JA 36C24E-25-AP-0133_PEPReC_Redacted.pdf

OFOC Research And Development PEPReC 36C24E-25-AP-0133

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A)

For Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C24E-25-AP-0133

1. Contracting Activity:

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Procurement Officer (RPO) – East 323 North Shore Drive, Suite 500 Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Requesting Activity:

Department of Veterans Affairs

VISN 1

VA Boston Healthcare System 150 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed:

The VA Boston Healthcare System intends to negotiate a Cost Reimbursable Requirements Contract on a sole source basis with the Department of Health Law, Policy & Management (HLPM), Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH), Boston, Massachusetts, its academic affiliate. This procurement will provide health economics, health policy, and health research services to support VA research and evaluation studies at VA Boston.

This contract is for a pricing period of 9/1/2025 to 8/31/2030 with no option periods.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs:

The Partnered Evidence-based Policy Resource Center (PEPReC) at the VA Boston Healthcare System requires research services, from the Department of Health Law, Policy & Management (HLPM) at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH), an educational affiliate of the VA Boston Healthcare System. The services required will support the mission of the VA and the PEPReC and includes research and evaluation relevant to decisions in VA healthcare policy, planning, initiatives, and evaluations. The research services will enhance the way data is used to generate evidence about the VA policies and programs and the optimal allocation of resources to improve Veteran physical and mental health. The research services required will support development and execution of Evidence Act-related evaluation plans to inform policy and budget decisions as required by Foundations of Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Public Law 115-435), and evaluation activities mandated by the MISSION Act (Public Law 115-

182) and PACT Act (Public Law 117-168).

The anticipated value of this requirement is for a ceiling of as shown below.

OFOC Research And Development PEPReC 36C24E-25-AP-0133

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition:

( ) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements per FAR 6.302-1;

( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per FAR 6.302-2;

( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert

Services per FAR 6.302-3;

( ) (4) International Agreement per FAR 6.302-4;

(X) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute FAR 6.302-5;

( ) (6) National Security per FAR 6.302-6;

( ) (7) Public Interest per FAR 6.302-7;

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority):

Boston University School of Public Health is an academic affiliate and collaborative research partner of the VA Boston Healthcare System. 38 U.S.C 8153 authorizes sole source awards related to research with VA academic affiliates.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable:

Due to the affiliate agreement with the proposed educational institution and the need for sustainable long term research services, solicitation among multiple sources is not available at this time. FAR 6.302(a)(2)(i) states, Full and open competition need not be provided when a statue expressly authorizes or requires that the acquisition be made through another agency or from a specified source. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 8153 (a)(3)(A):

“If the healthcare resource required is a commercial service, the use of medical equipment or space, or research, and is to be acquired from an institution affiliated with the Department in accordance with section 7302 of this title, including medical practice groups and other entities associated with affiliated institutions, blood banks, organ banks, or research centers, the Secretary may make arrangements for acquisition of the resource without regard to any law or regulation (including any Executive order, circular, or other administrative policy that would otherwise require the use of competitive procedure for acquiring the resource."

Should the requirements change, the potential to solicit to other vendors will be researched and considered.

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable:

The previous contract, 36C24E20D0016, was determined fair and reasonable based on a comparison with current price lists, similar items and the Independent Government Cost Estimate. The Contracting Officer will determine fair and reasonable pricing prior to award. The Government anticipates paying for the Vendor's actual cost. It is anticipated that the cost to the government for this contract will also be fair and reasonable as the University is a non-profit academic institution and academic affiliate of the VA Boston Health Care System. Once the proposal is received, the proposed prices will be subject to price and cost analysis (as required) and negotiations may be conducted if the Contracting Officer determines them necessary.