Redacted SSJ.pdf

This is a Justification for Sole Source Procurement document from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for a contract under $350,000.

The procurement is for comprehensive grant management training courses intended for CDC Office of Grants Services staff. The courses are designed to provide in-depth review of 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and information regarding federal assistance program authorities. Training should cover all phases of the grants management process from pre-award to post-award closeout and identify responsible parties throughout the process. The proposed vendor is Management Concepts Inc., and the requirement is not on the GSA Schedule. The Contracting Officer is Emilo Cibula, with the Office of Grants Services as the Program Office. CDC's Office of Financial Resources and Office of Acquisition Services are identified as the Contracting Activity.

The justification for sole source procurement is based on GSAM 538.7104-3, specifically that only one source is reasonably capable of providing the required products and services at the level of quality required because the products and services are unique or highly specialized. Market research via internet and catalog search identified Management Concepts Inc. as the only provider offering a comprehensive curriculum covering all federal grants management phases, including specialized HHS-specific regulations, a Certificate of Accomplishment in Grants Management, Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) delivery, and proven ability to manage attendance, administer evaluations, and issue certificates within two weeks of course completion to meet CDC operational requirements. Alternative vendors lacked necessary depth, specificity, HHS-specific content, or timely certificate issuance capability.