JOFOC_-_2_Month_Bridge_May_1_thru_June_30_2016_-_SAA_OM-Executed.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

1. Contracting Activity

USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Business Service Center 141 Experiment Station Road, Stoneville, MS 38776 Randal Barnett, Contracting Officer

2. Nature/Description of Action:

A fixed-price, two month contract is contemplated by the above Contracting Activity for operations and maintenance services for the South Atlantic Area laboratories. This contract is meant to bridge the period between the expiration of the existing contract, April 30, 2016, and the award of the long-term contract with an anticipated award date of July 1, 2016. The estimated value of this bridge contract is $548,750.00, based upon historical pricing for two (2) months of performance.

3. Description of Supplies/Service:

The Contractor shall provide facilities operation and maintenance support services to the South Atlantic Area in three locations. These locations are the Russell Research Center and Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, Georgia and the US Horticulture Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce, Florida.

Services to be performed include, but are not limited to work management, preventive maintenance, building maintenance, shop services, alteration and repair, HVAC services, refrigeration, electrical, housekeeping, and administrative services.

4. Statutory Authority:

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) and FAR 6.302-1.

5. Demonstration of Contractor’s Unique Qualifications:

Four Seasons Environmental Inc.(FSE) has satisfactorily performed the necessary services since the last long term contract, AG-3K06-11-0016, expired on April 1, 2011.

It has the familiarity with the SAA locations and their daily operation to maintain the necessary continuity of these critical services. The current short-term contract expires on April 30, 2016. Due to the short procurement lead time, no other source has the knowledge and skills needed to immediately begin performance of the required service while meeting the standards and quality required at the SAA locations. If awarded to any other firm, the SAA facilities would experience unacceptable delays and degradation of services.

6. FedBizOps Announcement/Potential Sources:

It is the intent of the Contracting Officer to post a notice of intent to award the contract to Four Seasons Environmental Inc. (FSE) on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 5.101(a)(1). Any and all interested sources will be considered.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs:

The proposal will be compared to the current contract, Service Contract wage determinations, collective Bargaining Agreement and an Independent Government Estimate to determine fair and reasonable pricing.

8. Market Survey: N/A (See Item 9 for explanation)

9. Additional Support: The current contract for O&M services at the SAA laboratories will expire on April 30, 2016. Continuity of the O&M services to the SAA facilities is critical to the day to day operations of the facility as these services support key functions such as utility and facility repairs, janitorial & grounds maintenance, boiler room operation, receiving, mail room, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to award a sole-source Contract to the incumbent contractor, Four Seasons Environmental Inc. (FSE).

FSE is the only contractor that could provide the necessary continuity of services without interruption. It is imperative that continuity of services be maintained without disruption to the research mission. No other offeror could immediately perform all of the facilities operations and maintenance services for the Research Location within the required time frame and maintain quality support without disruption or degradation of services, loss of research, or incurring substantial cost. Any other firm would not have the relationship as the incumbent with the research groups and the local business community which could impair their ability to adequately support the research mission for such a short period of time. FSE’s experience and knowledge will permit them to continue to support the SAA’s Location effectively and efficiently, at the least cost to the Government. Any other contractor would incur extensive expenses, including mobilization costs, pose a risk to site performance, and result in duplication of work/costs to the Government.

10. Other Interested Sources: N/A

11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Future Competition: Full competition has been achieved for the new long-term contract to be awarded by the anticipated date of July 1, 2016. Multiple responsive proposals were received and the process to make a selection for final award is under way.

Randal Barnett Contracting Officer

Lori A. Faber Acting Branch Chief, Acquisitions

1. Contracting Activity