SSJ - Redacted_Redacted.pdf

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 2 of 4 Revision: 05 Effective Date: 12/15/2025

The authority cited above on item 4 allows sole source awards to SDVOSB based on 38 U.S.C.

8127(c) and the SDVOSB concern has been determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance. This justification and approval is documented in compliance with RFO 6.104-1. The proposed SDVOSB vendors meet the eligibility requirement as set forth in VAAR 819.7003.

The Commonwealth of PR requires Companies in the Security Business to possess a Private Detective License issued by the PR Police Department in order to practice such business. An official list of authorized Security companies to practice was obtained from the PR Police Department in order to corroborate whether or not SDVOSB companies registered and certified/verified as SDVOSB with SBA under NAICS 561612 complied with Law 108, titled: "Ley de Detectives Privados de 1965".

Only one SDVOSB Company was found in both searches. The company also possesses the necessary license to perform security services in the US Virgin Islands. One Corps, Inc is the one source with the required equipment, resources, capability, and competency to provide the services effective May 1, 2026, without delays or interruption of services.

One Corps, Inc. possesses a thorough understanding of the unarmed security guard services needed and is already providing the services. Employees are fully trained in the hospital environment. The contractor has full knowledge of the Federal, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands laws and regulations governing the security industry. Additionally, they have the personnel resources, equipment capabilities, and experience to perform the work according to VA’s requirements immediately and have been providing the services without incident. Past Performance for this vendor during normal and emergency operations (i.e. hurricanes, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic) has been verified, and it is outstanding. One Corps Inc is a responsible Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Company that can meet mission needs in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

The VACHS has an unusual and compelling need for these services, and a failure to obtain such services on time will compromise the continuity of a critical service, placing the facility's overall security at risk. Furthermore, non-compliance with Physical Security guidelines and policies could compromise the safety of the patients, employees, and visitors, as well as the safekeeping of government property.

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 RFO 6.301 and, if not, which exemption under RFO 5.101(b)(1) applies: Market research was conducted in SBA Small Business Search Tool (SBS). In addition, the official PR Police Department list of authorized Security Companies that comply with the requirements of PR law 108 was searched to identify capable contractors authorized to practice such business in Puerto Rico. Justification will be posted IAW 6.301(b).

Results revealed that only (1) company possesses the required license. Because the facility cannot continue to operate without these services, these services are an emergency, and the resulting award shall be considered as a Bridge Contract, which will allow sufficient time for the Unarmed Security Guard Services Long-Term contract to be awarded on a competitive basis.

The contracting officer’s determination to make a sole source award is a business decision wholly within the discretion of the contracting officer. This authority is being used judiciously and only because it is in the best interest of the Government.

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 3 of 4 Revision: 05 Effective Date: 12/15/2025

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The anticipated for a four (4) months period of services. The price estimated was developed based on the current Department of Labor (DOL) Wage Determination salary for this job category and applicable fringe benefits rates. In addition to IGE, the CO will determine price reasonableness by comparing with awarded contracts for similar services, and historical prices, among other available procedures.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons

Market Research Was Not Conducted: Results of market research conducted pursuant to RFO Part 10, VAAR Part 810 and VHAPG Part 810.001 The vendor met the eligibility criteria outlined in VAAR 819.7003(DEVIATION), they are certified in SBA SBS as an SDVOSB concern, and the action is below the $5M threshold. As described in paragraph 6 above, due to the urgency of this requirement, market research was limited to SBA SBS database and the PR police Department list of authorized companies. A bridge contract with the incumbent contractor is being proposed as a stopgap measure until a new competitive follow-on contract is awarded.

Also, the incumbent contractor is an SDVOSB, per PPM 2016-05, Implementation of the Veterans First Contracting Program, and as authorized in VAAR 819.7008 Sole Source Awards to Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, non-competitive (sole source) procedures up to $5,000,000 are appropriate, subject to review and approval of the designated procurement official as per VA Policy and procedures in conjunction with RFO. The proposed Vendor was verified in the SDVOSB/VOSB Sole Source Award Dashboard to determine whether it had received sole-source awards and whether the aggregated amount added up to or would add up to $5M. Results revealed that no previous awards have been made to the company on a sole-source basis.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: No, as per authority and discretion provided IAW 28 USC 8127(c). As stated in previous sections, to allow for the competitive solicitation and award of the long-term Unarmed Security Guard Services contract and the transition from the current to the new contractor, a short-term bridge contract must be awarded.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: The current vendor for these services at the facility, One Corps Inc.

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: This is for a short-term bridge contract, which will allow sufficient time for a long-term competitive follow-on contract to be awarded. This bridge contract avoids interruption of unarmed security guard services; it is in the best interest of the Government to award a contract to the incumbent One Corps, Inc., while the long-term process is finalized.