JOFOC_NFPA LiNK_04272023_Redacted.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

41 U.S.C. 3304

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b) (1), I hereby determine that the

National Fire Protection Association Inc’s (NFPA) LiNK on-line subscription-based application to

NFPA codes and standards listed on EQPMH-23-0005 is required through a sole source procurement and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated below.

Please select the appropriate statutory authorities in accordance with FAR Part 6.302, Circumstance

Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition:

X FAR 6.302-1 Only one responsible sources and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements;

FAR 6.302-2 Unusual and Compelling Urgency;

FAR6.302-3 Industrial Mobilization; Engineering, Development, or Research

Capability; or Expert Services;

FAR 6.302-4 International Agreement;

FAR 6.302-5 Authorized or Required by Statute;

FAR 6.302-6 National Security; or

FAR 6.302-7 Public Interest.

1. Identification of the Agency and the Contracting Activity

This requirement is in support of the General Services Administration (GSA), Public Buildings

Services (PBS), Office of Facilities Management, Risk Management Division,1800 F Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20405.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved

Pursuant to the authority of the Competition In Contracting Act (CICA) as implemented by Federal

Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302 and GSA Acquisition Manual (GSAM) 506.3 for justifying other than full and open competition, the GSA intends to award a contract to the National

Fire Protection Association Inc.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimate value)

GSA/PBS has adopted numerous NFPA codes and standards. GSA fire protection engineers also serve on numerous NFPA code and standards technical committees. GSA fire protection engineers also need access 24/7 to current and prior editions of NFPA codes and standards and commentary when performing their required duties in the field where internet access is limited or non-existent.

NFPA LiNK an on-line subscription-based application will deliver new and existing NFPA codes, standards, commentary, and supporting content to GSA fire protection engineers to easily navigate and understand code requirements.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 93FF642F-DA76-4FFB-8E16-5002A66EA415

8. A description of the market research conducted (see part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Market research was conducted. A review of historical awarded Government contracts for online subscription application services access to new and existing service for NFPA codes, standards, and commentary was completed. The Subject Matter Expert (SME), Fire Protection Program Manager, also spoke to other knowledgeable individuals within the Government and industry regarding companies, or organizations that can provide such service. They then reviewed online sites and catalogs in the field of codes and standards. It was determined that the NFPA has the only subscription service application that meets the needs of GSA fire protection engineers for accessing new and existing NFPA codes, standards, and commentary when either having internet connectivity or when using in offline mode at remote jobsites.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

To meet PBS’s mission, it is essential to have PBS fire protection engineers have the necessary resources to access NFPA codes, standards, and commentary to perform their roles and responsibilities as required in GSA Order, Fire Protection Policy, PBS 5921.1. In addition, GSA

Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (PBS-P100) has adopted and references numerous NFPA codes and standards that GSA fire protection engineers must use daily to review fire safety projects funded through BA51, BA54, BA55, BA64, BA61, as well as customer-funded projects through BA80 and certain lease construction facilities. Not having access to new and existing NFPA codes, standards, and commentary will limit PBS fire protection engineers the ability to fulfill the roles and responsibilities in a timely manner which could possibly delay GSA project completion schedules.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition

None.

11. A statement of actions, if any, that agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent for the supplies or services required

GSA will continue to conduct market analysis and/or seek competition when available.

Program/Technical Official Certification:

I hereby certify and accept the responsibility that any and all supporting data provided above or used to justify the above requested for a sole source procurement (e.g., verifying the Government’s minimum needs, schedule requirements, and/or other rationale for other than full and open competition) is accurate and complete to the best of my personal knowledge and belief.

4/27/2023

Date

Manager, Fire Protection Program

Office of Facilities Management, Risk Management Division

Contracting Officer’s Certification

I hereby certify that the information contained in this Justification for Other than Full and Open

Competition, is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

4/27/2023

Date

Contracting Officer