Final - 2023 Kellogg - JOFOC.pdf

U.S. Department of Energy

Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

(1) Identification of Agency and the Contracting Activity:

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) through the Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC).

(2) Nature and Description of Action Being Approved:

Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, hereinafter referred to as Kellogg, will provide leadership training utilizing a custom learning experience at the James L. Allen

Center. The Allen Center is designed to facilitate peer learning and informal interactions among faculty and participants. The Allen Center is completely self-contained with classrooms of all shapes and sizes, fully equipped study-group rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, lounge areas, snack rooms, laundry service and an exercise room.

Collaboration well done, whether at the individual, team or enterprise level, sparks creative problem solving and powers value creation. Participants will learn the why, what and how of collaboration in the workplace; the strategic rationale, design requirements and critical insights necessary for success in both internal initiatives and across companies and cultures in joint ventures. Participants will explore personal collaboration styles, behaviors and approaches for working with business partners, colleagues, and customers. From a team perspective, participants will examine the multiple interests and perspectives that challenge effective collaboration in departmental and interdepartmental initiatives.

(3) Description of the Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs and Estimated Value:

As the Nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government must be a model for outstanding employees. We are at our best when drawing upon all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are acknowledged, heard, and utilized to overcome our greatest challenges.

The Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) Office of Field

Operations (EM-3) is working to continue building and sustaining a best-in-class workforce utilizing employee development and coaching services to develop the soft-skills of building influence and strong teams, communicating effectively, making effective decisions, and removing barriers to constructive collaboration.

EM-3 is entering a critical period that will require teams to operate in collaborative structures to maximize constructive conflict and minimize destructive conflict. Learning the how and why of collaboration in the workplace including the strategic rationale, design requirements and critical insights necessary for success will ensure success in both internal initiatives and across the DOE processes and procedures. Our engagement with Kellogg offers a training program designed to improve business behavior, increase performance, and create a collaborative culture within EM.

(4) Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition:

The statutory authority to noncompetitively award this contract is found in FAR Part 6.302-1.

The services to be provided by Kellogg are deemed to be available only from the original source.

The faculty involved, in the training to be provided, are leaders in their respective fields and are responsible for developing the topics being taught at the highest levels. Since this is a one-time procurement, it is likely that awarding a contract for these services via full and open competition would create a duplication of costs to the Government that would likely not be recovered through competition or that may cause unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements.

(5) Contractor’s Unique Qualifications:

Kellogg is known for a culture that fosters collaboration and challenges participants to think innovatively. The Kellogg experience exemplifies that culture by creating an immersive, supportive environment where insights emerge. Kellogg programs are enriched by the perspective and resources of a major research university and a global mindset that helps instill in participants an expansive view of the world and their organizations’ role in it. Kellogg’s custom educational solutions address each client’s unique business challenges where they hand-pick a selection of Kellogg’s renowned faculty to tailor lectures, classroom experiences and case studies to specific needs. For EM, a maximum of 50 participants is expected to attend the training over a 3-day period using the residential training model where program fees include all program materials, meals, and onsite accommodations for the participants. The DOE/EMCBC will procure customized training services designed to build a sustainable EM organization and build synergy among the leadership team.

(6) Description of efforts to ensure offers are solicited and whether a notice will be publicized.

A notice was publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 on June 29, 2023. No other sources will be solicited for this acquisition.

(7) Determination that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The cost will be fair and reasonable as it is based on previous engagements with federal clients.

Kellogg has been utilized by DOE-EM in the past and the pricing plan for 2023 remains consistent with the previous action.

(8) Market Research

With in-person residential training as the preferred method, market research was significantly reduced to those organizations that offer such training. Previous residential training has been procured by EM through the Harvard Business School and the Kellogg School of Management at

Northwestern University. The Wharton School of Executive Education was also evaluated. The primary factors evaluated were curricula type, availability, and cost, with availability being a driving factor since the goal is to have the training take place in FY2023 using FY2023 training and travel funds.

The market research determined that the Kellogg curricula is more focused on developing needed soft skills (e.g., empowering people, inspiring collaboration and teamwork) versus the more business-oriented approach at the other schools. Kellogg and Harvard had similar availability; however, Harvard classes were geared more toward senior executives and board members. The overall market research determined that Kellogg offers a better value for EM needs at a lower cost.

(9) Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition

This contract is necessary for this critical mission support requirement to build a sustainable organization. All other facts have been documented.

(10) Listing of the Sources, if any, that Expressed an Interest in the Acquisition

A synopsis was posted on the EMCBC webpage www.emcbc.doe.gov for informational purposes only. The DOE is not seeking interested parties at this time.

(11) Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any

Barriers to Competition Before any Subsequent Acquisition for the Supplies or Services

Required

The agency will reconsider whether it is prudent to seek competition of future acquisitions for these services.

(12) Contracting Officer Certification

In accordance with FAR 6.303-2(b)(12) the Contracting Officer certifies that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Chris McFarland, Contracting Officer Date http://www.emcbc.doe.gov/