W912EF25Q0044 JA Sole Source WOSB_Redacted.pdf

Control Number: 25-0035

Sole Source Justification

Women-Owned Small Business NWW DWA Elevator Maintenance Services

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Directorate of Contracting, Walla Walla District (CECT-NWW)

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, has a hybrid firm-fixed price and time-and-materials, commercial requirement for elevator maintenance services at Dworshak Dam (DWA) located at 1428 Northfork Drive, Ahsahka ID, 83520-0048.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: The Walla Walla District Dworshak Dam requires routine and nonroutine maintenance to elevators at DWA in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as State standards.

4. AUTHORITY CITED:

A. FAR 6.302-5(a) (2) Full and open competition need not be provided for when

(i) A statute expressly authorizes or requires that the acquisition be made through another agency or from a specified source

B. FAR 6.303-1 (a) A contracting officer shall not commence negotiations for a sole source contract, commence negotiations for a contract resulting from an unsolicited proposal, or award any other contract without providing for full and open competition unless the contracting officer-

(1) Justifies, if required in 6.302, the use of such actions in writing;

(2) Certifies the accuracy and completeness of the justification; and

(3) Obtains the approval required by 6.304.

C. FAR 19.1506 (b), (1) where a contracting officer shall consider a contract award to a WOSB concern (including EDWOSB concerns) eligible under the WOSB Program on a sole source basis (see 6.302-5(b)(7)) before considering small business set-asides (see 19.203 and subpart 19.5) provided none of the exclusions at 19.1504 apply and-

(1) The acquisition is assigned a NAICS code in which the Small Business Administration (SBA) has determined that WOSB concerns are substantially underrepresented in Federal procurement.

(2) The contracting officer does not have a reasonable expectation that offers would be received from two or more WOSB concerns (including EDWOSB concerns); and

(3) The conditions in paragraph (c) of this section exist.

(c) (1) The anticipated award price of the contract, including options, will not exceed-

(i) $6.5 million for a requirement within the NAICS codes for manufacturing; or

(ii) $4 million for a requirement within any other NAICS codes.

(2) The EDWOSB concern or WOSB concern has been determined to be a responsible contractor with respect to performance.

(3) The award can be made at a fair and reasonable price

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED:

Background: On March 11, 2025, the Government hosted an Elevator Industry Day to aid in market research and develop an acquisition strategy. Following the event, the Government identified five businesses with potential interest, but determined that only four were fully capable of providing the required services. Of those four capable businesses, only two were classified as small businesses. Further evaluation revealed that only one of these two small e.

Additional market research, including data from previous contracts particularly Contract No.

W912EF25C0003 for Headquarters elevator maintenance services (solicited under FAR 19.502-2(a) Total Small Business Set-Asides) along with previous purchase history and the aforementioned market research, led the Contracting Officer to determine there is not a reasonable expectation of receiving offers from two or more Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) as required by FAR 19.1506(b)(2).

Therefore, the Government plans to solicit the contract and utilize a sole-source approach with Vertical Options, in accordance with FAR 19.1506.

Justification: Full and open competition need not be provided when a statute expressly authorizes the acquisition to be made from a specified source, such as a sole source award under the WOSB Program (FAR 6.302-5; FAR 19.1506). FAR 19.1506(b)(1) states the Government SHALL consider an award to a WOSB on a sole source basis before considering a total small business set aside.

The Government has confidence in Vertical Options, currently serving as the elevator contractor for four of the seven projects and the District headquarters building within the Walla Walla District. Vertical Options has demonstrated responsibility, maintains an active status in the System for Award Management (SAM), has no current exclusions, and operates within NAICS code 561210 Facilities Support Services which the Small Business Administration (SBA) has determined to be substantially underrepresented (see market research report).

a. Impact: Dworshak Dam requires elevator maintenance services to remain compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Without monthly routine maintenance the elevators pose a safety risk to employees. Additionally, elevator failures could disrupt normal operations at Dworshak Dam, potentially impacting critical functions and project timelines. If the Government does not sole source to Vertical Options the Government would need to find an alternate servicer, which would take longer and may be more expensive.

b. Alternatives: As outlined in the Justification, the Government shall consider a WOSB set aside before a total small business set aside as long as the conditions IAW FAR 19.1506(b) have been met.

Had those conditions not been met, the acquisition would have been solicited under FAR 19.502-2(a) using a total small business set-aside or, alternatively, through full and open

Reviewed for legal sufficiency: Michaela M. Murdock Title: Deputy District Counsel Signature: __________________