SS Justification MPT-SAT_36C24424P0968.docx

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C244-24-AP-4874

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 04, Regional Procurement Office-East (RPOE), Network Contracting Office (NCO 4) provides contracting support for Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN 04), 1010 Delafield Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

Location of service: VA Philadelphia Healthcare System located at 3900 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4551.

Purchase Request: 642-24-4-202-0135

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: Vendor shall provide individual Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) personnel dosimeters for all Occupationally Exposed Workers (OEW) at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (CMJCVAMC).

In compliance with the regulatory requirement to manage and measure employee radiation exposures, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (CMCVAMC) instituted and enforces their “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) program. This policy stipulates that all staff working with and around radiation sources (radioactive material or radiation producing equipment) who may receive 10% or more of the annual regulatory exposure limits during their employment shall be issued a radiation dosimeter. Dosimeters are also used as area radiation monitors. Dosimeter measurement information assists with managing and tracking exposures received by individual employee and visitors.

The regulatory requirements for an ALARA program and dosimeters are enforced by OSHA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, State Agency that regulates x-ray equipment and radioactive materials, as well as the VA National Health Physics Program.

Dosimeter measurement records are inspected by these agencies and are required to be maintained as long as the hospital uses radioactive materials and/or radiation producing equipment.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:

Pursuant to 38 U.S.C 8127(b), COs may use other than full and open competition when awarding to SDVOSB and VOSB firms for procurements under the SAT.

The CMJCVAMC facility submitted an emergency request for the procurement of Dosimetry Services. The prior contract with Vendor, Aquila, chose not to continue their contract with GSA ending on 30 September 2024. In order for the radiology department maintain their services and abide by OSHA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulations, the dosimeter are a mandatory requirement for the facility. Without these, not only the health and safety of employees would be in jeopardy, but this would also delay the treatment provided to our Veterans. It is critical that services for this requirement are continued without break in service.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

The Government has conducted market research

A recent procurement for the Butler VAMC market research was awarded to an SDVOSB for this same service. That market research was also used for this procurement. An email requesting information was sent to multiple vendors for the Butler VAMC, but only two responses were received. Likewise, two responses were received from the solicitation that was issued on 8/14/2024. From the Solicitation, only one was considered responsive. A VetCert verified SDVOSB, A-Bear Consult, LLC, was found to be fair and reasonable and the best value for the Government.

The Contracting Officer's determination to make a sole source award is a business decision wholly within the discretion of the contracting officer. In this case, due to the emergency request and limitation on time, it was in the best interest of the Government to process this requirement as a sole source award to A-Bear Consult.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

The Philadelphia VAMC is recommending an award to A-Bear Consult, LLC utilizing VAAR 819.7008 to single source directly to an SDVOSB based on 38 U.S.C. 8127(b). The SDVOSB concern has been determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance. Additionally, the Contracting Officer will ensure the business meets eligibility requirements in 819.7003 prior to award.