HHS JOFOC-SmartBenefits_Change Order_signed_RG_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) document submitted under FAR 6.103-1 for a non-competitive contract action.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Amenities and Transportation Services (DATS), is requesting a follow-on Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for continued participation in the SmartBenefits® Program. The NIH Transhare Program provides monthly transportation subsidies to eligible employees who commute via mass transit and was established to satisfy Executive Order 13150 and commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Capital Planning Commission. The SmartBenefits® Program is a web-based platform that electronically assigns transportation subsidies directly to employee SmarTrip® cards for use on participating public transportation systems throughout the National Capital Region.

The requirement is for a two-month change order (September 2026 – October 2026) valued at $760,000 ($380,000 per month) to continue supporting the existing transportation benefit program without service lapse. The estimated total dollar value of the new contract is $3,040,000, with the original contract value of $2,280,000. The justification cites "unusual and compelling urgency" under FAR 6.302-2 as the basis for non-competitive procurement, noting that WMATA remains the only source capable of providing SmartBenefits® and SmarTrip® services. The underlying contract is Non-Competitive with WMATA located at 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Market research confirmed no alternative providers can meet the specific operational and regulatory requirements. The government will use appropriate operating funds for award, and a redacted J&A will be posted within 30 days of change order execution.