JA For SAM REDACTED.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A)

For

Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C245-25-AP-0035

1. Contracting Activity:

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Crisis Line (DV A/VCL) Station 132, executed by

Regional Procurement Office East/Network Contracting Office 5 (RPO-E/NCO 5)

The funding number (2237) for this acquisition is: REDACTED.

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

This requirement is to provide a texting platform that will allow Veterans and family members, in crisis, to communicate with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), via short message service (SMS) messaging, by way of a vanity short codes VETALK (838255) & 98801. This proposed action is for a sole source Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract with CrossLink Media, LLC (CLM).

Period of Performance:

December 1, 2024-November 30, 2025.

December 1, 2025-November 30, 2026

December 1, 2026-May 30, 2026.

The anticipated value of the base plus two option periods is approximately REDACTED.

3. Base: REDACTED

Option 1: REDACTED

Option 2: REDACTED

4. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency's Needs:

The VCL is a 24/7/365, national, toll-free, confidential resource that connects Veterans who are in crisis and/or having thoughts of suicide with qualified, caring VA responders. The services include a text platform built, owned and operated by CrossLink Media, LLC (CLM).

The platform was built specifically for VCL and has been in use since 2011. The only known vendor who has the ability to continue supporting veterans in crisis is CLM. This platform allows the 988 texting to have constant communication with veterans in crisis. CLM provides the services to the veterans by responding in text and remaining in contact with veterans through their crisis. CLM then reports this information to the VA. It is crucial that there are zero gaps in service as any interruptions have the potential to put veterans or their families at a loss of life.

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Revision: 03 Effective Date: 04/15/24

Acquisition ID#: 36C245-25-AP-0035

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

(X) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements per 41 USC §3304(a)(l) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1;

( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per 41 USC §3304(a)(2) as implemented by FAR 6.302-2;

( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services per 41 USC §3304(a)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3;

( ) (4) International Agreement per 41 USC §3304(a)(4) as implemented by FAR 6.302-4 ( ) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute per 41 USC §3304(a)(5) as implemented by FAR

6.302-5;

( ) (6) National Security per 41 USC §3304(a)(6) as implemented by FAR 6.302-6;

( ) (7) Public Interest per 41 USC §3304(a)(7) as implemented by 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):

VHA DIRECTIVE 1503 specifically identifies policy for the business and clinical operations of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) and delineates the responsibilities of Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility Directors, VCL administrative leadership, VCL staff members, and staff of the VHA Suicide Prevention Program within OMHSP. To ensure Veterans have immediate access to trained crisis intervention responders, the VA has established a 24-hour, Veterans Crisis Line, Text, and Chat Service. By establishing these services, the VA will ensure that Veterans, particularly the newest generation of combat Veterans returning from combat zones, have immediate and accessible crisis intervention services. CrossLink Media, LLC (CLM) creates and maintains highly specialized proprietary software that does not have unacceptable delays in startup or development. This is the only specialized source of services that has been proven by experience and performance to the Veterans Crisis line. The urgency of these services is paramount in the prevention of Suicide in the Veteran population.

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

There are no other known sources at this time, market research was conducted and verified that there are no other known sources. The intent to sole source was posted 10/11/24 and closed on 10/28/24 with no responses received. In addition to no responses received, the using service has verified that it would take at least 18 months to implement a new vendor, the system cannot go down for minutes let alone months, as this is patient critical.

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

Reasonable: REDACTED, PRIVATE GOVERNMENT INFROMATION

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8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the

Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

A request for information was posted and notices were received that there were numerous.

possible sources that could provide this service. A solicitation was posted on 8.23.24 and closed on 9.12.24. Responses were received from three interested vendors. Upon evaluation and review it was discovered that only one source was capable of continuing service without interruption, this vendor was Crosslink. One potential source stated they would not be able to be running for a few months after the contract was in place. No other vendor had any previous experience in providing a texting type of platform.

Numerous phone conversations with the VCL resulted in confirmation that the services provided from anyone else was slim to none and any potential other sources would have to be piloted for 18-24 months due to the unique customization of the texting platform.

CrossLink Media, LLC (CLM) is the sole entity and text platform owner and authorized vendor that owns and performs the uninterruptable services of the texting platform.

CrossLink has incrementally developed the Crisis texting platform since 2011 Cross link

Media, LLC is the owner and only entity authorized to use, manage, and provide maintenance for the specialized proprietary platform used Nationwide by the Veterans Health Administration. The platform was built and has been in use since 2011.

Notice of Intent to sole source was posted on 10/11/24 and closed on 10/28/24 with no responses received.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition:

Patient safety, suicide prevention, and the well-being of our nation's veterans and/or families is the core of the Veterans Affairs mission. Any delay or disruption in this service is detrimental to the VA's mission.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

Crosslink Media, LLC Full Signal Incorporated

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11. 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 supplies or services required:

It is VHA policy to provide Veterans, Service members, and their families and friends who are in crisis or at risk for suicide with immediate access to suicide prevention and crisis intervention services, including telephone, online chat, and text-based crisis intervention, requests for local emergency dispatch services, as needed, and Requests to VA medical

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC

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