Justification and Approval.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL TO PROCURE

USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

ONLY ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE AND NO OTHER SUPPLIES OR SERVICES WILL

SATISFY AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with the requirements of FAR 6.302-1, 6.303, and 6.304, the following justification is submitted:

i. Identification of Agency and Contracting Activity.

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program TMA Contract Operations Division “Sole Source Justification.”

ii. Nature/Description of Action

Request approval of a sole source for based on the fact that Enhanced Vision is the only vendor contacted that responded and was able to quote for the Kurzweil 3000 Upgrade. The estimated dollar value for this requirement is $460.35.

iii. Description of Supplies/Services/Estimated Value

� Kurzweil 3000 for Windows was first introduced in 1996. It has since become the leading reading, writing and learning solution for individuals of all ages with learning difficulties like dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and other literacy difficulties. Teachers have demonstrated time and again that Kurzweil 3000 provides students the tools they need to improve their reading speed and comprehension, plus a suite of features that make it possible for them to learn and study independently. In this way, it has helped improve their academic experience, their ability to function effectively in the workplace and the quality of their daily lives. For students who have difficulty physically accessing curriculum materials, Kurzweil 3000 provides a digital means of engaging with text and can support students who use alternative methods for accessing the computer. In addition, the product is proving instrumental for both classroom and standardized assessments. Kurzweil 3000 not only reads questions and answers aloud, it allows students to type answers directly onto the image of a scanned test, thereby offering more independence for both the student and teacher.

iv. Identification of the Justification Rationale

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304© and FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973, as amended, Title VI – Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities requires assisting employers in understanding and meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 21101 et seq.) as the Act relates to employment of individuals with disabilities. The requirements identified in iii above are to provide assistive technology for Federal employees with Dexterity impairments. Executive Order 13164 requires all Federal agencies to establish procedures on handling requests for reasonable accommodation for civilian employees; to include wounded service members. The time frame for processing a request (including providing accommodating, if approved) is as soon as possible but no later than 30 business days from the date of the request is made. In order to meet these requirements, the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) established a 15 day turnaround time for acquisition completion to ensure the request are processed within the established 30 day timeframe. The 15day turnaround time begins when CAP receives the request from the agency or end user. There is another 5-7 days to adhere to for CAP to send to the OCIO Portfolio Management Office, then to the COD acquisition office for processing. Upon acquisition completion, the requirement must be shipped, inspected and delivered to requiring offices within the remaining 8-10 days. If the items are not purchased expeditiously, the person with a disability is subject to being considered non productive, incurring more pain or developing a secondary disability while awaiting the assistive technology.

v. Market Research

Envision Technology is the only vendor that responded to quote requests that was actually able to bid on the product. Other vendors that were contacted that carry Kurzweil 3000 are not able to provide the upgrade version of the software, due to territory restrictions. Additionally, other vendors were contacted but did not respond to the quote requests.

vi. Other Supporting Facts

Attached is the price quote provided by Envision Technology for 1 Kurzweil 3000 Upgrade in addition to e-mail traffic to and from Boundless Assistive Technology, ITG, TCS Associates, and Cambium Technology.

vii. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition

A synopsis will be issued in accordance with FAR 5.2 entitled Synopses of Proposed Contract Action. In order to meet acquisition 15 day turnaround timeframe, this requirement will be synopsized for 5 days to satisfy the effort to obtain and/or increase competition. However, market research indicates that Envision Technology is the best-value vendor providing this item.

viii. Best Value Determination

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this purchase action will be fair and reasonable. The technique to be used to determine fair and reasonable price are based on the IGCE. Certified cost and price data will not be required in accordance with FAR 15.403-1.

APPROVAL

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby determined within the meaning of FAR 6.302-16.303, and 6.304, that:

a. It is in the best interest of the Government to acquire the purchase of the 1 Kurzweil 3000 Upgrade on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 10U.S.S.C. 2304©(1).

Upon the basis of this justification, I hereby authorize sole source procedures for this procurement and by signing this document certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Certifications and Approval

Technical and Requirements Certifications:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which is included in this justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical and Requirements Cognizance:

5/1/2012 Kameelah Montgomery DATE CAP Program Analyst

Contracting Officer Certification:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Name) DATE

CONTRACTING OFFICER

APPROVAL

Competition Advocate, (NAME) DATE

COMPETITION ADVOCATE, AM&S