J and A - Colbert Consulting - 3 (002).pdf

Justification and Approval for Sole Source

"Source Selection Information - see FAR 2.101 and 3.104"

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity 2.

a. Federal agency and contracting activity. HHS. HHS/NIH

b. Sponsoring organization. DIR/NINR

c. Project Officer information.

• Project Officer name. Steven M. Weiss

• Mailing address. 6700B Rockledge Drive, Suite 4500, Bethesda, MD 20817

• E-mail address. steven.weiss@nih.gov

• Telephone number. 301.594-4053

3. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

a. Acquisition purpose and objectives.

Contractor will assist NINR in planning several meetings to advance the NINR strategic plan, such as meetings to identify scientific gaps and opportunities in key areas of interest and inform NINR's contributions to NIH initiatives co-led by NINR. In collaboration with NINR, the Contractor will develop a series of scientific meetings, for which the agenda, format, and content will evolve based on discussion on opportunities for new research.

Project background.

The National Institute of Nursing Research {NINR) leads nursing research to solve pressing health challenges and inform practice and policy—achieving better health for everyone. With the recent launch of NINR's new strategic plan, the Institute is now poised to move into the strategic plan implementation phase. The plan describes five broad research lenses—health equity, social determinants of health, population and community health, prevention and health promotion, and systems and models of care— each of which is a perspective by which we encourage applicants to approach their research questions when developing applications for funding. Each of the lenses represents areas in which the nursing research community has had long-standing interests, expertise, and success. The plan, however, does not list or prioritize specific areas of research under each lens. We want to give investigators the space to propose new and innovative research ideas that, as viewed through the research lenses, have the potential to solve our nation's most pressing health challenges, rapidly respond to emerging health issues, and improve the health, lives, and living conditions of all individuals, families, communities, and populations.

This strategic plan will be a living document. In the coming months and years, the plan may change and adapt to respond to new challenges as the need arises. On an ongoing basis, NINR will identify and assess pressing health needs and emerging areas of interest where we believe NINR-supported science can make a difference.

These strategic imperatives will be added to the strategic plan, and they will serve as the basis for new NINR research and training initiatives. In identifying new strategic imperatives, NINR will regularly engage internal and external stakeholders, including the National Advisory Council for Nursing Research. New imperatives may also emerge from the NIH Strategic Plan and NIH leadership, the HHS Strategic Plan, Administration priorities, and importantly, through collaborations with other NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices.

Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs (including the estimated value).

b. Project title.

Geospatial analyses and Web GIS portal

Project description.

Contractor will work with NINR to Identify scientific areas of interest and provide input and recommendations for strategic imperatives to support implementation of NINR strategic plan to NINR leadership. Develop and write scientific material for the Director {including, but not limited to, materials for the public, materials for internal NINR/NIH audiences, scientific presentations, and background materials) related to advancing the Institute's strategic plan. Provide scientific oversight for five academic lectures, workshops, and other events, meetings, etc. for the Director.

Activities will include {but not be limited to) proposing content for and facilitate to contribute to implementation of the NINR strategic plan. Develop and coordinate scientific meeting agendas including topics, format, speakers, and timing, in collaboration with existing NINR logistical contract staff, as appropriate. Review scientific literature and carry out background conversations about review findings with stakeholders to inform meeting agenda{s) and follow-up activities. Propose, plan, lead, and/or participate in planning meetings with NINR staff.

• Requirement type.

Research & development (R&D) R & D support services Support services (non-R&D) Supplies/equipment Information technology (IT) Construction Architect-engineer (A & E) services

Design-build Other (specify): _

• Type of action.

[Xl New requirement

Follow-on

Other (specify):

• Proposed contract/order type.

Firm-fixed-price

Other fixed-price (specify, e.g., fixed-price award-fee, fixed-price incentive-fee): __Cost-plus-fixed-fee Other cost reimbursement (specify, e.g., cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee):

x Time and materials Indefinite delivery (specify whether indefinite quantity, definite quantity, or requirements): Other (specify): ----- Completion Form Term form

• Acquisition identification number. To be determined once this request is entered into POTS.

c. Total estimated dollar value and performance/delivery period.

$148,800

Period of Performance- January 20, 2025 - January 19, 2026.

4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

IXI This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 41 United States Code (U.S.C.) 253(c)(_) as set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302- _.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003 (41 U.S.C. 428a).

Demonstration that the proposed contractor(s) unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

a. Name and address of the proposed contractor(s).

Colbert Consulting, LLC

7429 RICHLAND MANOR DRIVE

Pittsburgh, PA 15208

b. Nature of the acquisition and proposed unique qualifications of the contractor(s).

5. Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable. Indicate whether a FedBizOpps notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies.

TBD by the Contract Officer

6. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost/price to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The collaborator, Colbert Consulting was chosen because of their expertise in strategic planning. These strategic planning services are currently being provided to the NINR via Alison Colbert who is with the NINR on an IPA. The objective is to keep the strategic planning services in sync for the NINR. Colbert Consulting has collaborated with NINR on other strategic planning contracts for other projects. To begin working with a different vendor would be a setback at this point with all the work that has been done thus far.

Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10) and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Market research to be conducted through NOI.

7. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

N/A

8. Listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

N/A

9. Statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the required supplies or services.

If other vendors become known that can support this type of specific request, then competition will be conducted.

10. Program office certification.

This is to certify that the portions of this justification that have been developed by the undersigned program office personnel, including supporting information and/or data verifying the Government’s minimum needs, schedule requirements and other rationale for other than full and open competition, are accurate and complete.

Official Name & Title Signature Date

Project Officer Steven M. Weiss

Sen. Admin Officer

Project Officer’s

Immediate Supervisor

Demond Gibson

Chief, OAS, NINR

Head of the Sponsoring

Program Office

Demond Gibson

Chief, OAS, NINR

13. Contracting Officer Certification.

This is to certify that the justification for the proposed acquisition has been reviewed and that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information and/or data provided to support the rationale and recommendation for approval is accurate and complete.

Official Name & Title Signature Date

Contracting Officer

Steven M.

Weiss -S

Digitally signed by Steven M. Weiss -S Date: 2025.01.08 14:16:35 -05'00'

Demond Gibson -S

Digitally signed by Demond Gibson -S Date: 2025.01.08 14:13:47 -05'00'

Demond Gibson -S

Digitally signed by Demond Gibson -S Date: 2025.01.08 14:14:05 -05'00'