SoleSourceJustification.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: 1202SA26Q9700

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) part 12, 13.106-1(b)(1), the following documents the decision to restrict competition for this acquisition.

(1) Mission Area and Contracting Activity.

Requisition Number: 1171345

Requesting Activity Agency: United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS), Fire and Aviation Management (FAM); National Wildfire Prevention Program

Contracting Activity: National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), Incident Procurement Operations, Aviation Branch

(2) Estimated Value

Less than Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), which is $350,000.

(3) Brief Description of Supplies or Services

The USDA Forest Service requires commercial wildfire prevention outreach and public education services utilizing officially authorized Smokey Bear inflatable imagery.

Required services include:

Static and aerial Smokey Bear inflatable displays Wildfire prevention educational outreach Participation in public events, fairs, festivals, and prevention campaigns Transportation and logistics support Operation of inflatable imagery from ground level up to 3,000 feet AGL Maintenance, insurance, fuel, and operational crew support services

The requirement supports the Forest Service wildfire prevention mission through highly visible public engagement and educational outreach intended to reduce wildfires.

The Government intends to establish a Firm-Fixed Price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for recurring commercial services requirements over a five-year ordering period

A. Suggested Source Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon 9010 Cordova Ave NE Unique Entity ID (UEI): CDSLKKTGRFC1

(4) Justification for Restricting Competition and the Basis for that Decision.

A. Explain the unique qualifications/characteristics of the proposed contractor or product and why no other contractor or product/service can meet the Government's need.

Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: 1202SA26Q9700

The Smokey Bear image and likeness is protected by Congressional and traditional trademark, licensing, and authorized-use restrictions.

The Government requires officially licensed Smokey Bear imagery to ensure consistency with national wildfire prevention messaging, protection of Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) Program brand integrity, continuity of public outreach initiatives, and compliance with authorized Smokey Bear usage requirements.

Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon possesses authorized rights to utilize Smokey Bear imagery and owns specialized Smokey Bear inflatable outreach assets capable of supportigng aerial and static wildfire prevention outreach operations nationwide.

The contractor provides integrated support services including:

Wildfire prevention public engagement Transportion and logistics Balloon operations Maintenance Operational crews and Event support services

Market reseach confirmed that no other identified source possesses both: 1) authorized Smokey Bear imagery usage rights; and 2) operational capability necessary to conduct aerial Smokey Bear outreach services.

Alternative balloon vendors identified during market research do not provide services utilizing authorized Smokey Bear imagery and therefore cannot satisfy the Government minimu requirements.

Substitution with alternate imagery or non-authorized providers would fail to satisfy agency mission requirements associated with official Smokey Bear wildfire prevention outreach.

B. Describe market research conducted and the results or the reason why no market research was conducted.

Market research included a review of:

System for Award Management (SAM) Small Business Administration (SBA) Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) General Service Administration (GSA) resources USDA acquisition resources Prior procurement history and Internet research involving aerial display and balloon outreach vendors

The Government evaluated several aerial display and balloon vendors including Firebird Balloons; Four Corners Balloon Rides; Reach for the Stars Hot Air Balloon Foundation; and Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon.

Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Identification Number: 1202SA26Q9700

Research confirmed that alternative vendors do not provide services utilizing officially authorized Smokey Bear imagery.

Further market research confirmed that Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon is the only identified source possessing authorized Smokey Bear imagery usage rights; specialized Smokey Bear inflatable outreach assets; and operational capability necessary to conduct aerial and static wildfire prevention outreach services.

Research confirmed that the required services constitute commercial services pursuant to FAR Part 12 and 13.

Certifications & Approvals

(5) Technical / Requirements Personnel Certification I certify this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which forms a basis for this justification, is complete and accurate.

ELIZABETH BUNZENDAHL

National Wildfire Prevention Project Manager

(6) Contracting Officer’s Certification I certify that the data supporting the recommended use of other than full and open competition accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby approve this justification.

AMELIA VELASCO

Contracting Officer avelasco Rectangle