United States Department of Agriculture Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: 1232SA26Q0153

Rev. 10/29/25

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) FAR

12.102 (a), the following documents the decision to restrict competition for this acquisition.

(1) Mission Area and Contracting Activity.

Requisition Number: 1163613

Requesting Activity Agency: USDA – ARS Facilities Division (123K15)

Contracting Activity: USDA – ARS – COB (1232SA)

(2) Brief Description of Supplies or Services

USDA – ARS Facilities Division has a requirement for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code training. This class is necessary to ensure workplace safety, compliance with legal standards, and effective emergency response. This training provides crucial knowledge on evacuation routes, fire protection systems, and hazard recognition to prevent injuries and minimize damage from fires, smoke, and toxic gases. The training also focuses on organizational readiness and the steps required to ensure a safe and rapid egress. Training helps avoid costly fines, lawsuits, and forced shutdowns while ensuring building occupant safety. Training participants learn to understand Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and recognize exit routes, signage, and lighting, which are critical during evacuations. The recommended annual training ensures that safety is prioritized, reducing risks in both new and existing structures. Training enables facility managers, safety directors, engineers, architects, authorities having jurisdiction, inspections, contractors and staff to identify and mitigate hazards in their specific work environment. Compliance with NFPA 101 is mandatory for government agencies operating in federal buildings or facilities and is necessary to meet OSHA workplace safety expectations and protect assets.

(3) Suggested Source

The suggested contractor is:

National Fire Protection Association, Inc.

1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02169

UEI: NAF7G2LN6DE3

(4) Justification for Restricting Competition and the Basis for that Decision.

A. Explain the unique qualifications/characteristics of the proposed contractor or product and why no other contractor or product/service can meet the Government's need.

• NFPA 101, Life Safety Code is the only known class that fulfils this requirement for emergency preparedness, particularly regarding fire safety and evacuation—in accordance with OSHA regulations (such as 29 CFR 1910.38) for Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) mandated training.

The required training must focus on protecting occupants from fire, smoke, fumes, and panic.

Mandatory topics must include: exit routes, emergency lighting, alarm systems and evacuation

United States Department of Agriculture Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: 1232SA26Q0153

Rev. 10/29/25 procedures with a unique focus on existing structures. Training needs to provide specific, tailored guidelines for different types of facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and mercantile occupancies and emphasize the human element; how employees should act, move, and respond during emergencies. The required training must bridge the gap between technical code requirements and practical, real-world application, ensuring that employees are not just compliant on paper, but trained to act effectively. This training must satisfy OSHA's requirement for employers to have a compliant emergency action plan.

B. Describe market research conducted and the results or the reason why no market research was conducted.

USDA and GSA contract vehicles were searched, and none provided the required class. The National Fire Protection Association stated that there are no authorized vendors to teach NPFA 101, Life Safety Code and they have no GSA schedule. A combined synopsis solicitation will be posted on the GPE to ensure we have not determined this to be a sole source in error.

Certifications & Approvals

(5) Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

Kevin Garcia Date Safety and Occupational Health Manager

(6) Contracting Specialist’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification.

Kerrie Hodges Date Contract Specialist

(7) Contracting Officer’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification.

Jessica Hadley Date Contracting Officer

2/24/2026