JOFOC UMD-RDC FY25 FINAL.pdf

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

“Source Selection Information – see FAR 2.101 and 3.104”

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

a. Federal agency and contracting activity: HHS/AHRQ

b. Sponsoring organization. CFACT

c. Project Officer information.

Project Officer name: Anita Soni

Mailing address: 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857

E-mail address: Anita.soni@ahrq.hhs.gov

Telephone number: 301-427-1425

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

Acquisition purpose and objectives. The purpose of this procurement is to provide AHRQ/CFACT researcher with special sworn status, access to the Census data in the Maryland Research Data Center ("UMDRDC"). This membership enables researchers to use MEPS Insurance Component data and integrate key tax information into models and cost estimates.

b. Project background. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey is designed to provide extensive data on the types of health care services Americans use, how frequently they use them, how much is paid for the services, and who pays for them. It provides information on the types and costs of private health insurance available to the U.S.

population. The survey is unparalleled in its degree of detail, as well as its ability to link medical care use, payments, and health insurance coverage to specific survey respondents and their families. It also allows analysts to examine how individual and family characteristics, including the characteristics of their health insurance, affect medical care use and spending.

Name of the incumbent or predecessor contractor: University of Maryland Period of performance: 12 month Base with 3 option years. Final option expiring 12/31/2024 Total dollar amount obligated to date: $225,680

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

a. Project title: Membership at Maryland Research Data Center

Robert.Zuhlke Highlight

b. Project description. Annual membership access to the Maryland Research Data Center ("UMDRDC").

Requirement type.

Research & development (R&D) R & D support services Support services (non-R&D) Supplies/equipment Information technology (IT) Construction Architect-engineer (A & E) services Design-build Other (specify): Membership Subscription

Type of action. New requirement

Follow-on Other (specify): ______________________

Proposed contract/order type.

Firm-fixed-price Other fixed-price (specify, e.g., fixed-price award-fee, fixed-price incentive-fee): __________ Cost-plus-fixed-fee Other cost reimbursement (specify, e.g., cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee): ___________ Time and materials Indefinite delivery (specify whether indefinite quantity, definite quantity, or requirements): ___________ Other (specify): ___________ Completion Form Term form

Acquisition identification number. 75Q80121P00001

c. Total estimated dollar value and performance/delivery period.

Duration: One year base with 3 – one-year options.

Effective 1/1/2025.

Total Value over 4 years: $230,720

4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. Check the applicable block below based on the acquisition circumstance.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 41 United

States Code (U.S.C.) 253(c)(1) as set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302- 1.

Robert.Zuhlke Highlight

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Services

Acquisition Reform Act of 2003 (41 U.S.C. 428a).

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor(s) unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

a. Name and address of the proposed contractor(s): UNIVERSITY OF

MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK, 3112 LEE BLDG 7809 REGENTS DR,

College Park, MD 20742.

b. Nature of the acquisition and proposed unique qualifications of the contractor(s). The Maryland Research Data Center is uniquely positioned to provide exclusive access to both AHRQ's MEPS Insurance Component data and Census data needed for CFACT researchers with special sworn status, due to the closure of the Census HQ RDC. Due to confidentiality rules, microdata files for the MEPS-IC are not available for public release and can only be accessed through the Maryland Research Data Center. University of Maryland RDC is the only place from where the Census data can be accessed.

6. Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable. Indicate whether a FedBizOpps notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies. A Notice of Intent to Award will be posted on FedBizOpps (FBO) in accordance with FAR 5.203 - Publicizing and response time.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost/price to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Maryland RDC offers a standard rate (firm fixed price) for annual disclosure and review services for 3 seats with year-round access.

8. Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10) and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Formal market research was not conducted. The Maryland RDC is the only vendor available to supply this information.

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

Cite any other factors not mentioned earlier in the justification as to why the requirement cannot be competed. N/A.

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

11. Statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the required supplies or services. AHRQ will conduct market research to determine if this data becomes available from any other vendor.

12. Program office certification. The program officials cited shall complete the information required below and sign the certification in the blocks provided.

This is to certify that the portions of this justification that have been developed by the undersigned program office personnel, including supporting information and/or data verifying the Government’s minimum needs, schedule requirements and other rationale for other than full and open competition, are accurate and complete.

Official Name & Title Signature& Date

Project Officer Anita Soni, Survey Statistician

Project Officer’s Immediate Supervisor

Marie Stagnitti, Division Director, DSO

Head of the Sponsoring Program Office

Joel Cohen, Director

CFACT

13. Contracting Officer certification.

This is to certify that the justification for the proposed acquisition has been reviewed and that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information and/or data provided to support the rationale and recommendation for approval is accurate and complete.

Official Name & Title Signature & Date

Contracting Officer

Jessica Alderton Contracting Officer

14. Chief of the Contracting Office and Head of the Contracting Activity signature(s). The Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO), if applicable, and the HCA shall indicate review of, and concurrence with, any JOFOC over $550,0001 by providing the information required below and signing in the applicable block.

N/A.

15. Competition Advocate signature. The signature of the CA, or that of an individual meeting FAR 6.304(a)(3)(ii) requirements for a JOFOC over $11.5 million, but not exceeding $57 million, shall serve as concurrence on any JOFOC over $57 million that requires the approval of the HHS SPE.

N/A.

16. HHS Senior Procurement Executive signature. The HHS SPE, upon acceptance of the rationale provided in the JOFOC, shall complete the information required below and sign in the block provided as the approving official for any JOFOC over $57 million2.

N/A.