Sole Source Justification Summary

This is a Sole Source Justification document filed under GSAR/R 538.7104-3(b) for a Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedure deviation. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 05, is conducting an acquisition under the Multiple-Award Schedule Program (41 U.S.C. 152(3) and 40 U.S.C. 501) to continue VA-wide access to the Performance Improvement Management System (PIMS), a mission-critical system supporting emergency preparedness and response across all four phases of emergency management (Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery).

The proposed contractor is Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), located in Oak Ridge, TN 37830, with an FSS Contract Number GS-00F-195CA. The estimated total contract value is $4,185,904.00, comprising a base year of $1,355,996.00, Option Year One of $1,394,927.00, and Option Year Two of $1,434,981.00. The justification invokes GSAR/R 538.7104-3(b)(1)(ii), asserting that only ORAU can provide the supplies or services required at the level of quality needed because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized. The government conducted market research through a Request for Information posted to GSA's e-Buy, receiving 52 responses, and posted a 15-day Intent to Sole Source announcement to SAM.gov with no technically acceptable responses. ORAU's unique capabilities include ownership of the hosting infrastructure, proprietary knowledge of PIMS development and maintenance, subject matter expertise dating to system inception, and integration with multiple VA systems that cannot be replicated without unacceptable delays. The justification emphasizes that workforce readiness cannot support a transition period involving knowledge transfer or upskilling to a new vendor. The document was certified and approved by contracting and senior VA leadership, including the VHA Head of Contracting Activity.