Fair Opportunity Exception Justification (FA448425F0045).pdf

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity or to Use Brand-Name Restriction

NEGOTIATION SENSITIVE

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Is this a brand-name justification? Yes No

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: 87th Contracting Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ 08641

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F3A3Q95155AQ04

Program Name (and Program Element, if applicable): Renovate Part of Building 5601

Estimated Cost/Price of the Order (including options): $320,188.32

Type Program (see DAFFARS 5302.101 for definitions): PEO Program Operational Enterprise

Type of D etermination: Individual Class Expires: [ click and select ]

Fair Opportunity Exception: FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i) (Check the applicable subparagraph below.)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) Check this box to display the FAR 6.302 exceptions.

Click here for instructions to complete the boxes below.

(1) Contracting Activity:

Air Mobility Command 87 Contracting Squadron 2402 Vandenberg Avenue Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

(2) Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

Modification to Firm Fixed Price Task Order (TO) FA448425F0045 under the MACC contract FA448420D0004 for the incorporation of additional work for the installation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and the demolition/removal of the existing chiller and fence to include concrete.

(3) Description of the supplies/services required to meet the agency's needs:

On 18 October 2024, Task Order No. FA4484-25-F-0045 was awarded to Merit Inc. under its Multiple Award Construction Contract (MACC) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), in the total amount of $1,128,288.98. The requirement was competitively solicited among all five (5) MACC contract holders through a Task Order Request for Proposal.The scope of work included the renovation of half of Building 5601 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) to support base housing operations. Specific tasks included the installation of an HVAC system, new carpet flooring, emergency lighting, and upgraded bathroom facilities. The awarded Task Order was executed as a full design-build effort. Building 5601, with a total area of 10,676 square feet, was initially programmed as two equally divided spaces: 5,338 square feet allocated for base housing office and 5,338 square feet designated for storage. The original concept emphasized the storage function, necessitating climate control in only one-half of the structure. During construction, the Government directed a change in the intended use of the storage area—reassigning it for United Service Organization (USO) occupancy. Consequently, the HVAC unit originally excluded under the Statement of v 18 Jan 2024 NEGOTIATION SENSITIVE Page 2 of 5v 18 Jan 2024 NEGOTIATION SENSITIVE Page 2 of 5

Objectives must now be installed in the former storage portion, mirroring the specifications of the system being implemented in the base housing area. This additional requirement, not anticipated under the original contract scope, results in an estimated price increase of $320,188.32, thereby adjusting the Task Order value from $1,128,288.98 to $1,448,477.30. The increase will be effected through a bilateral contract modification.

(4) Identification of the exception to fair opportunity and the supporting rationale:

In accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C), this modification is executed on a sole-source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency. It constitutes a logical follow-on to a previously issued task order under the same contract and therefore does not necessitate additional market research. The incumbent contractor is currently mobilized and performing related work at the same facility. The ongoing effort at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) is being expanded pursuant to a Government-directed initiative requiring the conversion of designated space for United Service Organizations use. This initiative is driven by an Executive Order supporting the federal return-to-work policy.

The added scope involves installation of equipment that must seamlessly integrate with the active construction project. Awarding this effort to a contractor other than the incumbent would introduce significant inefficiencies and risks, including but not limited to: redundant mobilization and site preparation costs; disruption to the existing construction schedule, resulting in unacceptable delays and occupancy timelines; and loss of technical continuity, as the incumbent possesses detailed knowledge of site-specific conditions and system configurations. In light of these considerations, any potential cost savings from a competitive acquisition are outweighed by the operational impacts and transition costs associated with engaging a new provider at this advanced stage of performance.

(5) Contracting Officer's determination that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The cost for this change is estimated to be $320,188.32. Technical Evaluation and Price analysis will be conducted to determine that this proposal is in the best interest of the Government. Price fair and reasonableness will be based on previously priced components in the original proposal and through negotiations.

(6) Other facts supporting the justification:

NA

(7) Actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to increasing fair opportunity before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services:

Future construction requirements will undergo a more scrutinized review prior to solicitation to identify potential changes early. This proactive approach helps reduce the likelihood of post-solicitation modifications and minimizes the need for exceptions to fair opportunity.

(8) Program Manager's certification that supporting data is accurate and complete:

As evidenced by my signature below, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

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(9) Contracting Officer's certification that the justification is accurate and complete:

As evidenced by my signature below, I certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(10) Approving Official's determination that one of the circumstances in FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i) applies to the order.

As evidenced by my signature below, I hereby determine that the fair opportunity exception checked on page 1 applies.

REMOVING ROWS: CAUTION (click here first) NOTE: The text in the signature blocks below is editable, including the title.

Date

25 Jun 2025

Project Lead / Program Mgr / Requiring Activity

Michael Matheis

787 CES/CL/ 609-562-6366

Signature

X

Date

25 Jun 2025

Contracting Officer

Raymond Mesler

87 CONS/PKA/ 609-784-5927

Signature

X

Date

26 Jun 2025

Chief of the Contracting Office (COCO)

Lt Col Jordan Siefkes

87 CONS/CC/ 609-754-5926

Signature

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Instructions for Completing the Template IAW FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B)

(2) State whether the action is a new order or a modification to an existing order. Identify the basic multiple award contract number and the order number for the current action. Also identify the type of the order/line items on the order (e.g., Firm Fixed price, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, etc.).

(3) Specifically describe the supplies/services to be acquired including the price/cost and quantity of each item in the order and the total estimated value of the order. For services, state whether services are performance-based, and if not, provide rationale for not being performance based. State the delivery/performance schedule/period for the items under the order. Explain how the requirement/order fits under the scope of the basic multiple award contracts.

(Note: The Contracting Officer must ensure that the order is issued within the period of performance and within the maximum value of the contract).

(4) Include the appropriate exception from FAR 16.505 (b)(2) and the supporting rationale. FAR16.505(b)(1)(i) requires the Contracting Officer to provide each awardee under a multiple award contract, a fair opportunity to be considered for each order exceeding $3,000 unless a statutory exception applies. The specific exception that precludes the fair opportunity process for this acquisition is FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(__) [Insert A,B, C, D, or E]. If a brand name product description is being justified, use this section to explain why the particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government's requirements and why other companies' similar products/services do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency's needs.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A): “The agency need for the supplies or services is so urgent that providing a fair opportunity would result in unacceptable delays”. When using this exception provide a detailed justification with supporting documentation that explains the exact urgency of the requirement and the mission impact if awarded to any other contractor. The user/customer typically provides this supporting information. Recommend attaching supporting documentation to the back of the document. General statements of urgency are not acceptable.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B): “Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized”. When using this exception provide a detailed justification, with supporting documentation, as evidence of the “unique or highly specialized” nature of the procurement. The user/customer typically provides this supporting information.

Supporting documentation may be attached to the back of the document. General statements are not acceptable.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C): “The order must be issued on a sole-source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency as a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given a fair opportunity to be considered for the original order”. When using this exception provide information on the previously competed order under this contract and detail the economies and efficiencies that will be obtained by going sole source for the follow-on order. The user/customer typically provides this supporting information.

General statements are not acceptable.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D): “It is necessary to place an order to satisfy a minimum guarantee.”

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(E): “For orders exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, a statute expressly authorizes or requires that the purchase be made from a specified source.”

Discuss the market research that was conducted by the user/technical team/contracting officer among the supplies/services of all awardees that resulted in the conclusion that a fair opportunity exception applied. The narrative in this section should provide a high level of confidence that the requirements of FAR 16.505(b)(1) and DFARS 216.505-70 could not be met. If no market research was conducted, state so and provide the rationale. If any other awardee expressed interest in fulfilling the requirement, but was not considered a potential source, explain why that awardee cannot provide the required supplies/perform the service.

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If the use of a brand name purchase description is being justified, the market research should include an analysis of any industry proposed alternative products or approaches to meeting the requirements. Additionally, the Government's efforts to identify as many potential sources as practicable offering the required brand name item(s) should be addressed.

(5) This paragraph needs to be tailored based on the types of CLINs in the order and the pricing arrangements on the basic multiple award contract. If the contract did not establish the price for the supply or service, the Contracting Officer must establish prices for each order IAW FAR 15.4. The paragraph needs to describe the steps that will ensure that the prices/estimated cost of the order will be fair and reasonable. For example, even if firm-fixed prices were obtained under adequate price competition in the award of the multiple award contract, the Contracting Officer still needs to consider market conditions and other factors that may have changed since contract award and explain the basis in the determination that prices/costs are fair and reasonable prior to award of the order.

(6) Provide any other facts supporting the use of exceptions to the fair opportunity process.

(7) Include a statement of the actions, if any, to be to be taken to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the exception to fair opportunity before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made. If no actions are planned, so state and provide reasons.

https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/KnowledgeCenter/templates_admin/aqc-front.jpg https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/KnowledgeCenter/templates_admin/aqc-back.jpg Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity or to Use Brand-Name Restriction v 18 Jan 2024 Page of Is this a brand-name justification?

Please provide the product title and description. [ FAR16.505(a)(4)(i) ] Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Type Program (see DAFFARS 5302.101 for definitions):

Type of D etermination:

Fair Opportunity Exception: FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i) (Check the applicable subparagraph below.)

(1) Contracting Activity:

(2) Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

(3) Description of the supplies/services required to meet the agency's needs:

(4) Justification for restricting consideration to a brand-name item:

(4) Identification of the exception to fair opportunity and the supporting rationale:

(5) Contracting Officer's determination that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

(6) Other facts supporting the justification:

(7) Actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to decreasing the use of brand-name items before any subsequent acquisition of the supplies or services:

(7) Actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to increasing fair opportunity before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services:

(8) Program Manager's certification that supporting data is accurate and complete:

As evidenced by my signature below, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

(9) Contracting Officer's certification that the justification is accurate and complete:

As evidenced by my signature below, I certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(10) Approving Official's determination that FAR16.505(a)(4)(i) applies to the order:

As evidenced by my signature below, I hereby determine that the use of brand-name restriction applies.

(10) Approving Official's determination that one of the circumstances in FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i) applies to the order.

As evidenced by my signature below, I hereby determine that the fair opportunity exception checked on page 1 applies.

NOTE: The text in the signature blocks below is editable, including the title.

Instructions for Completing the Template IAW FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B)

(2) State whether the action is a new order or a modification to an existing order. Identify the basic multiple award contract number and the order number for the current action. Also identify the type of the order/line items on the order (e.g., Firm Fixed price, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, etc.).

(3) Specifically describe the supplies/services to be acquired including the price/cost and quantity of each item in the order and the total estimated value of the order. For services, state whether services are performance-based, and if not, provide rationale for not being performance based. State the delivery/performance schedule/period for the items under the order. Explain how the requirement/order fits under the scope of the basic multiple award contracts. (Note: The Contracting Officer must ensure that the order is issued within the period of performance and within the maximum value of the contract).

(4) Include the appropriate exception from FAR 16.505 (b)(2) and the supporting rationale. FAR16.505(b)(1)(i) requires the Contracting Officer to provide each awardee under a multiple award contract, a fair opportunity to be considered for each order exceeding $3,000 unless a statutory exception applies. The specific exception that precludes the fair opportunity process for this acquisition is FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(__) [Insert A,B, C, D, or E]. If a brand name product description is being justified, use this section to explain why the particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government's requirements and why other companies' similar products/services do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency's needs.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A): “The agency need for the supplies or services is so urgent that providing a fair opportunity would result in unacceptable delays”. When using this exception provide a detailed justification with supporting documentation that explains the exact urgency of the requirement and the mission impact if awarded to any other contractor. The user/customer typically provides this supporting information. Recommend attaching supporting documentation to the back of the document. General statements of urgency are not acceptable.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B): “Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized”. When using this exception provide a detailed justification, with supporting documentation, as evidence of the “unique or highly specialized” nature of the procurement. The user/customer typically provides this supporting information. Supporting documentation may be attached to the back of the document. General statements are not acceptable.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C): “The order must be issued on a sole-source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency as a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given a fair opportunity to be considered for the original order”. When using this exception provide information on the previously competed order under this contract and detail the economies and efficiencies that will be obtained by going sole source for the follow-on order. The user/customer typically provides this supporting information. General statements are not acceptable.

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D): “It is necessary to place an order to satisfy a minimum guarantee.”

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(E): “For orders exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, a statute expressly authorizes or requires that the purchase be made from a specified source.”

Discuss the market research that was conducted by the user/technical team/contracting officer among the supplies/services of all awardees that resulted in the conclusion that a fair opportunity exception applied. The narrative in this section should provide a high level of confidence that the requirements of FAR 16.505(b)(1) and DFARS 216.505-70 could not be met. If no market research was conducted, state so and provide the rationale. If any other awardee expressed interest in fulfilling the requirement, but was not considered a potential source, explain why that awardee cannot provide the required supplies/perform the service.

If the use of a brand name purchase description is being justified, the market research should include an analysis of any industry proposed alternative products or approaches to meeting the requirements. Additionally, the Government's efforts to identify as many potential sources as practicable offering the required brand name item(s) should be addressed.

(5) This paragraph needs to be tailored based on the types of CLINs in the order and the pricing arrangements on the basic multiple award contract. If the contract did not establish the price for the supply or service, the Contracting Officer must establish prices for each order IAW FAR 15.4. The paragraph needs to describe the steps that will ensure that the prices/estimated cost of the order will be fair and reasonable. For example, even if firm-fixed prices were obtained under adequate price competition in the award of the multiple award contract, the Contracting Officer still needs to consider market conditions and other factors that may have changed since contract award and explain the basis in the determination that prices/costs are fair and reasonable prior to award of the order.

(6) Provide any other facts supporting the use of exceptions to the fair opportunity process.

(7) Include a statement of the actions, if any, to be to be taken to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the exception to fair opportunity before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made. If no actions are planned, so state and provide reasons.

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