Justification - FAR 16.505 Redacted.pdf

(4) An identification of the exception to fair opportunity and the supporting rationale, including a demonstration of the proposed Contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the exception cited. Describe why the relationship between the initial order and the follow-on is logical (e.g. in terms of scope, period of performance, or value): The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i )(B) Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized. A subscription to Leadership Connect is required because Leadership Connect is the exclusive market vendor. If the justification is to cover only the portion of the acquisition which is brand-name, then it should so state; the approval level requirements will then only apply to that portion. Leadership Connect is the only digital access service that includes directories, organizational charts, and contact information for various government, association, company, and other entities, along with the ability to download lists of contact information into SalesForce.

DOC employees need to be able to identify key decision makers and influencers with detailed profiles through multiple networks. They need a database subscription that gives them access to senior leaders in Congress, state and local government, federal government, courts, law and lobbying firms, news media, non-profits and associations and fortune 500 companies. The purpose of the connections is to identify individuals and provide a details report to the Secretary and other high-level officials to educate them prior to meeting these individuals.

(5) A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the

Government will be fair and reasonable:

The Contracting Officer determines that the anticipated pricing will be fair and reasonable based on historical pricing and the pre-established rates FEDLINK negotiated when awarding the indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts.

(6) Any other facts supporting the justification:

Due to the need for Leadership Connect access and the nonavailability of authorized resellers a sole source to Leadership Connect is required.

(7) A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the exception to fair opportunity before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made: Periodic market research will be conducted to stay abreast of developments in the field and identify if any new possible providers are available in the future.

(8) Evidence that any supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel (e.g., verifying the Government’s minimum needs or requirements or other rationale for an exception to fair opportunity) and which form a basis for the justification have been certified as complete and accurate by the technical or requirements personnel:

Laura Swift Date Program Official

(9) The contracting officer’s certification that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of the contracting officer’s knowledge and belief:

Based on the above information, it is determined to be in the Government’s best interest to acquire Leadership Connect from Leadership Connect INC. I certify this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Jacqueline Brown Date Contracting Officer

LAURA SWIFT Digitally signed by LAURA SWIFT Date: 2024.10.08 12:02:09 -04'00'

JACQUELI

NE BROWN

Digitally signed by

JACQUELINE BROWN

Date: 2024.10.08 13:05:56 -04'00'