SS Justification - Acquisition Support Services.pdf

PIID: 36C250-25-AP-5822

NCO 10 Acquisition Services

Attachment 1: Request for SDVOSB/VOSB Sole Source Justification Format IAW VAAR 819.7008/9

VHAPG Part 819.7008/7009 Sole Source Awards to SDVOSB/VOSB Page 1 of 4 Revision: 04 Effective Date: 11/15/2024

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A) For

Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C250-25-AP-5822

1. Contracting Activity:

The contracting activity for this requirement is the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed:

This justification is in support of a new, single award, firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract for acquisition support services in support of the Network Contracting Office (NCO) for VISN 10.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs:

The acquisition will procure acquisition support services in support of Network Contracting Office (NCO) for VISN 10. The estimated cost of this work is $4,500,000 and will have a period of performance of approximately one year with a six-month extension, if needed.

Base Year $3,000,000.00 Six-Month Ext $1,500,000.00 Estimated Total $4,500,000.00

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition: 41 USC §3304(a)(5), 38 U.S. Code § 8127(c), as implemented by FAR 6.302-5 (Authorized or Required by Statute). COs may use the non-competitive (sole source) procedures authorized in VAAR 819.7008 (DEVIATION) or VAAR 819.7009 (DEVIATION)- up to $5,000,000.

Check the specific VAAR clause used below:

(X) 819.7008 Sole source awards to a verified services disabled veteran-owned small business; or

( ) 819.7009 Sole source awards to a verified veteran-owned small business

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the

Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority):

Effective Date: 11/15/2024

The authority stated in section 4 above allows for a sole source award to a SDVOSB based upon 38 U.S.C. 8127(c). The Arcanum Group, Inc. was selected to receive this award by the Contracting Officer. They were verified with the SBA as an SDVOSB and are highly qualified. This requirement is for acquisition support services that are highly specialized in nature. The contractor selected, The Arcanum Group, Inc., has extensive experience in providing these types of services in support of contracting organizations both within the VA and within other agencies.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies:

A determination that only one SDVOSB can meet the requirement is not required in accordance with VAAR 819.7008. No effort was made to solicit multiple sources as the circumstances surrounding the need date for award of the requirement didn’t allow for the time to do so. The Arcanum Group, Inc., a highly qualified contractor, was immediately solicited upon receipt of the requirement. A notice of intent to sole source was posted to Sam.gov on 9/18/2025.

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and

Reasonable:

The Arcanum Group, Inc. has been awarded multiple contracts for these types of services indicating they have an extensive record of providing fair and reasonable prices to receive awards. Their ratings within the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for cost control also provide a snapshot of fiscal responsibility as the majority of the ratings provided range from satisfactory to exceptional. The quote received is fair and reasonable and the rates were quoted at a significant discount off their GSA schedule pricing.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

Minimal market research was conducted. The CO’s personal knowledge of procuring this type of work along with having discussions with other experienced COs was used to help identify the selected vendor. It is recommended that a sole source award be given to The Arcanum Group, Inc. as they are a verified SBA SDVOSB, the requirement is under $5M, they are responsible and qualified, and it is anticipated that an award can be made at a fair and reasonable price.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition:

None.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

Effective Date: 11/15/2024

None.

11. 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:

VHA PCAC will solicit future projects for the same or similar types of requirements through competitive channels, as appropriate.

12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a Bona Fide Need of the Department of Veterans Affairs and that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Monae D. Heath Date Deputy Director of Contracting Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10

13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP:

a. Contracting Officer Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Mary Jane Crim Date Contracting Officer

Effective Date: 11/15/2024

b. One Level Above the Contracting Officer (Required over SAT but not exceeding $750K): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition

John M. Ryan Date Branch Chief, Service Team 1

Toni Waggoner-Boykin Date Division Chief, General and Healthcare Services

c. Director of Contracting (Required with HCA Approval): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition.

Marie L. Smith Date Director of Contracting

d. VHA RPO HCA Review and Approval: I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and recommend approval (if over $75 million) or approve ($750K to $75 million) for other than full and open competition.

Daryl A. Berg Date Executive Director, RPO Central Head of Contracting Activity