WFG10017 - JOFOC - UNSIGNED - SOLE SOURCE MEMO - SCS.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Part 6.302-l(a)(l), 6.302-l (a) (2), and the Bureau of Prisons Acquisition Policy, Subpart, 6.304(a), the Federal Bureau of Prisons has determined the use of Other Than Full and Open Competitive procedures is justified for this procurement action in accordance with FAR Subpart 6.3.3-2 (Content).

1. Agency:

Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Yazoo City) Yazoo City, Mississippi 39194

2. Nature and/or Description of Action Being Taken:

FCC Yazoo City' s Education Department has a requirement for Certified Logistics Technician (CL T) Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams, Certified Logistics Assistant (CLA) Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams, and Individual Exam Registration for each inmate student for their FSA Logistics Program under the First Step Act Programing.

Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is the sole source provider and supplier of these Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams. MSSC is the sole source supplier of the CLT and CLA exam certifications. These Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams are tailored to the content that FCC Yazoo City's Education Department will be teaching. These assessments/exams have been recommended by the Regional Education Branch as the approved exams to be utilized for the FSA Logistics Program. MSSC' s CL T Assessments and CLA Assessments are designed for testing purposes to prepare inmates on how to become Certified Production Technicians and Certified Logistics Technicians after being released when returning to the community to find jobs. It has been determined that this type of procurement is available from only, one responsible source.

MSSC is the only authorized, approved source for this requirement.

3. Description of supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs:

CL T Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams; CLA Paper/Pen Assessments I Exams; and Individual Exam Registration for each inmate student for Education's FSA Logistics Program under the First Step Act Programing. - Total Amount $28,030.00

This sole source provider has the CL T Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams; CLA Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams; and Individual Exam Registration designed to test and prepare inmates on how to become Certified Production Technicians and Certified Logistics Technicians after being released when returning to the community to find jobs.

4. Statutory Authority permitting other than full and open competition:

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1) OR 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ( I) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

5. Determination that the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

The Supervisory of Education (SOE) has determined that MSSC is the only responsible source that can meet the needs of the agency and provide inmates with the competency to test and become Certified Production Technicians and Certified Logistics Technicians after being released from prison. Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is the sole source provider and supplier of these Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams. MSSC offers the required testing for achievement, aptitude, and other measures. It is in the best interest of the government to procure this requirement from MSSC. In an effort to maintain the integrity of the equipment and preclude the institution from experiencing unauthorized and non-responsible vendors, it is determined that MSSC is the only responsible source that can satisfy the agency's requirement, provide approved products and services within the agency's local geographical area, and accommodate the needs of the institution/complex in a timely and reasonable manner.

6. Efforts made to solicit from as many potential sources as practical, including whether a notice was or will be publicized:

A search was conducted on GSA Schedule E-Library and the internet. However, MSSC is the only sole source supplier for the required Paper/Pen Assessments I Exams that will be utilized in the Education department at FCC Yazoo City. Other vendor products did not meet the requirements and/or approval of the Education Department.

The Regional Education Branch has approved these Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams to be utilized for the FSA Logistics Program under the First Step Act Programing.

7. Contracting Officer Determination that the cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The contracting officer determined that the anticipated cost to the government is fair and reasonable. The price being offered by the vendor is considered to be fair and reasonable, because it coincides with the prevailing rates offered in the open market/community.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted:

A market survey was not conducted.

9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

This procurement for CL T and CLA Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams are needed to test and provide inmates with the competency to become Certified Production Technicians and Certified Logistics Technicians after being released when returning to the community to find jobs.

10. List of sources expressing in writing interest in the acquisition:

None

11. Action taken, if any, to remove or overcome any barriers to competition:

The Contracting Officer has determined that this type of procurement is rare and limited due to MSSC being the only, responsible sole source provider to provide access to the purchasing of the approved Paper/Pen Assessments / Exams that will be utilized in the Education department at FCC Yazoo City. Market research will continue to be conducted to ascertain the availability of other sources for competition for future acquisitions.

12. Certifications and approvals:

I certify that the above justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief:

Requested by:

Kecha S. Goston, Contract Specialist Date