JA_Redacted.pdf

It is the one conference where all these entities come together to highlight key updates impacting the work done by the SEC in its oversight responsibility.

AICPA also provides several other industry conferences that also cover subject matter handled by SEC accountants. This includes the Banks & Savings Institutions, Forensic and Valuation Services, and Construction & Real Estate Conferences. Each conference includes a strong focus on capital markets and corporate issues that are not covered in other industry conferences in these areas. This was confirmed by market research done on conferences sponsored by multiple industry associations and state CPA societies.

The SEC has had staff attend these AICPA conferences for over 20 years. An interruption in service, including a change in vendor, would impact the SEC’s ability to ensure its accountants and financial professionals are aware of key updates and trends in accounting standards.

This would negatively impact their ability to review disclosures and other financial records as part of their regular duties. SEC staff would also lose out on significant opportunities to earn continuing professional education credits required to maintain their accounting licenses.

6. Efforts to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as possible.

This requirement was solicited as unrestricted in 2014 and 2019. AICPA was the only vendor that submitted a response in both instances.

A redacted version of the J&A will be published after award in accordance with FAR 6.305.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The contracting officer, by signature on this document, hereby determines that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable.

8. Description of a market survey conducted and results or statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

The SEC has advertised this requirement two times previously (2014 and 2019.) Each time, only AICPA provided a capabilities statement and pricing information, and consequently they were the only vendor that submitted proposals in response to both solicitations. In addition, market research performed by OHR did not yield any interested parties other than the incumbent.

9. Other Supporting Facts.

N/A

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

Only AICPA responded the last two times this requirement was advertised as unrestricted in 2014 and 2019.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

N/A