P03 - JA Sole Source over SAT Executed.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval for other than full and open competition (J&A)

For

Sole Source Acquisition (>SAT-$9M under RFO 12.102)

RFO 6.104-1 Justification content

1. Contracting Activity:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

Acquisition Directorate

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed:

This Sole Source Justification and Approval details the facts and requests approval for the issuance of a firm-fixed price bridge contract to the small business vendor Veros Real Estate

Solutions LLC (UEI: KLGSU472K6F1), pursuant to sole source procedures in accordance with RFO 12.102 (b). This is an unusual and compelling urgent requirement which precludes full and open competition. Any delay in award of this procurement would result in serious operational delays in the Government’s ability to service Veteran home loan appraisals and approvals.

The current Appraisal Management Service (AMS) bridge contract, 36C10D25P0023, is a sole source procurement issued by the VBA Acquisition Directorate. The contract was awarded on 8-Jan-2025 with a period of performance from 19-Jan-2025 to 19-Jul-2025. FAR

Clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services was exercised to extend the period of performance to 19-Jan-2026.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs (including estimated value):

The Loan Guaranty Service (LGY) requires AMS contracted services to improve standardization and risk management as well as the credibility and quality of valuation functions for all loans administered under the VA-guaranteed home loan benefit program.

This six (6)-month sole source procurement has an estimated value of $2,400,000.00.

Failure to provide these services will prevent LGY from continuing enhanced Construction and Valuation (C&V) oversight and may delay the Veterans’ ability to receive timely appraisal reports. These services assist in the improvement of individual appraisal report quality and appraiser performance, while streamlining and standardizing the appraisal review process. These efforts contribute to protecting the interests of Veterans and the Government in the administration of the VA guaranteed home loan benefit.

The previous awardee, Veros Real Estate Solutions LLC, held contract number

36C10X19C0033 which ended on 17-Jul-2024. After recompeting the procurement action on

SAM.gov under solicitation number 36C10D25R0008, posted on 13-May-2025, and closed on 27-Jun-2025, a follow-on award was made under contract number 36C10D25C0006 to

Lynch Consultants on 23-Sep-2025 with an overall contract period of performance of 23-

Sep-2025 to 22-Sep-2030. Due to GAO protest number B-423965.1 received on 29-Sep-

2025, the transition to Lynch Consultants has been delayed.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition:

This acquisition is being conducted following RFO Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial

Products and Commercial Services, RFO 12.201-1 in accordance with 41 USC 1901.

5. A Demonstration That the Proposed Contractor's Unique Qualifications or The Nature of The Acquisition Requires Using the Authority Cited:

Veros Real Estate Solutions LLC has been providing these services to the VBA for approximately six (6) years under contract numbers 36C10X19C0033 and 36C10D25P0023.

To maintain continuity of services while GAO-Protest number B-423965.1 is resolved the

VBA is requesting that a six (6) month sole source procurement is issued to Veros Real

Estate LLC. This award will allow for operational consistency and will avoid disruption of

Veterans services. Veros Real Estate Solutions LLC is currently using proprietary products and services that are integrated with the VA systems. Additionally, Veros Real Estate

Solutions LLC has an established IT connection with WebLGY which is critical for maintaining services to allow for Veterans to continue to receive timely home loan assistance.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable:

The requested services were solicited under 36C10D25R0008 and resulting contract number

36C10D25C0006. As a result of a post award GAO protest the VBA is requesting the approval of a sole source short term six (6) month bridge contract to continue providing services for home loans. No additional market research or vendors were sought for this request.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable:

A price fair and reasonable determination will be conducted by the Contracting Officer (CO).

The CO will evaluate the pricing received in comparison to the pricing received under

36C10D25P0023.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the

Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

Market research was conducted for the long-term competitive procurement, which is now under GAO protest. A separate market research analysis was not conducted for this short-term bridge action due to urgency and the need to maintain continuity of services during the protest period.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the lack of competition:

There are no additional supporting facts supporting the lack of competition for this sole source requirement.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

Veros Real Estate Solutions, LLC. is the only vendor who expressed an interest in this acquisition.

11. A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any

Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required:

Ample competition was received in response to solicitation number 36C10D25R0008 under awarded 36C10D25C0006. The award was made to Lynch Consultants, LLC on 18-Sep-

2025. However, due to a GAO protest received on 29-Sep-2025, Lynch Consultants, LLC was notified on 29-Sep-2025, that the award has been “stayed” until the GAO protest has been resolved.

The VA is requesting a short term six (6) month contract to be awarded while the GAO protest is ongoing. Competition for future procurements is not a concern or a barrier that will need to be overcome.

12. Contracting Officer certification that the justification is accurate and complete

Requirements Certification:

I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a Bona Fide Need of the

Department of Veterans Affairs and 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.

____________________________ ___________01/14/2026_________

Jeffrey D. Bolla Date ePMO Chief, Loan Guaranty Service

13. Approvals:

a. Contracting Officer’s Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Bridget R. Bartolomei Date

Contracting Officer

b. Supervisory Contract Specialist (required for actions valued >$900,000 -

$9,000,000): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and approval.

Stacia Faulhaber Date

Supervisory Contracting Officer

HIGHER LEVEL APPROVAL (required for actions over $900K):

c. Designated Contracting Activity Advocate for Competition or Head of Contracting

Activity (HCA): (over $900,000 to $9,000,000): I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and approval.

Alyssa M. Dark Date

Competition Advocate and

Head of Contracting Activity

Veterans Benefits Administration