SEER JOFOC-2021-0011 Redacted.pdf

JOFOC-2021-0011

Revision: A

4. FAR 6.303-2(b)(4) – An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition for acquisitions using the procedures in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.5 –Simplified Procedures is 41 U.S. Code § 1901.

5. FAR 6.303-2(b)(5) – A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

NASA utilizes the SEER by Galorath series estimation and analysis tools to conduct programmatic analysis to inform planning, procurement, and project management functions. These tools enable NASA to define, analyze, and manage software, hardware, and DFM Engineering, Inc. projects from early concepts through upgrade and maintenance phases. SEER by Galorath tools derive cost, schedule and staffing estimates by assessing the interaction and impact of product, organizational and operational variables. The SEER packages utilize a proprietary parametric methodology, coupled with the industry's most comprehensive knowledge bases to create a rapid and powerful view of the critical factors driving program decision and determining success. SEER software provides accuracy and flexibility in incorporating multiple variables, which is not available in any other commercially available software tools.

NASA uses SEER-SEM as a decision-support tool for estimating software development and maintenance cost, labor, staffing, schedule, reliability, and risk as a function of size, technology, and any project management constraints. SEER-SEM has demonstrated to be effective for all types of software projects, from commercial IT business applications to real-time embedded aerospace systems. No other software package delivers the same capability and accuracy for estimating software projects, particularly those of specific interest for NASA. Other commercially available software packages without Galorath’s proprietary knowledge base may have the capability to develop cost estimates using NASA technical inputs; however, those estimates have significantly degraded accuracy and cannot provide cost estimates beneficial to NASA.

The SEER suite has been used by NASA for over 18 years. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Strategic Investments Division (SID), through Agency Programmatic Analysis and Research Capability (APARC) provides cost analysis support tools to the Agency. NASA first began using the SEER-H cost estimating model in the early 1990’s at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Over the next 15 years, the model gained popularity across the NASA cost estimating community. In order to transition to another tool suite, the estimated costs for retraining analysts at all the centers are estimated to be $400k. The basis of this estimate assumes 40 users need 80 hours of training, with a training course cost of $2,000. A tool that provides lower accuracy of estimates and inefficiencies due to its lack of institutional knowledge base will ultimately incur additional costs to the final project.

SEER software provides the flexibility to consider multiple variables and scenarios in regards to cost, schedule, and staffing estimates to assist NASA in programmatic decisions. Galorath Incorporated is the only supplier of SEER series and SEER specific training. An extensive internet search was performed in an effort to identify other sources. Failure to procure this software developed by Galorath will result in significant degradation of NASA’s cost estimating capability, negatively impacting NASA’s programmatic analysis capability and ability to accurately estimate cost and schedule performance.

6. FAR 6.303-2(b)(6) – A description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

A notice of NASA’s intent to issue a sole source award will be posted to the government point of entry (GPE) in accordance with 6.302. This requirement is for the acquisition of a commercial item; therefore, the notice of intent will be issued with a shorter period appropriate for the acquisition. A notice to the GPE sam.gov website will be posted no more than (14) days after award is made, in accordance with FAR Subpart 5.2 –Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions to publicize the Government’s intent to award a sole-source purchase order to Galorath Inc for software maintenance services. The notice will remain active for 30 days.

7. FAR 6.303-2(b)(7) – A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The Government anticipates a fair and reasonable-priced offer from Galorath Inc since this software is offered commercially, NASA has pricing history on the items being renewed, and pricing for this software has historically remained flat. The contracting officer will compare the price offer to prices found reasonable on previous purchases, the commercial list price, the GSA FSS price and the IGE. The contract file will include a statement of price reasonableness based on the comparisons.

8. FAR 6.303-2(b)(8) – Description of the market research conducted, and the results, or a statement of the reasons a market research was not conducted:

Market research determined that the requirement is a commercial item. A distribution network for the software does not exist, and the software is available only through a direct sell from the publisher, Galorath Incorporated. Galorath confirmed via email and attached a sole-source letter to indicate Galorath is the sole provider of SEER Software and SEER Hardware licenses and license maintenance.

Most SEER Software and SEER Hardware products can be acquired through the Galorath GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contract 47QTCA19D00JW; however, one items NASA requires (i.e.

SEER for Electro-Optical Sensors 2.1 (SEER-H™7.1) is not available on the GSA FSS Contract 47QTCA19D00JW. Galorath noted they will include this product on their future FSS Contract.

The NSSC will leverage the open-market Government Point of Entry (GPE) to issue an order for the FY21 renewal with Galorath Incorporated.

9. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9) –Other facts supporting use of other than full and open competition:

Other facts are not applicable to this justification.

10. FAR 6.303-2(b)(10) – A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in writing in the acquisition:

No other firms have expressed interest in writing for this acquisition.

11. FAR 6.303-2(b)(11) – A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

The Agency will continue to examine the market in the future for alternative solutions or new sources before executing any subsequent acquisitions for the same requirements.

Revision: A

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA Shared Services Center

For 80NSSC21Q0088 SEER by Galorath

I certify that the facts presented in this justification are accurate and complete.

Trinity Bharath, Technical Representative

I hereby certify that the above justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Justin Fraser, Lead Contracting Officer

Trinity Bharath Digitally signed by Trinity Bharath Date: 2021.08.25 14:30:42 -04'00'

Justin Fraser

Digitally signed by Justin Fraser Date: 2021.08.25 14:18:35 -05'00'