PG_Part808.405-6_Atch1_Limiting_Sources_Justification_MPT-SAT signed.pdf

VHAPG Part 808.405-6 Limiting Sources Attachment 1: Justification for Limiting Sources for Micro-Purchase Threshold up to the SAT

Effective Date: 02/01/2022 Page 1 of 3

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

FAR 8 – Justification for Limiting Sources (LSJ) For

Limiting Sources (<SAT)

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 1, Knowledge Information

Services 523-24-1-3801-0003: Emergency Nursing Orientation

2. Description of Action:

The requirement is to procure online access to the Emergency Nursing Orientation module is the only online education tool that focuses on Nursing competencies and skill building for the

Emergency Nursing and Urgent care departments. Other Online platforms focused exclusively on the Continuing Education component which leads to certification. The requirement for a “nursing competencies and skill building” was reviewed and used as the measure against the competing vendors for this contract in 2021 through 2023.

3. Description of Supplies or Services:

The estimated value of the proposed action is $25,000

The VISN1 Library team has reviewed some competitors to Elsevier’s Emergency Nursing

Orientation course. The requirement is for an emergency nursing course that is comprehensive, evidence-based digital course that includes detailed curriculum with specific focus on emergency nursing skills and the associated competencies, which are vital requirements.

The library team assessed the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing and the

Nursing Reference Center from EBSCO. There were other resources and classes advertised as teaching emergency nursing but appeared to be identical content and focused exclusively on passing the certification examination; critically those resources’ skills materials appeared dated and included no information on the necessary nursing competencies for the emergency nursing setting.

The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing provides an evidence-based curriculum and is accessed on-line, with an up-to-date curriculum. This resource focuses primarily on the examination for certification; however, it does include some emergency nursing skills modules. The platform is aimed at the individual student and is priced on the individual level akin to a tuition charge rather than allowing an institutional license level access. The requirement for the emergency nursing resource does not include examination preparation.

EBSCO’s Nursing Reference Center is a very large platform that encompasses a nursing education center, containing many different education components and modules (e.g. Peri-op nursing, medical surgical, etc.) The library team saw this resource as very similar to the Clinical

Skills platform (by Elsevier) that VISN1 currently has access to via a VA National Library

Contract and in the context of this requirement found it would be overkill to purchase a whole platform for a single course.

Effective Date: 02/01/2022 Page 2 of 3

The Emergency Nursing Orientation integrates with the established Clinical Skills platform, the set up and navigation is common to all Clinical Skills modules and is familiar to the staff. This resource meets the important requirement of providing training for skills and provides competency work necessary to the nurses that will work in the emergency department.

4. Authority:

Order Against FSS: Authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program, Title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 USC 251, et seq.); Title 40 USC 501, Services for Executive Agencies; and Section 803 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2002 (PL 107-107) and implemented by FAR 8.405-6. Mark the applicable exception:

An urgent and compelling need exists, and following the procedures would result in unacceptable delays(FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A);

Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized;

(FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B));

In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule order and the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. The original order was not previously issued under sole-source or limited-sources procedures (FAR 8.405- 6(a)(1)(i)(C)); or

Items peculiar to one manufacturer. An item peculiar to one manufacturer can be a particular brand name, product, or a feature of a product, peculiar to one manufacturer). A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiar to one manufacturer (FAR 8.405-6(b)).

5. Rationale/explanation to support cited authority:

The preceding cited authority provides for purchase from a sole brand whenever only one brand is available and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Per the customer, only Elsevier can provide this unique service.

a. Emergency Nursing Orientation is a proprietary database and is not sold by any vendor other than Elsevier or authorized resellers.

b. Near competitors or similar sources such as Relias, and EBSCO Dynamic Health do not provide the same material nor selection of skill-based competencies that VISN1 clinical and nurse providers require.

c. Emergency Nursing Orientation module content can be printed for use in handouts at lectures. The full color graphics and charts can also be printed or incorporated into slides for presentations.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-8#FAR_8_405_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-8#FAR_8_405_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-8#FAR_8_405_6

Effective Date: 02/01/2022 Page 3 of 3

This resource can easily be linked within the Knowledge Information Service website, LibGuides, and Federated Search engines we may be using.

At this time, there is a sole authorized reseller, WT Cox, in addition to the Original Equipment

Manufacturer who can provide the required subscription.

6. BRAND NAME ONLY: This buy is estimated to exceed $25,000 and this documentation will be posted along with the RFQ on e-Buy, as required by FAR 8.405-1(e).

7. Note that this determination satisfies the requirements of FAR 8.405-6. The requirement to prepare a written justification IAW FAR 6.303 does not apply to Federal Supply Schedules.

Tyler Kenyon Contracting Officer

PCO

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6#FAR_6_303