Limited Source Justification_SEATS Communication_26F0026.pdf

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

1. Agency, Contracting Activity and Document

The U.S. National Science Foundation proposes to contract with ICF Incorporated on a Limited Source basis. The contracting activity is the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support (DACS). This document serves as the Limited Source Justification (LSJ).

2. Action Being Approved

NSF awarded task order no. 49100425F0040 to ICF and it will end on February 27, 2026; the task order cannot be extended and the requirement is currently being re-competed but is not anticipated to be awarded until July 2026. Therefore, the action being approved under this Limited Source Justification is for a sole source firm-fixed price (FFP) task order to ICF Incorporated against their GSA contract. This task order will provide for continuation of services to support the Technology, Innovation, and Partnership (TIP) Directorate in all public outreach and communications until the re-compete is awarded.

3. Description of Services/Supplies

The TIP Directorate has a continuing requirement for programmatic support to the TIP programs. The contractor will assist TIP program officers in general support on solicitation outreach and pre-award management, post-award management, program portfolio support, community outreach, and stakeholder engagement. The proposed period of performance for this action is one (1)-6 month base. The total estimated amount is $259,869.00.

4. Justification Rationale

This Limited Source Justification is based on FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(A), an urgent and compelling need exists, and following the procedures would result in unacceptable delays. The TIP Directorate and its Divisions must have uninterrupted service to support daily activities. ICF Contractor currently supports the NSF TIP Directorate are essential to fulfilling our communications and outreach responsibilities. These contractors enable core communications functions that are critical not only for public engagement but also for program delivery. Their work supports outreach for nearly $600 million in funding opportunities—including NSF Engines and SBIR— ensures TIP visibility across NSF and the public and maintains compliance with OLPA and administration priorities. They also manage internal communications and help align program messaging with broader policy objectives.

Given the focus of the TIP Directorate in the President’s FY26 Budget Request and its statutory responsibilities under the CHIPS and Science Act, the loss of this capacity would result in delayed solicitations, slower award processes, and diminished engagement with key stakeholders—undermining both the Directorate’s effectiveness and NSF’s broader strategic goals.

The current follow-on for communications support has not been completed. In order to continue communications support, ICF Incorporated is the only prudent business option available. The continuation of services cannot be awarded to competition without causing unacceptable delays in fulfilling NSF’s requirements.

5. Determination of Best Value

The contracting officer has determined that the anticipated price to the Government will represent the best value consistent with FAR 8.404(d) based on both a comparison to historical pricing data of this requirement under task order no.

49100425F0040 and a comparison to the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE). In addition, the Contracting Officer will confirm the proposed labor categories/rates are aligned with the labor categories/rates in ICF’s GSA contract.

6. Market Research

The Program Officer conducted market research through a search GSA e-library using NAICS Code 541330. XXXXXX and XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX have capabilities to support the requirements. However, given the nature of the work and the short timeframe to transition from the incumbent to a new contractor for a short duration of period of performance until the follow-on competitive task order/contract is awarded would not be in the best interest of the government. ICF Incorporated is the only contractor that has the technical capability to continue current support in a timely manner so there is no lapse in service.

7. Additional Facts:

8. Removing Barriers to Competition

A competition for these required services is currently in process. However, as explained above, the TIP Directorate cannot afford a gap in services until the new contract/task order is awarded.

9. Certifications/Coordinations/Approval

Program Officer (TIP): I hereby certify that the supporting technical data presented in this

Limited Source Justification are complete and accurate.

Name Date

Director, (TIP): I hereby concur with this Limited Source Justification.

Contracting Officer: I assure that a detailed analysis will be performed on all proposed prices to assure that they are fair and reasonable. I also certify that this Limited Source Justification is complete and accurate.

Office of the General Counsel:

I hereby concur with this Limited Source Justification.

Branch Chief, DACS Polar Branch:

I hereby concur with this Limited Source Justification.

Competition Advocate: I hereby concur with this Limited Source Justification.