JEFO_Bridge Task Order-FH13092024.pdf

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity for the

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Administrative Technical Program Management

Acquisition Title: Bridge - BARDA Administrative Technical Program Management Agency: ASPR/BARDA Acquisition Year: 2024 Author and Title: Contracting Officer ASPR/BARDA

(I) AGENCY IDENTITY AND CONTRACTING OFFICE:

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Division of Contract Management & Acquisitions (CMA), a vital component of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

(HHS).

(II) NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING APPROVED:

The proposed action being approved is the award of a sole-source bridge (Task Order) contract to Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) with a period of performance not to exceed 90 days (45 days and one (1) 45-day option period and a ceiling value of , from September 28, 2024, to maintain continuity of services while the competitive follow-on contract is being finalized and awarded.

The contract will ensure continuity of services to COVID-19 Incident Management Teams (IMT) to support medical countermeasure development within the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) located in Washington, DC. The Contractor provides Program management oversight to support BARDA COVID-19 Incident Management Teams (IMT) in efforts to continue support related to BARDAs response to COVID-19 supporting the development of Medical Countermeasures within Various Programs within BARDA. The services which are critical in nature and vital to national and public health responses are being performed by the incumbent Contractor under the current active task order that expires on 09/27/2024.

The bridge contract is necessary to avoid a lapse in the critical support services provided under the current Personal Services Contract (PSC), which is in the process of being recompeted under a small business set-aside.

(III) DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES:

The services required under this bridge contract include support services, which are essential to the successful continuation of program management oversight to support BARDA COVID-19 IMT in efforts to continue support related to BARDAs response to COVID-19 supporting the development of Medical Countermeasures within Various Programs within BARDA. The bridge contract will ensure the uninterrupted provision of technical expertise, program management, and operational support services critical to the government’s mission. BAH will continue to provide the same level of services and personnel currently under contract.

(IV) STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND SUPPORTING RATIONALE:

This justification is made under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(A), which allows for an exception to fair opportunity when only one awardee is capable of providing the required services due to the unique or highly specialized nature of the services. BAH is the incumbent contractor and is uniquely qualified to continue providing the necessary services without disruption.

Start-Up Costs: Engaging a new contractor for such a short duration would incur significant start-up costs, including administrative overhead, training, and the mobilization of resources. These costs would not be recoverable given the limited performance period.

Phase-In and Transition Issues: The short-term nature of the bridge contract would not allow for an adequate phase-in period. A new contractor would require time to understand the project’s unique requirements, potentially leading to a decrease in service quality and increased risk of disruption.

Transfer of Government-Furnished Property (GFP): The transfer of GFP and other resources to a new contractor would be logistically complex and time-consuming, particularly for a contract of such brief duration. This could lead to delays in service delivery and additional administrative burden.

Recruitment and Staffing: A new contractor would likely face challenges in recruiting and staffing the necessary personnel within the short period of performance. This could result in gaps in coverage and impact the continuity of services.

(V) DETERMINATION OF REASONABLENESS OF COST OR PRICE:

The cost and price for this bridge contract have been determined to be fair and reasonable based on the following:

The pricing structure for the bridge Task Order will be consistent with the rates established in the current PSC with BAH as it is being ordered from the same Air Force

IDC.

A comparison of similar contracts in the same scope and technical complexity shows that the rates are within industry standards.

The agency has conducted a price analysis based on historical data from BAH's performance, confirming that the proposed rates for the bridge period are reasonable for the services provided.

(VI) OTHER FACTS:

Acquisition Delays: The need for this bridge contract arises due to unexpected delays in the award of the follow-on competitive procurement. Complexities with the solicitation process have extended the award timeline beyond the expiration date of the current contract.

Risk of Lapse in Service: A lapse in services would significantly disrupt BARDA’s mission, impacting the services which are critical in nature and vital to national and public health responses are being performed by BAH, who is the incumbent Contractor.

The bridge contract ensures continued support while the competitive follow-on contract is awarded.