redacted V220T.12 Sole Source Justification-Conflict Mgmt_FINAL-MLM signed.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

VOLPE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS CENTER (VOLPE CENTER)

V-210

SOLE SOURCE OR BRAND NAME SAP JUSTIFICATION

A. Description of Supplies/Services. This requirement is for a Firm Fixed Price Contract to support ten (10) Virtual Conflict Management Training Courses. Building competency in conflict management techniques with a focus on ensuring inclusivity of diverse perspectives so as to better engage in productive conflict resolution is a priority for organizational leadership. The Volpe Center requires these skills be taught to all GS-14 and above professionals including project management as well as formally titled managers, in order to create a commonly understood approach to conflict management and demonstrate consistent expectations around professionally handling workplace conflict. To that end contractor shall provide training to Volpe Center employees at the GS-14 grade level and higher related to conflict resolution and management with a particular focus on promoting principles of diversity/equity/inclusion and empathy/compassion. Funding prohibits programming from exceeding 4 hours of formal learning for the identified population.

B. Market Research. Due to the unique intersection of training needs: a) building skills in conflict management, b) at disparate levels of leadership and seniority, c) with special emphasis on instilling empathetic behaviors, d) in support of increased tolerance of diversity and perspective, the identified vendor JH Miles is considered uniquely qualified to provide the combination of required learning objectives at the required level of learning and within the time parameters.

The technical team reached out to multiple vendors and it was identified that there was only one entity with relevant experience and knowledge that could achieve this efficiently in the existing timeframe. Their specific familiarity and experience include the development of management courses that uniquely improves team cohesion and more effective, lasting collective actions. The vendor additionally specializes in their Trademark Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD).

RSD is designed to help communities and organizations disrupt those patterns to hold open, honest, constructive conversations about potentially divisive topics which will helps in addressing Conflict Management.

C. Supporting Rationale. Complete one of the following three sections and annotate the two non-applicable sections with an “N/A.”

(1) Sole Source: Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

N/A

(2) Brand Name: A specific brand that is available from multiple vendors. N/A

(3) Unusual and Compelling Urgency. In accordance with FAR 6.302-2, this requirement is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the Government would be seriously injured unless the agency is permitted to limit the number of sources. This authority permits limiting the number of sources solicited and to not use full and open competition for this requirement. There is not sufficient time to issue a full and open request for quotation, evaluate and award a negotiated contract in accordance with policy guidelines, and coordinate the scheduling requirements for this requirement. This vendor has unique ability to design, develop, and deliver training to this large a population, so as to maximize learning application, on the four identified priority learning objectives, within the time limits assigned for both learning event and organizational learning completion. The first session will need to begin June 21, 2022 with deliverables reviewed and accepted by May 2022 including course materials, content, etc. An urgent award will need to be placed to ensure the aggressive schedule is met and the contractor, JH Miles, has the ability to support the requirement in the required timeframe.

D. Required Signatures. The following signatures represent concurrence/approval of this justification:

PR Technical Initiator Date PR Technical Initiator’s Supervisor Date

Contracting Officer Date Chief, Contracts Branch (or designee) Date

(Signature required for procurements over $25,000)