N0003021P4011 STEM Makercart JA_FINAL REDACTED.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

DIRECTOR STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS

1250 10TH STREET SE, SUITE 3600

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC 20374-5127

IN REPLY REFER TO:

J&A# 21,009

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Identification of the Agency and Contracting Activity

The agency and contracting activity for this effort is the United States Department of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs Office (SSP) located at the Washington Navy Yard, 1250 10th Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20374.

2. Description of the Action Being Approved

The acquisition of the supplies/services particular to one manufacturer or company because only one source is reasonable available under a Sole Source Justification.

3. Description of Supplies/Services and Estimated Value

The Government requires Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activity center maker kits with the ability to purchase refills for components to support the Department of Navy initiatives to increase interest in STEM throughout public schools in the United States. FY21 STEM initiative creates a way for SSP to continue STEM Outreach in a virtual environment.

This is necessary for national security because DON STEM Outreach programs, to include SSP’s STEM Outreach Program, help to reduce the gap in STEM related knowledge between our future workforce and competitor nations who have sustained growth in their own understanding of the importance of STEM related bodies of knowledge. By purchasing this equipment, SSP is able to capture the attention of a broad audience via the production of STEM related videos that revolve around the experiments that can be accomplished with the tools encompassed within the STEM Maker Carts.

This FY21 requirement is for TeacherGeek’s Maker Cart. This educational resource has an estimated total dollar value of $XX,XXX.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Brand Name Justification

This action is being executed in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 and FAR 13.106(b)(1)(i) as only one source is reasonably available.

5. Rationale Supporting Use of Cited Authority

TeacherGeek is the sole manufacturer of K-12 Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) educational carts that can provide activities for an entire classroom. Other STEM providers sell activities individually and is not condusive to an entire class. Therefore, it is in the Government's best interests to procure STEM carts from TeacherGeek.

6. Market Research Conducted

SP14 conducted market research to support an upcoming youth STEM program. The requirement is for four (4) carts loaded with various exercises and experiments for K-12.

Research conducted found multiple providers of K-12 STEM products. However, only TeacherGeek offered a complete program for K-12 with all accessories, supplies, and curriculum support.

After performing market research, the Government concluded that TeacherGeek is the only available option that could meet the government's requirements for a K-12 STEM program.

7. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Potential Sources as

Practicable

Per FAR Part 12 procedures, a combined synopsis and solicitation will be posted on Beta.SAM.

8. Fair and Reasonable Determination

All quotations or offers will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a) and award will not be made unless the Contracting Officer can find the price fair and reasonable.

9. Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition

None

10. List of Sources that Expressed an Interest in the Acquisition

None

11. Actions to Remove or Overcome Barriers to Competition

Based upon the aforementioned facts and details identified in Section 5, the Government does not foresee a feasible alternative to the selected source. SSP will continue to monitor the marketplace for viable, cost effective options to meet this requirement.

CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical Cognizance:

Signature

CONTRACTING OFFICER APPROVAL

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Upon the basis of the above justification, I hereby approve.

CLARK.CHRISTINA.12686

12625 Signature

Digitally signed by

CLARK.CHRISTINA.1268612625

Date: 2021.01.29 15:13:37 -05'00'