JA24-078 832469542 - ICT Bridge - FINAL_JAB_Redacted.pdf

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

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Controlled By: DISA Controlled By: PSD/PS8331 CUI Category: SSEL Distribution/Dissemination Control: FEDCON POC: disa.scott.ditco.mbx.services@mail.mil

CUI

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION & APPROVAL (J&A)

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) PART 8 ACQUISITIONS

Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)/Multiple Award Contract Orders under MAS/General Services Administration Schedules (GSA)/Federal Supply Schedules

(FSS) FAR 8.405-6

Purchase Request Number: 832469542 Contract Number: GS35F077GA Task/Delivery Order Number: To be determined Procurement Title: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Bridge Estimated Value: $ Statutory and Regulatory Authority: 10 U.S.C. 3204(a) and FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B)

J&A Number: JA24-078

Upon the basis of the following justification, I, as Procuring Activity Competition Advocate, hereby approve this limited source justification pursuant to the authority of FAR 8.405- 6(a)(1)(i)(B), only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the existing ICT system services are unique or highly specialized. The “as is” USCENTCOM ICT architecture requires continuous analysis and assessment, allowing the continued services support for assistance in planning and course of action development, required for stabilization and “long war” support. This is a joint integration effort and has reached a surge point in technical expertise needed to refine stabilization end-to-end planning, integration, and implementation. The acquisition referenced herein is conducted under the GSA Statutory Authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program.

1. REQUIRING AGENCY AND CONTRACTING ACTIVITY:

Requiring Agency:

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) / J-3/5/7 DISA Central Field Command Office 7115 South Boundary Blvd.

MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), Florida 33621

Contracting Activity:

DISA/Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) PS8331

2300 East Drive Scott AFB, Illinois 62225

JA24-078 Information and Communication Technology Bridge

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4. IDENTIFICATION OF LIMITED SOURCE AUTHORITY AND DEMONSTRATION OF

CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS:

(a) Circumstances Justifying Limiting the Source. FAR 8.405-6 (a)(1)(i)(B), only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized.

(b) Description of the Justification.

DISA J-3/5/7 competitively awarded to LightGrid LLC, the incumbent contract (GS35F077GA/HC102819F0059) that has provided engineering, logistics, and cybersecurity support services to fulfill the needs of J-3/5/7 and its end users. The PoP was scheduled to end December 18, 2023; however, due to a continuing need for ICT support and the recompete requirement timeline not being available for award at the expiration of the current option period. The option to extend services clause, FAR 52.217- 8, was exercised to continue service through June 18, 2024. Market research has determined that LightGrid LLC is the only vendor that can continue to support and sustain this requirement at the same level and capacity as is being performed presently without any delay or degradation in support until a new contract is awarded. It is imperative that the Government sustains the support for the ICT requirement to meet the needs of USCENTCOM and the Department of Defense’s four task areas:

- Task Area 1: Task Order Management

- Task Area 2: Planning and Transition

- Task Area 3: SharePoint

- Task Area 4: USCENTCOM ICT Infrastructure Analysis

LightGrid LLC has been providing the support satisfactorily for the last 5-years and understands the unique role that USCENTCOM has in its support of the area of responsibility. There will not be enough lead time before the current FAR 52.217-8 option period ends to have any other vendor(s) in place contractually.

(c) Justification:

(1) Minimum Government requirements. The Government has a need to centralize the support for the Field Command Offices as there are efficiencies across their area of responsibility. This requirement includes support of the Defense Information Systems Network Infrastructure within the US CENTCOM Area of Responsibility; support to the Agency’s Fiber Backbone; testing and development of the theater architecture; shipping and logistics services; and mitigating the vulnerabilities identified by national security.

The nature of this support requires a vendor that has the experience and understanding of how quickly the mission can change, has the ability to adapt as needed, and has the execution to sustain the support with no delays.

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(2) Proposed sole source contractor. LightGrid, LLC is the incumbent on the existing contract and an option period under FAR 52.217-8 is currently being exercised. The underlying vehicle, (HC1028-19-F-0059), which was competitively awarded on December 19, 2018, had a performance period ending on December 18, 2023. LightGrid is uniquely qualified and able to immediately meet the Government’s ICT requirement.

Additionally, LightGrid is the only vendor that can fulfill the requirement without risk and prevents a gap in support to the mission. Utilizing another source or soliciting this action competitively would cause unacceptable delays and a break in continuity of the vital service support.

LightGrid LLC has a wealth of knowledge and experience necessary to support and sustain this requirement. Additionally, LightGrid LLC has a team of personnel already in place with all the proper security credentials performing this work and supporting the mission.

(3) Discussion regarding cause of the limited source situation. The procurement acquisition lead time for the competitive follow-on action took longer than anticipated to award.

Market research efforts commenced in September 2023, to include issuance of a sources sought notice (SSN) that closed in October 2023 with 17 responses received. After review of all SSN responses, a requirement package was submitted/received by DITCO in February 2024. The sole source for this action is needed to provide the Government the same level of support for this mission essential requirement without any break in service.

This sole source award will provide time for the competitive follow-on award to be made and a two-week transition period to onboard new personnel.

(4) Demonstration of limited source. LightGrid, LLC, is currently performing and is uniquely positioned to provide the ICT support services in the required timeframe. All other contractors would encounter ramp-up and transition obstacles that would require time to get necessary documentation for OCONUS support to include family travel, lifestyle change, and relocation challenges. These obstacles would risk delay or gap in support.

(5) Procurement discussion. The procurement timeframe for the recompete effort is the chief impediment to the ICT requirement being able to be competitively awarded during the next three months. The same service/support for the ICT requirement has been previously awarded to the currently performing contractor, LightGrid, LLC, who can provide and maintain support at the lowest cost and risk to the Government until the new competitive contract is awarded.

(6) Impact. Lack of contractor support would significantly impact the Field Command

Office from providing the necessary support to USCENTCOM for valid mission mitigation tactics for cyber operations. In addition, the Government risks losing its ability to properly assist the command in determining potential risks, issues, and vulnerabilities on the USCENTCOM network. A break in service would cause a gap in cyber security information being updated or mapped correctly in the Mission Assurance Decision Support System. Without the continued support, there may be potential of lack of

Page 5 of 7 Pages provisioning which will affect critical delays to USCENTCOM including the establishment of new requirements supporting the Israel/Hamas conflict as well as other named operations throughout the area of responsibility. This also could impact the execution of Combatant Command Operations Plans and Concept of Operations Plans, weaken US Strategic Objectives, and prevent operational response to regional and transregional threats.

5. BEST VALUE DETERMINATION:

GSA has already determined that prices of supplies, fixed-price services, and rates for services offered at hourly rates are fair and reasonable for the purpose of establishing the schedule contract. However, the contracting officer is still required to make a determination of fair and reasonable pricing for individual orders, Basic Purchase Agreements (BPA), and orders under BPAs, using the proposal analysis techniques at FAR 15.404-1. The complexity and circumstances of the acquisition should determine the level of detail and analysis IAW FAR 8.404(d) for acquisitions under FAR 8.405-2(d). The Contracting Officer has made the determination that this is in the best interest of the Government and the pricing for this bridge order is fair and reasonable.

6. MARKET RESEARCH:

To determine the availability of the vendors capable of providing this service, DISA J-3/5/7 reviewed General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules )MAS), ENCORE, and other known Government Wide Area Contracts (GWAC)s. Due to the urgency of the requirement and need to sustain the support, the market research conducted found that LightGrid, LLC is the only contractor with the requisite knowledge and technical personnel capabilities to fully support the Government’s immediate need in the timeframe necessary.

In accordance with FAR 10.002, market research was performed by the DISA CENTRAL Field Command Office for the follow-on requirement to determine the availability of the required services, evaluate small business participation and ensure maximum competition. Market research efforts commenced in September 2023 to include issuance of a sources sought notice that closed in October 2023 with 17 responses received that were reviewed/evaluated. The market research for the follow-on requirement identified additional businesses that could perform this scope of effort if additional time for award and transition were available.

7. ANY OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS: Not Applicable

8. ACTIONS THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE BARRIERS THAT LED TO THE

RESTRICTED CONSIDERATION:

(a) Procurement history.

Contractor Name: LightGrid, LLC Business Size: Small Contract Number: GS35F077GA / HC102819F0059 Dollar Value:

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(b) Actions Proposed to Remove Barriers. The follow-on effort is being solicited competitively. No additional actions are needed to remove barriers to allow for a competitive acquisition as the follow-on requirement is being solicited using ENCORE III Small Business set aside.

PoP: December 19, 2018 – June 18, 2024 (includes 6-month extension IAW FAR 52.217-8)

Method of Acquisition: Set aside for HubZone small business via GSA IT Schedule 70

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TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the J&A are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the J&A are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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

PROCURING ACTIVITY COMPETITION ADVOCATE (PACA) APPROVAL: I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Since this justification , this review serves as approval and my written determination that the aforementioned FAR circumstances apply.

ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS JUSTIFICATION ARE TO BE REFERRED TO