M320014548711_Psych Tests DI_J and A rw.pdf

CUI//SP-PROCURE//DL ONLY

Determination that Only One Source is Reasonably Available (Including Brand Name) – FAR Part 13 Acquisitions under the SAT

V 1.6 (20 December 2023)

MEMORANDUM TO THE FILE

Subj: DETERMINATION THAT ONLY ONE SOURCE IS REASONABLY

AVAILABLE FOR A FAR PART 13 ACQUISITION UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED

ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

I. BACKGROUND:

1. FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) states for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization).

2. As required by FAR 13.106-3(b)(3)(i), this memorandum explains the absence of competition for this acquisition, as only one source will be solicited for this requirement (or for a portion of the requirement) and the requirement (or portion of the requirement to be sole-sourced) is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

II. DESCRIPTION OF ITEM OR SERVICE:

Procurement is for psychological assessment testing and resources. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRD Pl) has developed an Assessment and Selection (A&S) program to screen Drill Instructor (DI) students and Series Commanders (SERCOs) prior to conducting recruit training. To properly conduct A&S, a battery of intelligence and personality tests will be administered to each Incoming DI Student, SERCO, or as deemed operationally appropriate for permanent personnel. Per American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and nationally recognized standards, only qualified individuals may administer, interpret, or apply psychological testing.

Procurement consists of Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR), Inc. online administered testing and corresponding interpretive reports for each individual tested.

Procurement includes:

(300) each Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) iAdmin, Item #10415-IC; online administration tokens for evaluating an individual's personality profile and psychopathology

(300) each - PAI Interpretive Report, Item #10417-11; automatically generated results a comprehensive report that interprets an individual's scores against societal norms.

(300) each NEO-PI-3 Internet Admin, Item #10420-IC; online administration tokens for evaluating an individual’s personality strengths/weaknesses

(300) each NEO-PI-3 Interpretive Report, Item #10422-11; automatically generated results report that explains an individual's strengths/weaknesses

Controlled by: DON, USMC, I&L HCA Controlled by: MCRDPI RCO CUI Category(ies): PROCURE Limited Dissemination Control: DL ONLY POC: Robert Thiesen, (843) 228-2703

Determination that Only One Source is Reasonably Available (Including Brand Name) – FAR Part 13 Acquisitions under the SAT

III. THE DETERMINATION FOR USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING (select all that apply):

A. _X__ ONLY ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE (select all that apply):

1. _ X_ RESTRICTIVE RIGHTS. The source has established proprietary rights, limited rights in data, patent rights, copyrights or secret processes in the item or service required.

PAR, Inc. is the publisher of both psychological assessment tests AND full interpretive reports. Because these psychological tests are protected by copyrights and restricted to users who are technically proficient and have the educational qualifications to use them, they are not available to the public or widely distributed.

The requested tests are in use throughout the DoD for similar psychological assessment and selection programs that determine job placement and suitability. They are personality instruments which have been scientifically validated against rigorous research and are protected for use by qualified clinicians; other internet-based personality measures are not equivalent and typically do not meet the professional standard for use in a clinical or operational setting.

The selection of the PAI (Personality Assessment Inventory) personality test is based on the test's ability to accurately identify a number of personality traits which might be associated with risky behavior, decision making skills, pathology such as impulsivity/aggression or mood symptoms, etc. These are the key attributes at question in assessing the DJ/Series Commander population which could, under high stress, exhibit maladaptive behavior as a response to their job environment. For that reason, we aim to screen for such attributes prior to assignment in a role that could put the Marine or recruit at risk. An individual can complete the PAI in less than 90 minutes, producing rich data that informs suitability/fitness for duty determinations.

The NEO-Pl-3 (NEO Personality Inventory-3rd Edition) is a personality test that generates a profile of an individual's interpersonal strengths and weaknesses using five major personality factors: openness, neuroticism, extra version, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. It is the only test of its kind in assessing these five factors and is an integral part of the screening, monitoring, and continual executive coaching program that will be offered to Di's and Series Commanders annually. It is considered the best of its kind in the industry and is widely used by Psychologists across the DoD and federal government.

In the case of the NEO-Pl-3 one other publisher can distribute online administration codes and a “basic interpretive report,” however the basic interpretive report does not meet our needs at MCRD Pl. Since we require the full interpretive report, only provided by PAR, Inc., then they must also be the source for our online administrations to generate the report automatically from the individual's input. PAR, Inc. retains their proprietary rights to this testing format and interpretive reporting and does not authorize third party distribution.

Determination that Only One Source is Reasonably Available (Including Brand Name) – FAR Part 13 Acquisitions under the SAT

The Marine Corps' desire to psychologically assess personality equitably across all Di's and SERCOs at both MCRD's requires that these two PAR Inc. Assessments be purchased. MCRD San Diego (MCRD SD) is utilizing the PAI and NEO-PI-3, such that both MCRD PI and MCRD SD can utilize the same psychological assessment tests for a more uniform Marine Corps program. Consistency in the types of psychological assessments is key to ensure success of this initiative for the Marine Corps.

2. _X__ EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENTS. The item or service is only available from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or there is only one authorized distributor or technical representative for the OEM.

PAR, Inc. retains their proprietary rights to these testing formats and interpretive reporting and does not authorize third party distribution.

3. ___ OTHER REASONS.

B. _N/A__ BRAND NAME

Item required must be a brand name, product, or feature of a product, particular to one manufacturer.

C. _N/A__URGENT AND COMPELLING. The supplies or services are of such unusual and compelling urgency that the Government would be seriously injured unless the agency is permitted to limit the number of sources from which it solicits bids or proposals. Urgent requirements are supplies or services that will result in a work stoppage, or are mission critical and the routine processing time would result in injury to the Government. The determination that the procurement for the above item/service is an urgent and compelling requirement is based on the following:

1. Date on which the requirement was first identified:

2. Required delivery date/period of performance:

3. Explanation of why delivery/commencement of services by the date mentioned above is required:

Determination that Only One Source is Reasonably Available (Including Brand Name) – FAR Part 13 Acquisitions under the SAT

V. CERTIFICATIONS:

A. Technical / Requirements Certification: I certify that the facts and representation under my cognizance which are included in this justification are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

________________________ SSgt. Marco Cruz (843) 228-4176 Signature Name (Printed) / Phone #

B. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

________________________ Mr. Randy Wentworth (843) 228-2151 Signature Name (Printed) / Phone #

Determination that Only One Source is Reasonably Available (Including Brand Name) – FAR Part 13 Acquisitions under the SAT

Distribution List for DL ONLY Limited Dissemination Control

MCFCS Personnel

LB Personnel

Procurement Team Personnel (to include but not limited to: Legal, Customers/Requirements Owners, Source Selection Personnel, Small Business Representatives)

Any other individual designated by the KO