single_source_justification Tier 3 Support Signed.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

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Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: 21 CONS/PKB

Project/Program Name: Tier 3 Support

Purchase Request / Local ID Number: F3LNHA4352AC01

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $248,891.67

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The government seeks to prolong the duration through the modification of existing contract FA2517-24-P-0018, a Firm-Fixed Price contract for Tier Three Level Support Maintenance, by utilizing FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services using 3400 funds.

Specifically, the government aims to extend services for an additional six (6) months while the requirement is being solicited.

FAR 52.217-8 was not incorporated in both the solicitation and subsequent contract award. FAR 17.207(f). According to this regulation, before exercising an option, the Contracting Officer must ensure that the option was adequately evaluated at the time of award. If the option was neither priced nor evaluated before the award, the Contracting Officer is obligated to prepare a Justification and Approval to justify the exercise. Consequently, this justification document elucidates the reasons behind exercising the unprocessed FAR 52.217-8 clause and demonstrates that such an action is in the best interest of the government.

The contract under consideration for extension pertains to include management and labor necessary for maintenance and support for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) (N&NC) Video Telecommunications (VTC) and Video Distribution System (VDS) at Peterson Space Force Base (PSFB) and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (CMSFS), Colorado Springs, Colorado.

N&NC VTC and VDS are two independent systems with approved interconnections. VTC is the voice, video and Audio-conferencing capability for the headquarters located in conference rooms and selected leadership offices, along with some Desktop VTC (DVTC) capabilities. It provides classified conferencing capabilities; both internal and external. The system consists of cameras, microphones, codes (device for encoding/decoding and compressing data), software, network connections, management hubs, display monitors, and additional components required to provide robust conferencing capabilities. Video Distribution Systems provide the capability to display various mission and business systems within and between numerous work centers, authorized/approved offices, remote locations, and General Officer/Flag Officer (GO/FO) quarters. Video Telecommunication sources can be displayed and distributed in approved locations. Video Distribution Systems consist of wall displays (Knowledge Walls), matrix switches, transmitters, receivers, encoders/decoders, authorized networks/systems, software, management, and control systems. The VDS has multiple sub-systems that provide distribution to varied audiences and may consist of matrix switching or IP network-based distribution. This includes interfacing with other external VDS systems to provide extended capabilities. Tier Three Level Support Maintenance will require Original Equipment Manufacturer software updates, upgrades, patches, and technical support via approved communications.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

The purpose of FAR 52.217-8, which is designed to extend contracts for up to six months, if necessary, in the most economical and efficient manner. The condition is that all other interested parties must have had a fair opportunity to bid and be evaluated for the initial award.

In response to this requirement, the contract in question was competitively solicited through SAM.gov, providing fair opportunity to all eligible vendors. Despite the exclusion of FAR 52.217-8 in the solicitation without pre-pricing and evaluation, interested parties could reasonably anticipate, through logical reasoning, the potential need for a contract extension of up to six months.

Moreover, exercising the -8 option provides substantial relief to administrative and turnover burdens. The contractor, having

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 2 of 2April 2021 CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION Page 2 of 2 successfully performed this contract for the past year, possesses familiarity with the system, as well as the necessary personnel and materials in place for continued service. Consequently, it is most practical for them to continue service until the government can re-compete the requirement under fair opportunity. Failure to exercise this option risks a lapse in service, exposing the government to the degradation of these critical systems. Considering these factors, the aforementioned authority grants approval to exercise the option, deeming it in the best interest of the government.

In accordance with regulatory guidance, the extension of FAR 52.217-8 will adhere to the continuation of the pricing structure established during the last contract year, the prices from that period will be extended for a duration of up to six months. The sole exceptions to this extension pricing are mandatory changes, such as regulatory adjustments or alterations to the applicable wage determination. In the event of such changes, the government will adhere to proper regulatory procedures and issue a modification accordingly.

It is essential to note that pricing was thoroughly evaluated and deemed fair and reasonable at the time of award. With this knowledge and understanding, the extension of FAR 52.217-8 utilizing the same pricing structure will likewise be considered fair and reasonable. This approach ensures consistency and compliance with regulatory guidelines while maintaining a fair and justifiable pricing framework for the contract extension.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Contract FA2517-24-P-0018 was competitively solicited through SAM.gov, providing fair opportunity to all eligible vendors.

Despite the exclusion of FAR 52.217-8 in the solicitation without pre-pricing and evaluation. The follow on Contract will be competitively solicited through SAM.gov and will include FAR 52.217-8

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

21 CONS will utilize Market Research to mitigating the need for extensions under the -8 clause in the future.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

07-Feb-2025

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

STEPHEN J CARR GS 11

Signature of Contracting Officer

April 2021 Page of Section A: General Contract Information Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan?

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

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