JA FAR Part 13 iTRACs_Redacted.pdf

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring use of the authority.

CommScope is a company that designs, manufactures, installs, and supports the hardware infrastructure and software intelligence that enables digital society to interact and thrive.

CommScope is the only authorized vendor to provide iTRACS software training at OIT in Austin, TX. iTRACS software is unique, and there is only one available source to meet the agency's needs, as there is no other vendor authorized to provide the training in iTRACS software.

VA has determined that no other vendor is capable of providing the relevant training/instruction for iTRACS DCIM software training. Proprietary to CommScope, formal iTRACS DCIM software training availability is limited to CommScope with no other vendor currently offering iTRACS training. Furthermore, the VA currently has an iTRACS maintenance contract with CommScope that provides detailed insight into integrating training concepts into the current VA iTRACS architecture. The opportunity to receive advanced iTRACS DCIM training will critically enhance the VA's ability to improve the enterprise's DCIM architecture and service to our veterans.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers/quotes are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized in FEDBIZOPPS (as required by FAR 5.2) and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

The Notice of Intent to sole source will be published on SAM.gov, and vendors will be given ten days to respond to this notice. This justif ication and approval will be published to SAM.gov no later than 14 days after the award. However, there is no competition anticipated for this acquisition.

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable.

for a base year period (no options). The contracting officer will make a fair and reasonable price for the subject award.

Discounts will also be sought for this proposed procurement.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or the reason market research was not conducted.

Market research was conducted by a VetBiz search, NASA SEWP search, GSA eLibrary Search, and a SBA Dynamic Quick Market Search.

A Vendor Information Pages (VIP) search was conducted using keyword, “iTRACS Software”.

and 888 results appeared. However, none of the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) are found able and qualif ied to provide iTRACS training. Specifically, the keyword, “iTRACS software” was not found in any vendor’s capability statement.

Market research was also conducted by a NASA SEWP Search, the part number CPIM-TRN- 1UNT was searched, and the results showed only CommScope able to provide the training product. However, CommScope is not VIP verif ied nor qualif ied as an SDVOSB. The company was found as a large business in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Market research was also conducted by a General Services Administration (GSA) eLibray search, using keyword, “iTRACS training”, which yielded no results. Lastly, market research was conducted by a Small Business Administration (SBA) Dynamic Quick Market Search. Keyword searched was “iTRACS software” which yielded no results.

Based on the proprietary nature of the CommScope iTRACS software, training curriculum, and current understanding of the VA's iTRACS DCIM architecture, only CommScope will meet VA's requirements to provide advanced iTRACS training to the VA DCIM Team.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of sole source.

CommScope is the only iTRACS training provider that can satisfy the OIT training requirements in Austin, TX. The VA currently has an iTRACS maintenance contract with CommScope that provides detailed insight into integrating training concepts into the current VA iTRACS architecture. Additionally, the vendor states that no other company is locally authorized to train the iTRACS software.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

CommScope, 1100 CommScope Place SE, Hickory, North Carolina 28603 -1729

11. A statement of any actions the agency will take to remove or overcome any future barriers to competition.

The iTRACS software is a comprehensive software, and the only authorized vendor to give the training is CommScope. There is no other company authorized to train the iTRACS software.

However, contracting will continue to conduct market research in the future to see if the training software may be available through other vendors.

Certification

Acquisition Initiator:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance that are included in this justif ication and that form a basis for this justif ication are complete and accurate.

Signature Date

Contracting Officer:

I certify that this justif ication is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature Date

Julia M.

Negahnquet 3331262

Digitally signed by Julia M. Negahnquet 3331262 Date: 2022.02.01 09:39:59 -06'00'

CAITLIN RUC 682004 Digitally signed by CAITLIN RUC 682004 Date: 2022.02.07 12:22:53 -05'00'