S-10000-00018238.pdf

SOLE-SOURCE DETERMINATION MEMO

FOR SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

Date: October 22, 2026 Sole source number: S-10000-00018238 (6344)

To: Kirk N. Rhoades, Designated Procurement Officer ODHS Office of Contracts & Procurement

Requestor: Christine Doody, SNAP E&T Program Manager Agency/division: ODHS - Self Sufficiency, herein after referred to as “Agency” Program/office: OEP/ SNAP Employment and Training Contract specialist:

Russell Brammer

Agency Sole source rule: Sole source authority:

DHS OAR 125-247-0275 DAS Delegation 649-11, as amended

Estimated total contract value: $972,840.00 (Phase 2 funding only)

Description of goods or services: SNAP E&T Data Project, Phase 2 and Phase 3 if Federal funding becomes available.

1. Background: This sole source justification applies to the purchase of:

Continued implementation of the Oregon’s SNAP E&T program’s Success Framework Data Project (the Project); development and refinement of data collection processes and measurement structures; design, enhancement, and launch of dashboards and data tools; expansion and publication of the Data Usage Guide; provider data capacity training; provider and staff research; participant engagement research; and ongoing project coordination, partner engagement, administrative reporting, and evaluation activities.

Sole Source S-10000-00017867 was originally posted for the continuation of this project with Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) as the prospective contractor. SJI has been working on Phase 1 of the Project for three years. After the required notice period, but before the resulting contract was signed, ODHS was informed that SJI was disbanded by its board of directors. The teams responsible for Phase 1 of this project, the SJI Research, Data & Design (RDD) and Consulting teams have transitioned in their entirety to The Back Office Cooperative, a Nonprofit Corporation of Illinois (BOC) as registred with the Oregon Secretary of State. BOC has assumed responsibility for the consulting and research teams formerly associated with the Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI), including their associated contracts, projects, and other professional commitments. BOC will continue the work of SJI, utilizing the same teams of subject matter experts.

The agency is seeking a sole‑source procurement because BOC, after absorbing the team that has been working on phase 1 of this project, is therefore the only provider capable of continuing the highly specialized data, dashboard, research, and measurement work already developed for the Project. Their tools, data structures, and research methods are uniquely integrated into Oregon’s SNAP E&T systems, and replacing them would require significant redevelopment, loss of continuity, and increased cost.

The work also remains part of an experimental Project and relies on proprietary data and processes that only BOC can support. The expected outcome of the experimental Project is a modernized system that resolves the barriers present in the current platform. With improved data extraction and integration, we would be able to operate a more data-informed program that better meets the needs of the people we serve.

This Sole Source Solicitation also applies to a possible phase 3, although Federal funding is only available for phase 2 at this time. The specific nature of the work for Phase 3 may be different than phase 2, but it’s expected that continuity will still be necessary to continue the Project in the most efficient manner possible. The precise nature of Phase 3 will be dependent on a variety of variables that can’t be known at this time including future funding source constraints and the needs of the Project based on the results of phase 2. Phase 3 is expected to align with the federal fiscal year ending September 30, 2029.

2. Prospective contractor/vendor:

Legal entity name:

The Back Office Cooperative, a Nonprofit Corporation of Illinois

Address: 567 W Lake St. Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60661

Contact person: Matthew Weis, President & CEO

Phone: (312) 994-4285

Email: kosborn@seattlejobsinit.com

Protests are due by 3:00 PM within seven calendar days after the first date the notice is posted on OregonBuys. Protests must be sent via mail, fax, email, or hand carried to the following address: Protests via telephone will not be accepted.

Oregon Department of Human Services

Office of Contracts and Procurement

ATTN: Russell Brammer, Procurement and Contract Specialist

Address: 500 Summer Street NE E03, Salem, Oregon 97301

Phone: 503-910-5020 (email preferred) Fax: 503-378-4324

Email: Russell.Brammer@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Agency reserves the right to purchase additional goods and services based on the unanticipated needs of the Project and extend the term of the Project up to an additional 2 years, including a possible Phase 3.

3. Written findings of fact (market research):

The findings below must include factual information supporting the determination that meet the sole source requirement in statute.

Pursuant to ORS 279B.075, Agency must conduct market research that supports the assertion that there is only one source that can provide the goods or services.

Market research includes utilization of the internet, trade journals, agency vendor lists, professional organizations, studies, catalogs/industrial periodicals, vendor sources, yellow pages, etc.

Agency must select at least one of the findings and prepare the determination as it specifically relates to the good or service being procured. More than one finding can be addressed. The findings are as follows:

Pursuant to ORS 279B.075 (2)(b): Provide findings supporting the determination that the goods or services required for the exchange of software or data with other public or private agencies are available from only one source.

BOC is the only provider capable of continuing the highly specialized data, dashboard, research, and measurement work already developed under Phase 1 of the USDA Data Grant. Their tools, data structures, and research methods are uniquely integrated into Oregon’s SNAP E&T systems, and replacing them would require significant redevelopment, loss of continuity, and increased cost.

Pursuant to ORS 279B.075 (2)(c): Provide findings supporting the determination that the goods or services are for use in a pilot or an experimental project.

Oregon’s SNAP E&T Project is an experimental Project and relies on proprietary data and processes that only BOC can support as a direct result of their involvement in Phase 1 of the Project. These factors meet Oregon’s sole-source criteria, including compatibility with existing systems, required data exchange, continuation of pilot work, and unique design considerations. If funding is available it’s expected the Project will continue with phase 3, concluding September 30, 2029.

APPROVED:

By:

Signed by DPO electronically via OregonBuys Kirk N. Rhoades or acting DPO