Sole Source Justification Letter C Ben - signed.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND

20 February 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR 82 CONS/PKA

FROM: 363 TRS/TRR

SUBJECT: Sole Source Requirements Justification

1. Description of the Supplies/Services: The 363 TRS/TRR is requesting the purchase of a Competency-Based Education Curriculum Workshop series to train and advise the training development element on competency-based training development. In addition, the workshop will allow 363 TRS/TRR access to C-BEN's proprietary quality framework and expertise to accelerate the development, implementation, and quality of mandated competency-based training. The services provided by C-BEN include interviews with key stakeholders, a review of occupational competencies established in the Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP) with written feedback, and four virtual workshops with curriculum developers, which include 8 hours of coaching/consulting, review of documents and curriculum material at significant milestones of development.

2. Efforts to Obtain Competition: C-BEN is the only organization found during market research that specializes solely in converting traditional knowledge/skills-based curricula to competency-based curricula. In addition, C-BEN is the creator of the Quality Framework for Competency-Based Education Programs. The Quality Framework is the copyrighted intellectual property of C-BEN which prohibits this program framework from being delivered by any other company or organization.

3. Market Research: This sole source request is for services required to provide initial training only to the training development element to guide personnel through the use of the quality framework model for Competency-Based Education Programs.

4. Other Factors: Opting for a Sole Source provider with specialized expertise in competency-based curriculum design accelerates the implementation process. Such providers have over 10 years of first-hand experience in dealing with common challenges and pitfalls associated with competency-based curriculum initiatives. This expertise allows for the rapid development and rollout of competency-based education frameworks, significantly reducing the time required for planning and execution. A Sole Source provider with a comprehensive understanding of competency-based development principles ensures that every aspect of the program, from curriculum design to assessment methods, meets the highest standards of quality and efficacy.

5. A Statement Of The Actions, If Any, The Agency May Take To Remove Or Overcome Any Barriers To Competition Before Making Subsequent Acquisitions For The Supplies Or Services Required. Time is an additional constraint that must be considered. The 2AF has mandated that all course development convert to occupational competencies by the end of FY25 (Fiscal Year 2025). As part of this mandate, 363 TRS has been tasked with converting twelve courses to the competency-based model. Therefore, expeditiously receiving training, and guidance on the proprietary quality framework is key to ensuring that 363 TRS can successfully meet the requirements of the mandate and continue to provide high-quality education and training to learners.

KEVIN M. HUWEL, Maj, USAF Commander, 363d Training Squadron

1st Ind, 82 CONS/PKA

The above justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer

2d Ind, 82 CONS/PKA

Approved/Disapproved

Chief

1400900228C Cross-Out