Limited-Sources-Justification-FSS - Logistics and Conference Bridge_Redacted.pdf

Option Period 2: 01/17/2025 -05/16/2025 Option Period 3: 05/17/2025 - 09/16/2025

4. Authority:

□ ORDER AGAINST FSS: Authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program, Title Ill of the Federal Property and

Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251, et seq.); Title 40 U.S.C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies; and Section 803 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2002 (PL 107-107) and implemented by FAR 8.405-6. Mark the applicable exception and for each discuss how the cited authority applies in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(c}{2){iv).

� An urgent and compelling need exists, and following the procedures would result in unacceptable delays (FAR 8.405-6(a)(1 )(i)(A));

In accordance with FAR 8.405-6(a)(1 )(i)(A), an urgent and compelling need exists.

The proposed one-year bridge task order in the amount of� to Guardians of Honor is in the best interest of the Agency. Three 4-month option periods are requested to �r award of a follow-on five-year contract to support OHS.

Guardians of Honor is the only source capable of fulfilling this urgent need in providing these highly specialized services while a competitive procurement to issue a contract/task order is completed.

The proposed extension of bridge task order would ensure continuation of essential services. Guardians of Honor as the incumbent currently provides the required logistical and event management support services. If this proposed extension is not executed there is an unacceptable risk of delay and t a stoppage of service required to host key events supporting grant recipients and tribal communities. These events include training events on Head Start Program Performance Standards, training and technical assistance, and other key events for OHS stakeholders. Award to another contractor at this time is too high risk to the Government as there is no time for an adequate transition, nor time to learn the distinctive characteristics of this requirement. Further, all of the planning and logistics already in place by Guardians of Honor for events that occur after the current task order expires cannot feasibly to transitioned to another contractor at this time.

Factor 1 - NIHCATS IV was not awarded as projected and is undergoing evaluation

OHS is in the process of awarding a new task order and additional time is required to complete the acquisition. OHS initially planned to utilize the NIH Conference, Administrative, and Travel Services IV (NIHCATS IV) follow-on indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract to issue an order for this requirement, however the NI HCA TS IV contract still not awarded. NIHCATS IV is still under evaluation and not yet awarded. The original solicitation for NIHCATS IV was issued on Oct 23, 2023, with proposals due on Nov 20, 2023. It was not foreseeable at that time award would still not be made in time to allow this requirement to utilize NIHCATS IV. The delay of award was not reasonably expected to continue for as long as it has, thereby impacting the acquisition strategy for this requirement. In February 2024 another acquisition package was submitted with an acquisition strategy outside of NIHCATS, but that acquisition package is still in the presolicitation phase.

Factor 2: Orders under NIHCATS Ill may only last for one year and end by Nov 2025.

NIHCATS Ill has been extended to November 20, 2024, to allow customers the chance to submit request for new task orders. Any new task orders against the NI HCA TS Ill contract may have a period of performance of up to one year and must end before November 29, 2025, which isn't long enough to fulfill the five year requirement for OHS. Since the logistical train on these events is comprehensive and requires enormous managerial efforts, competing and awarding a one-year task order is not feasible for the current state of the requirement, and not in the best interest of the Government. The Government requires a five year contract but is unable to obtain that under NIHCATS Ill and the NIHCATS IV award has been delayed.

Factor 3: More time is needed to procure from another vehicle other than NIHCATS.

OHS performed market research to determine if an ACF contract vehicle was available to provide the required services.

ACF does not have an existing contract vehicle for Logistics and Conference Support. As a result, OHS will need additional time to utilize a different acquisition strategy to procure the services. OHS requests to utilize a modification to extend the existing bridge sole source task order to the incumbent via the GSA Multiple award schedule in the amount

Option Period 1 09/17/2024-01/16/2025