JA Sole Source FAR Part 13.5 TAPP Redacted.pdf

Control Number: CUI

CUI

(Source Selection information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

APR 2021

Sole Source Justification and Approval Review Document Under FAR 13.501*

(*Format follows FAR 6.303-2, but modified to reflect FAR subpart 13.5 procedures)

Program/Equipment: Technical Support Services to the Westfield Restoration Advisory Board

Authority: 41 United States Code 1901 as implemented in Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.501(a)(1)(ii), sole source (including brand name) under the authority of the simplified procedures for certain commercial items.

Amount: $25,000.00, no options provided.

Prepared by:

Typed Name: Maj Sarah Sinclair_______________DSN: 698-1549____________

Title: Contract Specialist______________________Date: _29 December 2022______

E-mail:_sarah.sinclair@us.af.mil

Contracting Officer:

Typed Name: Mr. J. Lars Bernard______________Phone: 339-202-3877_________

Reviews

I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition.

Legal Counsel

Typed Name: ________________________________DSN: ______________________

Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________________

BERNARD.JEFFREY.L.

1297956546

Digitally signed by

BERNARD.JEFFREY.L.1297956546

Date: 2023.03.10 08:33:42 -05'00'

Technical Support Services to the Westfield Community & Restoration Advisory Board

(Source Selection information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

JUL2021

Sole Source Justification and Approval Under FAR 13.501

1. Contracting Activity: The Massachusetts National Guard, 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, in Westfield, MA.

2. Description of Action: A new firm fixed priced contract, using O&M, specifically a federal grant that provides technical assistance for public participation, in provided in accordance with CFR-2021 title32 vol 2 part 203.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: Provide an independent review and technical support to the Westfield Restoration Advisory Board with a document review and data interpretation of the current technical documents associated the Barnes Aquifer.

Present the information to the Restoration Advisory Board and the local community during a public presentation.

The estimated duration is 5 months, which will be part of the negotiation.

Period of Performance: 5 months Total Value: $25,000.00

4. Authority Cited: 41 United States Code 1901 as implemented in Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.501(a)(1)(ii), sole source under the authority of the simplified procedures for certain commercial items.

5. Reason for Authority Cited: The proposed vendor is the University of Massachusetts Amherst. They have a professor that a recognized subject matter expert in their field of environmental studies, specifically as it relates to hydrology in combination with PFAS contaimenation. The requirement is for a subject matter expert as it relates to contamination that is affect the municipal and private drinking wells within the city of Westfield, MA. The specific professor who is an employee of University of Massachusetts Amherst, has been partially involved throughout the process of Restoration Advisory Board, as well as privileged to the multiple documents, reports, and investigations. In addition, the professor has an established rapport with the Westfield Community. Due to an increase of mistrust in information as well as organizations, it is important to provide a vendor whom the city of Westfield and the local community trust to provide them an accurate reading of the technical information, data, and reports, then provide an assessment that the group can understand. The University of Amherst has also been granted money for the characterization of PFAS levels across Massachusetts, as such they have a intimate knowledge of PFAS and how it interacts with the water system within the state, giving them the expert knowledge that is required to provide information and teach the local community about their current situation and where they stand. Due to the professional expertise and current working

(Source Selection information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4) knowledge of the documents, the acquisition is being sole sourced to University of Massachusetts Amherst.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: The Sole Source Justification will be posted in accordance with FAR requirements.

In accordance with FAR 5.202(a)(13), this action will not be synopsized.

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

Due to the sensitivity of the material to be covered, the need for an subject matter expert in the field of both drinking water and PFAS contamination, and the short duration to accomplish the review given the numerous documents. No competition will be sought. The justification will be posted with the intent to award to University of Amherst, any proposal that is received will be given proper consideration.

8. Market Research: Market research was completed by the Contracting Office on 28 December 2022. Market research included reviews of environmental consulting firms registered with the Small Business Association and within SAM. A review found multiple vendors that are registered within Massachusetts, but a review of the services they provide showed that they were either good with water consultation or with environmental consultation, but not both. There were none that had a specific study of environmental impacts associated with PFAS. A review of FPDS Ezsearch did not turn up any useable information as most of the vendors were not close, and the CARs did not provide enough information to determine the scope of the work provided. A google search turned up several local companies, however upon further investigation of the vendors they did not have the expertise in both hydrology and PFAS contamination.

Another factor which affected the market research was vendors who are already knowledgeable with the numerous reports and data based provided as a result of multiple site investigations. As a result there was only one vendor capable of providing all aspects of the work required.

9. Interested Sources: Notice shall be published in accordance with FA 5.201, and any proposals received shall be considered.

To date, no other sources have written to express interest in the acquisition.

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement history. Not applicable

b. Other facts. Not applicable

(Source Selection information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

JUL2021

Technical Support Services to the Westfield Community & Restoration Advisory Board

11. Technical Certification:

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.

Signature: ________________________________Date: ________________________

Typed Name: _ ________________Title:_ __

12. Requirements Certification:

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.

Signature: ________________________________Date: ________________________

Typed Name: _______________Title:_ ___

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable.

This is based on market research, which included reviews of environmental consulting firms registered with the Small Business Association and within SAM. Certified cost or pricing data is not required per FAR 15.403-1(b)(3).

Signature: ________________________________Date: ________________________

Typed Name: _ _______Title:_ _______________

14. Contracting Officer Certification:

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

Signature: ________________________________Date: ________________________

Typed Name: _J. Lars Bernard ______________Title:_Contracting Officer__________

01/23/2023

(Source Selection information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

CUI

(Source Selection information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104-4)

JUL2021

Approval

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of services to conduct an independent review and technical support to the Westfield Restoration Advisory Board with a document review and data interpretation of the current technical documents associated the Barnes Aquifer with an estimated value of $25,000. On an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR 13.501, subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services and property herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Date:

Signature: