NFFA 2026 Fern Ancillary Services RFO FAR Part 12 SSJ_Redacted.pdf

Control No.: KNOX-SAT-2027-0003

7. Background: The NCD’s participation in the NFFA 2026 Convention & Expo ensures the Army maintains a strong and visible presence among a large audience of motivated, high potential young individuals. Engagement at this event directly supports national recruiting objectives by creating opportunities to connect with prospects and showcase the wide range of career pathways the Army offers. By supporting the NFFA 2026 Convention & Expo, the Army can cultivate interest among the next generation who may ultimately choose to serve and fill critical roles across the force. The convention provides a strategic venue for meaningful interaction, allowing Army representatives to highlight programs to help individuals further develop their skills, pursue personal and professional growth, and explore alternative pathways to service.

8. Impact if justification is not approved: Not attending the NFFA 2026 Convention & Expo event could result in a significantly missed opportunity for the Army’s recruiting efforts, especially in terms of attracting skilled recruits in technical fields. It could also negatively impact on its reputation and relationships with potential candidates and partners, leading to a loss of competitive advantage in a tight recruiting environment.

9. Efforts to Obtain Competition: The Contracting Officer shall publish the notices required by FAR 5.101 (DFARS CD 2026-O0003), this action will not be synopsized.

a. Effective competition: There is no competition, as WCP/Fern Exposition Services, LLC. doing business as FERN is the only authorized vendor that provides convention decorator and electrical services and labor at the NFFA 2026 Convention & Expo.

b. Subcontracting competition: No other vendor is authorized to provide the requested services.

10. Actions to Increase Competition: NFFA as the official show organizer for the NFFA 2026 Convention & Expo has selected WCP/Fern Exposition Services, LLC.

doing business as FERN as the only vendor authorized to provide these specific services.

11. Market Research: Market research has determined that the WCP/Fern Exposition Services, LLC. doing business as FERN is the official convention decorator service contractor, no other vendor is authorized to provide requested services.

12. Interested Sources: WCP/Fern Exposition Services, LLC. doing business as FERN is the only vendor authorized to provide these specific services at the NFFA 2026 Convention & Expo. As the official convention service contractor, no other vendor is authorized to provide these services.

13. Procurement History: This event was last executed in FY26.

Contract number: W9124D-26-PA004 Vendor: WCP/Fern Exposition Services, LLC. doing business as FERN Award Amount: $83,548.55 Period of Performance: 29 October 2025 - 1 November 2025 Competitive Status: Sole Source

14. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Logistics Management Specialist

15. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

General Supply Specialist

16. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. As a part of this basis, certified cost or pricing data is not required because the item and/or services being acquired are considered commercial. This determination will be made using comparison with prices found reasonable on previous similar purchases in accordance with FAR 12.204(a) (DFARS CD 2026-O0028).

Contracting Officer

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

Barbara J. Jeffries Contracting Officer