J&A-UMBRA_Redacted.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Contracting Activity: US Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, Rock Island, Illinois

Description of Action: This requirement will result in a firm fixed priced contract with The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) of St. Paul, MN. Award is anticipated in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 This requirement does include options and an acquisition plan is not required as the requirement does not meet the dollar threshold.

Description of Supplies/Services: Coordination meetings in compliance with the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, as amended by the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, which requires the US Army Corps of Engineers to consult with the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, and the Department of the Interior regarding implementation of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Authorization

Authority Cited: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(5) or 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(5) as implemented by FAR 6.302- 5, Authorized or Required by Statue.

Reason for Authority Cited: The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) provides guidance to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the implementation and administration of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Authorization (UMRA) formerly referred to as the Environmental Management Program. UMBRA acts as a liaison between five

(5) states (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Minnesota), five (5) federal agencies, and the general public.

The Upper Mississippi River System is defined as “river reaches having commercial navigation channels on the Mississippi River main stem north of Cairo, Illinois; the Minnesota River, Minnesota; Black River, Wisconsin; Saint Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin; Illinois River and Waterway, Illinois; and Kaskaskia River, Illinois.” The comprehensive master plan for the management of the Upper Mississippi River System, dated January 1, 1982, prepared by the Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission and submitted to Congress pursuant to Public Law 95-502; authorizes agencies to enter into cooperative agreements with the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association to promote and facilitate active State Government participation in the river system management, development, and protection.

The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association is defined as an association of the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, formed for the purposes of a cooperative effort and united assistance in the comprehensive planning of the Upper Mississippi River System. Public Law 95-502; allows for the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association to enter into interagency agreement with the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the direct participation of, and transfer of funds to, the Fish and Wildlife Service and any other agency or bureau of the Department of the Interior for the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of such programs.

The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association provides a historical and current regional perspective on the Upper Mississippi River System. This allows for easy coordination and information management to ensure cost effective agency and public input to the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding this Program. In this role, the UMRBA coordinates agenda topics with the Corps, other Federal agencies and the States; researches agenda topics, provides agenda items and read-ahead information to the partners so everyone is better prepared to understand and discuss the topics; captures meeting minutes that have become a historical references of the program.

UMBRA is a nationally recognized advocate for environmental issues. As evidenced by decades of river, watershed, and species knowledge and research they bring unique and vast technical expertise. As a liaison, UMRBA sifts through issues, and identifies problems in an objective manner.

Efforts to Obtain Competition: The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association is the only agency that meets the coordination requirements of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Authorization, Section 1103(d)(I)(2) and is able to provide the required staff support and meeting preparations.

In addition, the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association has coordinated this effort since 1992 under the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Authorization P.L. 99-662.

Market Research: No market research is applicable to this requirement as the utilization of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association is mandated by Congress in accordance with the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Authorization, section 1103 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986.

Requirement Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Fair and Reasonable Price Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated price for the contract action will be fair and reasonable based on previous procurements in accordance with FAR 15 procedures.

Contracting Officer’s Approval: I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Based on the foregoing, I approve this sole source justification subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.