JandA Redacted.pdf

Date: 08-26-2020 PR Number: 20117325

1. Nature and/or description of the item/service being procured and anticipated cost:

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), Threat Mitigation and Analysis Division (TMAD), requires a follow-on procurement for supplies, services, and maintenance for a license renewal to maintain Pen-Link Ltd., proprietary software, at an estimated cost of $ for a 12-month base period and four (4) 12-month option periods.

TMAD requires reporting and analytical tools used for intelligence gathering and drilling down of extensive data sets. TMAD currently uses this software in its investigations and OPR personnel are extensively trained and proficient in using Pen-Link Ltd./ PLX to collect and analyze large volumes of email data, social media, IP and other internet communications data. Pen-Link software is required by CBP in order to meet the requirements of OPR’s mission and maintain absolute compatibility with the Pe ink software currently in use by DHS and its components No other software will meet the compatibility specifications required by CBP. It is also used to identify data links, telephone call associations and frequency timelines. Switching to another software would require TMAD to perform and fund training for use of another vendor’s software, which would not be compatible with DHS

. Use of any other software would negatively impact OPR’s mission critical functions.

2. Sole Source Determination Rationale in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii). (Check one and explain below):

_________ Only one source reasonably available.

_________ Urgent and compelling circumstances exists.

_________ Exclusive licensing agreement exists.

_____X____ Brand name. If the brand name requirement applies to a portion of the procurement, please identify that portion.

_________ Industrial Mobilization _________ Other. Explain:

3. The anticipated price will be determined fair and reasonable based on one or more of the price analysis techniques described below in accordance with FAR Part 13.106-3(a)(2). (Check one and provide short explanation or description of action taken):

_________ Market Research.

_________ Comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases.

_________ Current price List.

_________ Comparison with similar items in a related industry.

____X_____ Comparison to IGCE.

_________ Contracting Officer’s personal knowledge.

_________ Other. Explain:

The contracting officer has determined that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on prior acquisition history and comparison with the IGCE.

4. Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification:

Pen-Link software is required by CBP in order to meet the requirements of OPR’s mission and maintain absolute compatibility with the Pen-Link software currently in use by DHS and its components. This Pen-Link software is the only analytical tools software that allows analysts the ability to pull telephone toll records and the integration of information from BCIS and CBP systems with DHS system. The software also provides geospatial imaging analysis capabilities which allow for the manipulation of imagery, geographic coordinates, satellite photography, and plotting data by street address or postal codes (i.e., mapping telephone signals being used in a specific area). This information assists CBP OPR in mitigating individuals suspected of, or identifying individuals involved in, misconduct activities. The collection, research, and analysis of the telephone toll data is critical to effectively determining the factors within investigations that identify potentially corrupt employees, etc. This information is then used to conduct various forms of research and analysis to effectively develop, analyze, and support CBP OPR investigations. Pen-Link software is then utilized by DHS to consolidate all of the information automatically. No other software will meet the compatibility specifications required by CBP.

I certify that this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for the Sole Source Determination, is accurate and complete.

Date Technical Representative/COR

5. Contracting Officer Certification/Approval:

I hereby determine that the circumstances described herein exist and that the information is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge:

Date

Contracting Officer