Sole Source Justification_OAPA_Planners Network Meetings_executed.pdf

Sole-Source Justification

SUBJECT: Approval of Sole-Source Justification for “Oregon Planners Network Meetings” For “Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development”

ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE OF CONTRACT: $96,000

Request Approve request to execute a sole-source contract with the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association for contract services. This sole source is requested under the authority of ORS 279B.075 and OAR 137-047-0275. This request is intended to cover the 2025-2027 biennium, as well as the 2027-2029 biennium, and the 2029-2031 biennium.

Background

The Department of Land Conservation and Development initiated the Oregon Planners Network in conjunction with the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association to provide education and networking opportunities for professional planners in Oregon and local government planning commissioners and elected officials. While there have been interruptions in the program since its inception in 2014 due to external events such as COVID and department budget issues, the program has operated continuously as a joint effort between Oregon’s statewide planning agency (DLCD) and Oregon’s recognized association for professional planners in this state.

Market Research Overall Finding: (The State Agency must address the market research conducted that demonstrates there is only one source that can provide the goods or services. This would include research of the internet, trade journals, agency vendor lists, professional organizations, studies, catalogs/industrial periodicals, vendor sources, yellow pages, etc.)

The American Planning Association, through its national organization and 50 state chapters, is the sole recognized professional association in the United States and Oregon for the planning profession. Research on the internet, and ongoing knowledge and experience of DLCD staff, indicates that there is no rival or comparable professional association in the United States and Oregon for the planning profession. The Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association is the only known organization in this state that broadly represents professional planners and the planning profession in Oregon. The OAPA website provides more information:

https://oregon.planning.org/.

Justification

(ORS 279B.075 provides examples of findings that should be addressed. The State Agency should select and prepare the determination as it specifically relates to the goods or services being procured. More than one finding can be addressed. The findings are as follows):

Pursuant to ORS 279B.075 (2)(a): Provide findings supporting your determination that the efficient utilization of existing goods requires the acquisition of compatible goods or services from only one source.

The Planners Network program includes two sub-components:

1. Professional training in complex subjects for professional planners throughout the state of Oregon. The Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association is the only known and recognized association for professional planners in Oregon, and is affiliated with the American Planning Association, which has chapters in 50 states.

2. Training in planning basics for local government planning commissioners and elected officials. While this segment of the program could be provided by other vendors, these vendors; a) cannot provide the professional training in complex subjects for professional planners described in 1. above; and b) are limited to some local governments, not all – for example, the League of Oregon Cities provides training only to city officials, while the Association of Oregon Counties provides training only to county officials. Additionally, a combined program allows cross-participation by planning commissioners/elected officials in the professional planning segment of the program and cross-participation by professional planners in the planning basics segment of the program.

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

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

OR

Pursuant to ORS 279B.075 (2)(d): Any other findings that support the conclusion that the goods or services are available from only one source.

None.

Signature:

Tabatha Knight, Designated Procurement Officer

DOJ Review by Sara Urch, Senior Assistant Attorney General, via email dated August 11, 2025.

Tabatha Knight (Aug 12, 2025 16:48:29 PDT) Tabatha Knight