Sole Source Justification_signed.pdf

OPOAM 3013.106-1(b)(1) Sole Source Justification (SSJ)

For Simplified Acquisitions over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions (over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the SAT)

SSJ No.: FY20-00106

Date: 04/1/2020 PR Number: RSST-20-00016

1. Nature and/or description of the item/service being procured and anticipated cost:

The Office of Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security has a need to obtain a subscription to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. for access to the Annual Standards database. UL Standards are provided through the company Comm 2000z, Inc. at an estimated cost of $48,000 (one base year plus two one-year option years at $16,000/year). The COR Mr. Kai-Dee Chu is Deputy Director in the Office of Science and Engineering, Systems Engineering and Standards Division. This division is in charge of providing standards for the entirety of DHS, as mandated by OMB Circular 119. These standards are needed, for example, when the Coast Guard wishes to examine the naval equipment of private companies. In these cases, the Coast Guard would look to the Standards Database as a measuring tool. The current subscription to UL Standards expires June 6, 2020.

2. Sole Source Justification Rationale in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii):

__X__Only one source reasonably available.

_________ Urgent and compelling circumstances exists.

_________ Exclusive licensing agreement exists.

_________ Brand name. If the brand name requirement applies to a portion of the procurement, please identify that portion.

_________ Industrial Mobilization _________ Other. Explain:

There are several different standards which DHS/S&T/OSE is required to make accessible to all of DHS. UL standards is one of these, and can most reasonably be obtained through a subscription to Comm 2000.

3. The anticipated price will be determined fair and reasonable based on one or more of the price analysis techniques described below in accordance with FAR Part 13.106-3(a)(2):

__X___ Market Research.

Market research by the Program Office determined that there is another provider, IHS, who can provide all required standards databases to DHS under one subscription, however market research determined that this subscription comes at a premium cost, above what would be paid by going to each standards provider individually. Therefore, DHS determined the most cost efficient method is to solicit solely from Comm 2000.

OPOAM 3013.106-1(b)(1) Sole Source Justification (SSJ)

For Simplified Acquisitions over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) pursuant to FAR 13.106, including Brand Name

Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions (over the micro-purchase threshold and up to the SAT)

____X____ Comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases.

_________ Current price List.

_________ Comparison with similar items in a related industry.

____X___ Comparison to IGCE.

_________ Contracting Officer’s personal knowledge.

_________ Other.

4. Approval:

Shelby Buford, Jr. Date Contracting Officer