J_A Sole Source FAR 13.5 Peer to Peer Training 2 Nov 22 (Signed)_Redacted.pdf

CUI

(See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

FAR SUBPART 13.5 SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL

ITEMS – SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

ONLY ONE AVAILABLE SOURCE

1. Contracting Activity: 418th Contracting Support Brigade, Mission & Installation Contracting Command – Fort Hood (MICC-FH), Fort Hood, Texas

2. Description of Action: In accordance with FAR subpart 6.301 MICC-Fort Hood intends to award a purchase order without providing for full and open competition. This requirement provides training and assessment focused on educating and equipping Fort Hood Soldiers on evidence-based suicide prevention norms and practices on firearms and lethal means safety IAW (1) the White House’s evidence-informed public health strategy which identified that improving lethal means safety is its first priority, and (2) the forthcoming AR 600-92, Army Suicide Prevention – directing prevention practices raise awareness and provide education on restricting access to lethal means for individuals at risk. The Government projects award for November 2022 and fiscal year 2023 O&M funds will be used.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: The contractor shall provide readily available didactic, interactive, and multimedia training featuring examples of current or former military members with lived experience managing firearms access when suicide is a risk, that teaches the following knowledge and skills:

• Providing peer intervention training program on firearms and lethal means safety specifically designed for military community.

• Training, materials, resource and training assessments need to be ready for an immediate start date, i.e. off-the-shelf

• Video, print and other training elements that include examples of current or former military with lived experience managing firearms access when suicide is a risk

• Video, graphic design, copywriting and other communications capabilities to adapt materials as needed

• The training will include didactic and interactive modalities, as well as multimedia components that feature examples of current and former military members with lived experience managing firearms access when suicide is a risk.

• Educational resources will include a robust suite of professionally designed print and electronic educational materials, including conversation guides and materials, drafted in accessible, non-clinical language

• Training assessment survey and tracking capabilities, with specific assessment expertise in peer programs and/or suicide prevention

• Knowledge of the relationship between firearms & suicide

• Effective communication on firearms and suicide prevention

• Lethal means safety and firearms safe storage steps

Control Number:

Peer to Peer Intervention Training

• Basic crisis intervention steps

• Proactive models for lethal means safety and firearms storage.

Base Period of Performance: 6 months Option Period 1: 6 months

4. Authority Cited: 6.302-1: Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

The requirement for peer-to-peer suicide prevention counseling and training that coincides with personally owned weapons training is highly unique. Market research revealed only a single organization currently utilizing this strategy to combat suicide deaths. FORGE Foundation INC is the current source of this service that can provide this training to III Armored Corps at Fort Hood. FORGE can provide instructors, training, and research personnel that can provide empirical data on whether the training is working within the military formations that they are training. The proposed company is:

Forge Foundation INC 9480 Byron AVE Surfside, Florida 33154-2440, United States

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: From 25 Jun 22 – 18 Jul 22 the government conducted online searches using SAM.gov, the Dynamic Small Business Search Tool, and other online searches to look for companies that could provide this training. A sources sought was published to SAM.gov from 11 Jul 22 – 18 Jul 22 with no other interested vendors. Several small businesses specialize in tactical training or suicide prevention, but no other entity specializes in POW safety and suicide prevention through lethal means reduction and peer-to-peer intervention. The Contracting Specialist called a range of businesses within the identified NAICS category and conducted internet web searches to find contractors with similar options but found none.

From 27 Oct 22 – 2 Nov 22 the Contracting Specialist looked at the Dynamic Small Business Search Tool as well as sources on SAM.gov using both the NAICS as well as key terms. The results during this search did not yield any companies that could fit the niche service needed by the Government.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: At this point in time, it is essential the Government continue to gather data to confirm or deny that this program is helping the Army save lives and reduce suicide. To date there have been no other sources found that can

(See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4) provide this specific type of training to the specific audience in the Army. The Government plans to conduct further research to increase competition in the event this is a recurring need for the Army.

8. Market Research: Market research was performed prior to soliciting for this service to teach this class to Soldiers. A determination of responsibility on Forge Foundation INC indicated that they have the technical expertise, resources and financial solvency to undertake the performance of the requirement. Market research was conducted from 25 June 2022 through 18 July 2022 and again from 27 October 2022 through 2 November 2022 by the requiring activity and contracting team:

9. Interested Sources: As shown in the market research, interest is limited as this is a specific need that tailors to a specific audience. The military’s suicide prevention approach as one that is (though well-intended), over-reliant on mental illness models, ‘warning signs,’ screening, and forms and paperwork. Conversely, a public health approach proposes that the most effective way to prevent illness, injury, and mortality involves strategies that focus on the hazardous condition itself. In the US Military that hazard is the firearm where suicide deaths involve firearms 67% of the time – grossly disproportionate from the civilian community. Suicide experts unequivocally agree that the one place where there is decided scientific agreement is putting time and distance between a person in crisis and the potential means of their suicide – this is lethal means reduction. Strategically, lethal means reduction is our most powerful suicide prevention approach, but its use is not widespread for several reasons. That the intended audience (including our leaders) is not buying it is a massive communication problem across our ranks. We must improve in this area by bringing the conversation about suicide risk and firearms into an area of trust – our Soldiers’ relationships with their peers and leaders.

Research demonstrates that lethal means reduction is effective and translatable with military members when the right message is delivered by the right messenger. To that end, we must endeavor to achieve the support peer to peer intervention models that inspire action with their buddies in crisis, asking to temporarily hold onto their weapons or take protective storage measures – before it’s too late. This specific requirement led to one responsive company that could fulfill the need.

10. Other Facts:

N/A

11. Technical Certification:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

12. Requirements Certification:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination:

I hereby determine that the anticipated price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

The basis for this determination is based on the following techniques to be used. Price analysis approach will be used. Contractor will be required to submit a complete offer breakdown that will be reflective of all the cost elements that would be consistent with the requirements of the statement of work and specifications. The independent government estimate will also be used to provide a comparative analysis. Certified cost or pricing data is not required per FAR 15.403-1(b)(3).

14. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

Approval Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of the services to replace and install two elevators on sole source basis pursuant to the authority of the Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, 41 U.S.C. 1903 Special Emergency Procurement as implemented by FAR Subpart 13.5, subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services and property herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.