J_A_Exercise_Evaluate_52.217-8_6_Mo_Nephrology_Redacted.pdf

The RJD VAMC’s estimated requirements quantities for the above CLINs for this extension are:

5001 (On-site, in clinic) 104 hours 5002 (On-call, weekday, 8-4) 240 hours 5003 (On-call, weeknight, 4-8) 320 hours 5004 (On-call, weekend, 24 hour) 960 hours 5005 (On-call, holiday, 8-4) 24 hours 5006 (On-call, holiday, 4-8) 48 hours 5007 (On-call, call-back) 5 hours

These quantities are reasonably estimated based on approximately half of the previous option period quantities and considers recent ordered quantities.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition: FAR 6.302-2, Unusual and Compelling Urgency.

The Government requirement for extended services is an unusual and compelling urgency. The above referenced extension is necessary due to delays encountered during the preparations to solicit for a replacement contract action, or actions, for the same services. Delays encountered involve developing better definition of the Government requirements, definition of evaluation factors and quality assurance measures. Additional delays encountered are market research for the type of services required. Delay in the award of this contract modification would result in the RJD VAMC being unable to provide necessary nephrology services, including diagnosis and treatment services to the eligible VA beneficiaries, causing serious injury to the Government and VA beneficiaries.

As referenced above, the current contract was awarded under competitive procedures under FAR Subparts 12 and 13, the total dollar value being $274,969.60 for all performance periods and estimated quantities, and to $304,808.80 with this modification action.

In order the meet the nephrology services needs of the RJD VAMC, this modification to extend the services is determined to be within the scope of the contract to provide the services as stated above and within the terms and conditions of the original contract.

The Government requires services of contractor personnel who are currently security-vetted, credentialed and in good standing in terms of vetting, credentialing and who have necessary RJD VAMC electronic systems access. The process to achieve vetting, credentialing and access limits the availability of contractors who can provide the services on a continued basis without interruption of services provision.

Due to the limitations and delays experienced in developing, soliciting and awarding a replacement contract extension of this contract is the only method available to the Government to continue to adequately provide nephrology services to the veteran populations in the Wichita, Kansas and surrounding areas, and there is no other avenue available to satisfy this requirement.

V. Demonstration that the contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above.

Based on the customer’s requirements for the services of this contract, the extension of 6 months for services by the contractor, Wichita Nephrology Group PA, is capable of providing the services needed during this period of performance at the total estimated cost to the Government of $29,839.20, which utilizes the prices stated above, the pricing, having been found fair and reasonable at the time of award.

The contractor will continue to provide the services to the RJD VAMC in support of its need for the continued capabilities to provide the services.

There is no reasonable anticipation that any other company can provide the services for a small duration of time considering the requirement for contractors to provide personnel who are security-vetted physicians in-place at the time of services performance needs. The process of vetting contractor personnel typically exceeds 2 months to complete, under normal circumstances, and there is no known avenue for expedited vetting. In addition to security vetting, contractor personnel are also required to RJD VAMC Medical Professional Board approval, known as credentialing, which takes less time than vetting, but normally exceeds 1 month to complete.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers were solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including publicizing the action as required by FAR Subpart 5.2.

This contracting action is synopsized in accordance with FAR 6.305(b).

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated costs to the Government are fair and reasonable.

In accordance with FAR Clause 52.217-8, the continued services will be within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. The current contract, competed as a 100% Small Business Set Aside as stated above, with all performance periods priced upfront. At the time of the original award, the pricing having been found fair and reasonable by the awarding Contracting Officer, the existing contracted services are more readily available to the Government than could be provided outside of the current contractual agreement and, by existence of the vetted and credentialed contractor personnel, pricing, services access and provision, and all other requirements of the terms and conditions, is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Government.

As described in Section VII. above, the pre-priced fixed-price factors is the pricing utilized for this extension under FAR 52.217-8 at the same limits and rates in the previous option.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Market research was not conducted for this action. Market research is not practicable considering the above stated requirement for contractor personnel vetting and credentialing that takes longer than the Government can consider being without the necessary services.

IX. Any other factors supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

The use of other than full and open competition for this action is required because it is not operationally feasible to solicit competition. It is not possible to continue the Government’s mission to provide nephrology services, including diagnosis and treatment, without the sole source modification of the existing contract under FAR 52.217-8. The final period of performance under this contract is 6 months, expiring on May 31, 2021. No other contractual method to procure the services is in place for this period of performance. This action will satisfy existing Government needs.

X. List of sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

No sources were sought for this extension period, as stated above.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the services herein.

This sole source extension is a temporary measure required to the extent necessary for continued services by the Government to provide services to the RJD VAMC beneficiaries. The actions to be taken during this extension period include RJD VAMC development of a new Government requirement for services, evaluation factors and quality assurance measures. There are no known remaining barriers.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature below, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(12))

Michael Cumins Contracting Officer

Approved

Paula J. Galvin Supervisory Contracting Officer

Michael S.

Cumins 189209

Digitally signed by Michael S. Cumins 189209 Date: 2020.11 27 11:16:48 -06'00'

Paula J. Galvin 1029474

Digitally signed by Paula J.

Galvin 1029474 Date: 2020.11.27 13:16:04 -06'00'