JA Joint Inspection Group (JIG) Redacted.pdf

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (Cont�d)

(SP0604-23-Q-0400 � JIG)

4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(4)):

This J&A is based upon the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(a)(2). The membership is exclusive to JIG, thus JIG is the only source able to provide the information and benefits DLA Energy requires. Therefore, in accordance with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), JIG is the only responsible source that will satisfy agency requirements.

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor�s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)):

JIG is uniquely qualified as it is the only source for the required guidelines for aviation fuel quality control and operating procedures. The membership and guidelines are proprietary to JIG, and no other source can provide these requirements for DLA Energy.

6. Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are/were solicited from as many potential sources as is/was practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies (FAR 6.303- 2(b)(6)):

DLA Energy-FEA posted an intent to sole source notice on SAM.Gov (SP0604-23-Q-0400) on October 3, 2022 and the notice closed on October 18, 2022. No vendors responded to the notice, resulting in no additional competition to meet this requirement. Therefore, JIG is still the only source available to meet DLA Energy�s needs at this time. The information and benefits that JIG provides have been shown to fit DLA Energy�s requirements.

7. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable (FAR 6.303-2(b)(7)):

The Contracting Officer determines the price offered by JIG to be fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)(vii), analysis of data other than certified cost and pricing data provided by the offeror. JIG charged members £7,600 for an annual membership in 2022. JIG increased the fee by £600 to £8,200 to help fund additional improvements and investment that JIG are implementing. The current economic climate has impacted JIG�s budget due to high inflationary pressures on JIG�s core business capabilities (EFOS/JITS, Website) which are index-linked, coupled with the rapidly increasing costs of travel and hotels. JIG has minimized this impact by offsetting these increases where possible, by reviewing the extent off their planned activities, and reducing those costs that are still under their control. There will be similar increases of around 8% for workshops, courses, and other membership categories. This increase, however, is well below expected inflation in the UK and should be attenuated for by favorable exchange rates. The Contracting Officer sought to verify the price increase independently, but public sources of verification were not available. As a result, the Contracting Officer requested for �Other Than Certified Data� from JIG to support the price is similar (or advantageous) to what another customer may be charged. JIG submitted a redacted invoice that satisfied the Contracting Officer�s request.

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (Cont�d)

(SP0604-23-Q-0400 � JIG)

The Contracting Officer determines £8,200 (9,439.02) a fair and reasonable price because it represents the fee that all members will be charged for an annual membership in 2023.

8. Description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted (FAR 6.303-2(b)(8)):

Due to the proprietary nature of the membership and required guidelines, JIG is the only source available for the required membership. DLA Energy has no expectation that market research or other efforts will result in future competition.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition, such as (FAR 6.303-2(b)(9):

DLA Energy-FEA posted an intent-to-sole source notice on SAM.Gov (SP0604-23-Q-0400) No vendors responded to the notice resulting in no additional competition to meet this requirement.

Therefore, JIG is the only source available to meet DLA Energy�s needs at this time.

(i) Explanation of why technical data packages, specifications, engineering descriptions, statements of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed or are not available.

Not applicable.

(ii) When 6.302-1 is cited for follow-on acquisitions as described in 6.302-1(a) (2) (ii), an estimate of the cost to the Government that would be duplicated and how the estimate was derived.

Not applicable.

(iii) When 6.302-2 is cited, data, estimated cost, or other rationale as to the extent and nature of the harm to the Government.

Not applicable.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition (FAR 6.303-2(b) (10):

No sources replied to the Intent-to-Sole Source Notice posted to SAM.Gov.

11. Actions that may be taken to remove or overcome barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services are required (FAR 6.303-2(b) (11)):

There are no known actions that will allow DLA Energy to overcome the competition barriers for this requirement.