LSJ Exception to Fair Opportunity (Use for exception to fair opportunity under IDIQ Task Order) _BHSIS 12 Months 3-12-2026 REDACTED.pdf

This is a Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity template established by HHS for federal contract acquisitions. The document is a standardized form used when requesting an acquisition as an exception to the fair opportunity process for task-and-delivery-order contracts awarded against multiple-award contracts, such as indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, or for Federal Supply Schedule contracts.

The acquisition titled "Behavioral Health Services Information System (BHSIS) 12 Month Bridge" is being pursued by SAMHSA in 2026 as a new requirement with firm-fixed pricing. The estimated contract value is $29,705,150.00. The document specifies that CBHSQ at SAMHSA requires data collection on substance use and mental health treatment services. The exception being claimed is that the agency's need is urgent enough that providing fair opportunity would result in unacceptable delays under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A). The proposed action is a time-limited, twelve-month sole-source bridge task order consisting of a two-month base period and a twelve-month option period. The justification requires certification from the program manager and supervisor, contracting officer approval (required for contracts not exceeding $700,000), and depending on the final contract value, may require legal review, OPDIV Competition Advocate approval, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization approval, OPDIV HCA approval, and HHS Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) approval. The template includes sections for fair and reasonable cost determination and documentation of agency actions to reduce future barriers to competition.