable level to satisfy the needs of the STB.

6. EFFORTS TO SOLICIT POTENTIAL SOURCES:

The STB is in discussions with DC NET and Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Shared Services for its Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) as potential options but additional time is needed as this is a complex task.

7. DETERMINATION OF FAIR AND REASONABLE COST:

The anticipated costs of this requirement, Task Order # DTOS5916F00052 have been deemed fair and reasonable based on historical data obtained from almost 4 years of contract service, as well as verification of current, applicable labor rates and indirect costs for anticipated deliverables. All costs for services will be evaluated to ensure a fair and reasonable cost to the Government. Task Order cost shall be in line with the base GSA contract # GS00T07NSD0002.

8. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET RESEARCH:

A market survey was not conducted for this 12-month extension. The STB has reached out to DC NET and DOJ as potential replacements, but additional time is needed to transition from GSA’s expiring Networx contract vehicle as the task is complex and requires substantial resources to ensure the transition is smooth.

9. OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS:

None.

10. OTHER INTERESTED SOURCES:

Not applicable.

11. ACTIONS TAKEN TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO COMPETITION:

The STB has reached out to DC NET and DOJ as potential replacements to ensure adequate competition to its future competitive procurement action. However, this sole source modification is based on FAR 16.505 (b) (2) Exceptions to the fair opportunity for orders within IDIQ holders.

12. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION:

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

Ajmal Khan (M-63) Date Contract Specialist CTR

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance and which are included in this justification are complete and accurate.

Adil Gulamali Date Chief Financial Officer

RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL:

Sheronda Jones (M-63) Date Contracting Officer