F03_JOFOC_COSigned_Redacted_1.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

National Headquarters Washington, DC 20240 https://www.blm.gov

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION Over $250,000

1. Identification of the Agency and the Contracting Activity

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Division of Wild Horses and Burros, requests that Headquarters Acquisitions (HQ 722), Wild Horses and Burros Team, proceed with a limited competition or sole source action.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Approved This justification supports the exercise of clause FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, under contract No. 140L6222C0003 with Brenda Unrein. The extension will cover a 90-day period from September 23, 2025, through December 22, 2025. Although clause 52.217-8 was included in the original solicitation, pricing for this extension was not evaluated at the time of award, necessitating this justification.

3. Description of Supplies or Services and Estimated Value The contract provides routine veterinary services at the Wheatland Off-Range Corrals (ORC) and the Mantle Wild Horse and Burro Training and Adoption Facility, both located in Wheatland, Wyoming. These services are essential to ensure the health and welfare of approximately 3700 wild horses. The NTE value of this 3-month extension is a not to exceed amount of

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition This action is authorized under 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(2), as implemented by FAR 6.302-2, which permits other than full and open competition when there is an unusual and compelling urgency.

5. Rationale for Use of Authority and Contractor’s Unique Qualifications The incumbent contractor has successfully provided veterinary services under this contract for nearly three years. A new solicitation is currently being drafted with the intent to award a long-term contract.

The requested extension is essential to maintain the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program (CAWP) for these animals until the service is secured through a new procurement solution. Exercising clause 52.217-8 to extend the contract to Brenda Unrein is justified to ensure service continuity and compliance with the CAWP. The Wheatland facility is Wyoming’s only contract off-range corral and preparation site, provides shelter, medical care, and proper nutrition for approximately 3700 wild horses gathered primarily from herd management areas in the state. These services play a vital role in supporting the Bureau of Land Management’s statutory obligation under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which mandates their humane care and management.

6. A description of the Market Research conducted (see FAR Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted:

http://www.blm.gov/

JJ NOLAN Digitally signed by JJ NOLAN Date: 2025.09.19 08:58:30 -06'00'

Digitally signed by LISA TURNER Date: 2025.09.19 09:05:59 -06'00'

No new market research was conducted for this extension. Due to the urgency and the lengthy approval process for onboarding new vendors, market research would not yield a viable alternative in time to meet the requirement. Market research was conducted in support of the upcoming long-term solicitation.

7. Actions to Promote Future Competition

The upcoming solicitation for veterinary services will be fully competed, allowing all qualified vendors to submit proposals. Future solicitations will include evaluated pricing for clause 52.217-8 to avoid similar justifications.

8. Certification I certify that the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and that the justification is based on verified technical and programmatic requirements.

(Signature) (Date) 9/19/25

(Type or Print Name): JJ Nolan Contracting Officer’s Representative

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

(Signature) (Date) 9/19/25

(Type or Print Name): Lisa Turner Contracting Officer