JA Under SAT_Redacted.pdf

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

Identification Number: 1177593

Rev. 3/4/26

(1) Suggested Source

Chicago Soft Ltd 2456 Christian St, White River Junction, VT 05001

(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.

At current, the program office has not been able to find a suitable product with the same component skills as the ChicagoSoft Product available for use on the USDA Mainframe without significant changes to other component items on the mainframe. This issue at this time has limited the options of other products available to DISC which could perform a similar role. Additionally, no other products are known to have the same processing speed for quick reference of multiple database users as the existing ChicagoSoft Product, thus making it unique and necessary for DISC to retain.

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

Market research was conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 to determine whether multiple sources exist that can meet the Government’s supply requirement within the applicable parameters of cost, schedule, and performance. Given that the estimated value of this acquisition falls under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), the scope of market research was scaled appropriately in accordance with FAR 10.001(a)(2)(iii).Previous purchases, technical interviews, internet and catalog reviews, SAM.gov searches, and the updated quote all verified that SEA is the sole source. Based on the results of this market research, it was determined that the requirement is available from only one responsible source. Therefore, limiting competition is necessary to avoid disruption of agency operations and to ensure timely fulfillment of mission-critical needs.

This market research supports proceeding with a Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) under the SAT. This review indicated only one source was found capable of delivering the required product with the precise specifications, compatibility, and delivery schedule necessary to meet mission needs.

• Chicago-Soft does not permit third-party maintenance or licensing and has no resellers.

• No alternative commercial products can support USDA’s mainframe environment or integrate with required operational tools.

• Only Chicago-Soft can maintain these products due to proprietary source code restrictions.

Market research therefore confirms that sole-source procurement is necessary to meet the Government’s minimum needs without unacceptable delays, increased cost, or technical risk.

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.