Sole Source Justification.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document for a federal contract action issued by the 81st Contracting Squadron in April 2021.

The 81st Training Wing Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) is procuring the LivingWorks safeTALK Training for Trainers (T4T) program, a 2-day (16-hour) suicide prevention certification course to be delivered at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The safeTALK T4T is designed as a Tier 1 entry-level counterpart to the existing Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program, which the 81st Training Wing already has 20 certified instructors for, representing a $320,000 investment. The justification emphasizes that LivingWorks is the sole source provider because it holds exclusive intellectual property and copyright rights to the safeTALK program and related training materials, which can only be delivered directly through LivingWorks or authorized licensees. The safeTALK program uses standardized terminology and protocols compatible with the existing ASIST program already in place, providing continuity and preventing confusion across training tiers. Market research identified three potential competitors (QPR Institute, Forefront Suicide Prevention, and AMSR Training), but only QPR offers an evidence-based alternative; however, QPR uses different terminology and protocols unsuitable for the Air Force's integrated suicide prevention strategy. The contracting officer determined that single-source acquisition is justified under FAR 12.102(a) due to the circumstances requiring this specific program, with plans to post a sources sought notice on IAW DFARS PGI 206.302-1 prior to future solicitations to confirm that sole-source acquisition remains the most appropriate strategy.