Redacted_JA_ICE_v4.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION < SAT

FOR SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

National Accreditation of DoD Security Professional Education Development (SPēD) Certifications

Control Number: 19-002JA

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

PROCUREMENT SENSITIVE

SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

REFERENCES:

• FAR 13.106-1 (b) states that, “For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization). The following documentation constitutes the rationale for this decision.

DOCUMENTATION:

(1) Requiring Activity:

Defense Security Services Center for Development of Security Excellence 938 Elkridge Landing Road Linthicum, MD 21090

Contracting Activity

Defense Security Services Office of Acquisitions 27130 Telegraph Road Quantico, VA 22134

(2) Supplies or services being procured:

Contractor support service is required to assist the Defense Supply Service (DSS) Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Certification Division in continuing the accreditation development, conferral, maintenance, and sustainment of the nationally accredited Department of Defense (DoD) Security Professional Education Development (SPēD) certifications program. CDSE offers professional security certifications designed specifically to develop leaders within the DoD and Federal Government security community. The current accreditation services are being provided, on a sole source basis, by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) under contract HS0021-14-P-0015, which expires December 31, 2018.

The total estimated price for this acquisition is $122,497.50. The period of performance is for a 12-month base period plus four 12-month option periods and one six month option period.

(3) Reason that this is a sole source procurement (i.e., proposed contractor's unique qualifications, etc.):

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1 (b) states that, “For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.” As described by the Office of the Under Secretary Defense for Intelligence (OUSD(I)), DoD Manual 3305.13-M, “DoD Security and Accreditation and Certification” dated March 14, 2011, revised on April 26, 2018, designates the ICE and its membership association for credentialing bodies, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), is the only source available that can meet this requirement.

National Accreditation of DoD Security Professional

In cooperation with the federal government the National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies (NCHCA) was founded in 1977 in order to develop standards for voluntary certification programs. In 1989, the NCHCA was expanded to developing certifications for all professions, becoming the NCCA and forming the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) as a membership association for credentialing bodies. In 2009, the Board moved to change to a new name and became the ICE.

ICE is both a provider of, and clearing house for, information on trends in certification and test development. It facilitates organizations that seek national accreditation by NCCA. NCCA uses a rigorous peer review process to establish accreditation standards; evaluate compliance with the standards, recognize organizations/programs which demonstrate compliance, and serve as a resource on quality certification.

The NCCA Standards are comprehensive and cover all aspects of the certification program(s), including administration, assessment development and recertification. NCCA standards are consistent with The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing and are applicable to all professions and industries.

As previously mentioned, ICE is currently providing professional accreditation services under contract HS0021-14-P-0015, awarded in Fiscal Year (FY14) and expires December 31, 2018. Consequently, the renewal of the existing services represents the most cost effective approach for DSS, other credential servicing institutions do not meet the quality of ICE NCCA and an operational impact and degradation of services could result if another credentialing service is used. A sole source award to ICE NCCA will ensure continuity of operations without interruption, while ensuring compliance with the DoD Manual 3305.15-M for accreditation for DoD security professional certification.

(4) Market survey (indicate if any other firms were contacted or expressed interest)

Market research was conducted utilizing the ICE current published pricing and a Google search of institutions that provide similar services. Although, ICE is the sole provider, as documented within the DoD Manual 3305.15-M, for national accreditation and maintenance of existing accredited certifications, there is one other credentialing institution, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which provides similar support services available on the open market. Small business are unable to meet this requirement based on market research results.

Results of the pricing information obtained through market research is reflected below:

Based on the results of the market research and the guidance of the DoD Manual, ICE NCCA provides the most beneficial pricing mechanism to the requiring activity as it relates to fulfilling this requiremens and overall mission needs.

(5) Technical requirements personnel certification

I hereby certify that this justification is made in good faith, that the supporting data and information are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I would not be making this request if it were feasible to fully compete this requirement. I further certify that this request is not the result of lack of advanced planning or a desire to expend funds while those funds are still available.

National Accreditation of DoD Security Professional

Signature Jason Taylor Acting Chief, Professionalization

(6) Price Reasonableness Determination:

In determining a fair and reasonable price, the Contracting Officer will evaluate a more detailed breakdown from a formal Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE). The detailed estimate will provide the level of effort for the services identified above. The establish pricing will be compared to other Government contracts, such as the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) for the same or similar services.

These services are available from one provider. Based on market research, it is anticipated that open market pricing will be fair and reasonable.

Leveraging DSS’ current use of the Vendor and services, along with open market price comparison, the contracting officer is confident in obtaining the best value for DSS.

(7) Contracting Officer’s certification

I hereby certify that this justification is made in good faith, that the supporting data and information are accurate and complete to the best of my

Signature Ashley D. Maddox Contracting Officer

DSS-AQ