JA Redacted.pdf

Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition

1. Contracting Activity: USPFO-AL

2. Description of Action: Provide full access to the Handshake network, encompassing over 18 million verified students and alumni from more than 1,500 higher education institutions, including 4-year universities, community colleges, and technical schools.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: The Air National Guard (ANG) requires a strategic partnership with Handshake to enhance its digital recruiting efforts targeting early-career talent, including college students and recent graduates (ages 17-28). This partnership is intended to drive ANG brand awareness across a national network of higher education institutions, increase the volume of qualified leads for recruiting, and support the ANG in meeting its end-strength goals. The period of performance will be one (1) year from the date of contract award.

4. Authority Cited:

6.103-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

(a) Authority. 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) or 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1).

(b) One responsible source. Agencies may contract without providing for full and open competition when the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

For DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, this authority extends to situations where only a limited number of responsible sources can satisfy agency requirements.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

The Air National Guard (ANG) has a limited pool, age, education, and location, to recruit candidates to join the ANG. One of the key locations to find these candidates is in the State’s universities, colleges, junior colleges and technical schools. The ability to target this pool will aid in the effectiveness of the recruiting staff. After market research it was determined that Handshake is the only vendor that serves as the exclusive, IT-embedded career services infrastructure for the critical mass of target universities, colleges and technical schools in Alabama. Because it is hardcoded into the institutions systems and authenticated via the registrar, it guarantees access to high-intent candidates utilizing the official channels endorsed by the institution’s administration.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: A sources sought was posted to the Government Point of Entry. 19 Firms responded, of which 15 were verified as small businesses.

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

The requirement will be reviewed each year, prior to awarding the option period. At that time the market will be reviewed for increased participation in the market place.

8. Market Research:

A sources sought was posted to the Government Point of Entry.

9. Interested Sources:

19 Firms responded, but none demonstrated the capabilities to meet Handshakes specialized product.

12. Requirements Certification: Include the following statement:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Mr. Stephen A. Shanks Date:___________________

Title: Contracting Officer Signature: ________________________

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: Price Fair and Reasonable shall be determined in a separate (stand-alone) document.

Typed Name: Date: Mr. Stephen A. Shanks Date:___________________

Title: Contracting Officer Signature: ________________________

14. Contracting Officer Certification: This certification shall be made by the contracting officer who will sign the contract resulting from this justification and approval. Include the following statement:

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

Typed Name: Mr. Stephen A. Shanks Date:___________________

Title: Contracting Officer Signature: ________________________