DTSS FSS Sole Source Justification FAR 8.4 FE - Redacted.pdf

This is a Sole Source Justification (SSJ) document for a single-award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) modification under the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule Program.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the period of performance for a BPA with Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle) by six months, from August 12, 2026 to February 11, 2027. The BPA's estimated value remains $90 million, with approximately $49 million obligated to date. This modification does not change the overall contract value. The action is conducted under FAR 8.4 authority (GSA Federal Supply Schedule), with procurement request number PR267672E014 and J&A tracking number JA-2026-04-1355. Battelle was competitively awarded this work under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) for Professional Services – Technical and Engineering Services (non-IT), schedule 541330ENG, contractor schedule GS-00F-084CA, with current options ending March 31, 2030.

Battelle provides Development Test and Evaluation Support Services (DTSS) to the TSA, involving testing of new and upgraded Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) systems to ensure maturity, compliance with TSA requirements, and deployment readiness. Services include test execution (approximately 150 formal tests and 650 mission-support events annually) conducted by specialized personnel including test engineers, explosive ordinance experts, and chemists, plus core support from approximately eighteen key personnel providing program management. The justification cites GSAR 538.7104-3(b) exception (only one source capable of providing required services at required quality level due to unique or highly specialized nature) as the rationale for sole-source award. The document notes that transitioning to a new contractor would require lengthy vetting and onboarding processes, creating unacceptable delays and operational risk during the competitive procurement for the follow-on contract. Pricing for the extension will be requested from Battelle and validated against GSA schedule rates and historical pricing trends. TSA published a Request for Information (RFI) on July 25, 2025 (TSA25-04-0500) for follow-on DTSS contract market research; as of August 22, 2025, approximately thirteen responses were received and remain under review. The justification requires concurrence from the Program Manager and approval from the Contracting Officer, with acquisition official approval required for estimated procurement values greater than $20 million.