Single_Source_Justification_for_Yaquina_Bay.pdf

J&A Log Control No: NWP-17-022

DETERMINATION AND FINDINGS

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION

YAQUINA SOUTH JETTY DUNE MODIFICATION PLAN

PORTLAND DISTRICT, U.S.ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

FINDINGS

1. Description of Action:

This action will be a firm fixed-price purchase order with Oregon State University (OSU) to provide support to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District (NWP) Operations Division during the planning phase of Yaquina South Jetty Dune Modification.

2. Description of Services:

The purpose of this contract is for OSU support to the USACE Operations Division, to include:

(1) Beachface and dune data collection (topographic) (2) Dune modification design (3) Pre/Post monitoring of the area to assess the effectiveness of the constructed dune modification (4) Synthesize data collected since 2014 and compile into a final report (5) Participate in construction coordination meetings; and (6) Attend shop/site visits. Total purchase order period of performance will be two years; one base year and one additional year included as an option to be exercised if it is determined to be needed. Total estimated value of this action is approximately $125,000.

3. Background:

This requirement is to complete work begun under an Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement (IPA) that was in place from 2014 - 2016 with OSU. It is not possible to continue with the IPA for legal and administrative reasons and it has been determined that this work must be completed with a procurement contract. The work under the IPA is not complete and this new follow-on effort is intended to result in the delivery of design and plan reports for the entire evaluation.

OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences is uniquely qualified to complete this specific work. They are among the leading experts in coastal morphology and nearshore processes that are specific to the project location.

4. Authority Cited:

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) Soliciting from a single source

5. Reason for the Authority Cited:

This action is to design and monitor a proposed dune modification that will reduce Aeolian transport of sediment from the beach into the Federal Navigation Channel. The design will also reduce the accumulation of sediment on to the South Jetty, which has posed a threat to public safety. Since OSU was the investigator on this project until the IPA was ended and have worked extensively on projects located on the Pacific Northwest Coast, they can provide these services without having to duplicate prior efforts and have all the requisite background knowledge to complete the task. OSU would provide a higher level of efficiency at a better economic cost since they already have intimate knowledge and invested years of work on the project.

If another entity was to attempt to continue this work they would need to consolidate two previous years' worth of data that OSU has collected. They would need to continue collection and monitoring of the area in the exact same manner as previous years for consistency and data integrity which would pose a significant challenge. The lead researcher has very specific unique knowledge of the Oregon coast, the processes that affect Aeolian transport, and specific knowledge of the south jetty area of Newport. OSU is already familiar with the data and trends occurring at the South jetty. If another organization were to take over mid-project, there would likely be a 3-4 month or greater delay as information and knowledge is transferred from OSU and USACE to a new provider who will then experience a learning curve as they come to understand the current status of the project. This would result in duplication of costs and levels of effort to the Government that would not be recovered through competition.

USACE and OSU have been meeting with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and the City of Newport for 3 years, coordinating and compromising on a path forward to address concerns at the South Jetty. If another entity was involved further challenges would likely arise. Additional resources would be necessary to educate and familiarize them on how the project has progressed to its current state. Coordination with the State of Oregon and local interests would be a huge challenge due to restarting and rebuilding the working relationships and trust that have already been established between each of the parties involved over the years. USACE would also have to rebuild trust with those involved if a new entity was to replace OSU since the lead researcher is highly respected by the State and local interests due to his expert knowledge of the area and coastal processes. The State is willing to work with USACE because USACE is working with OSU, specifically the lead researcher. If another organization was to replace OSU USACE could potentially lose that trust and not be able to implement any efforts to stabilize sand on the South Jetty. This would cause substantial delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements.

6. Market Research:

An internet search and canvasing of the market showed that there are other commercial and state education entities qualified to perform this activity, however for the reasons cited in paragraph 5 it is not advisable or in the best interests of the Government to compete or set aside the requirement at this time. If there is a continued need for this requirement, additional market research should include the possibility of participation by small and/or small disadvantaged businesses.

DETERMINATION

Based upon the foregoing justification, I hereby determine that award of a firm-fixed price, single source purchase order to OSU for the Yaquina South Jetty Dune Modification requirement is appropriate and in the best interest of the U.S. Government and USACE.

ANNA G. PEINE

Contracting Officer