TAB 08 FAR 13 Single Source or Brand Name Justification Less Than SAT v2.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Limited Source/Brand Name Justification

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – Simplified Acquisitions Control No. (if applicable) ______________________

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

FNS requires contract support to provide expert writing training to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Development Division (PDD). The writing training is centered around the Information Mapping Methodology and plain language. The training will teach staff how to organize and present written information in a way that is structured, useful and effective for the target audience(s) using the Information Mapping Methodology as developed by Robert Horn and owned by Information Mapping, Inc., and plain language concepts established by Plain Language Association International (PLAIN).

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

The writing training is centered around the Information Mapping Methodology and plain language. The training will teach staff how to organize and present written information in a way that is structured, useful and effective for the target audience(s) using the Information Mapping Methodology as developed by Robert Horn and owned by Information Mapping, Inc., and plain language concepts established by Plain Language Association International (PLAIN).

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

The Information Mapping Methodology, manuals, handbooks, and quick reference cards and all derivative works are protected under various Intellectual Property (IP) laws and under copyrighted works. Information Mapping Inc. is the sole source provider of any Information Mapping certification in the United States.

USDA FNS reviewed various writing training and determined that none addressed the underlying issues the same way. This team seeks a Methodology that sets a standard including analyzing the audience and document, organizing information, and presenting it. In addition, USDA APHIS ran two of these trainings in 2021 with positive results.

4. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

The SNAP PDD performed market research by first searching for training on information mapping. This specific methodology, as developed by Robert Horn, was required to fit the training needs of the division. Upon learning that Information Mapping is trademarked and proprietary to Informaton Mapping Inc, sole source was the only option. SNAP PDD looked to see if other vendors could be certified to perform the training, but only Information Mapping Inc is certified to train in this methodology. Information Mapping Inc is a small business.

5. Estimated price, including all options, if applicable.

$46,340

6. Recommended source(s).

Proposed vendor is Information Mapping Inc..

Certifications

Supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel and which form the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Insert Name of Program or Technical Personnel Insert Title of Program/Technical Personnel

The information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), I hereby determine the circumstances described above deem only one source, or limited sources, reasonably available and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated in this document.

Insert Name of Contracting Officer Contracting Officer