5-Day Training for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Treatment Modality Therapy

This contract action was accomplished using other than competitive procedures because the procurement is awarded to a sole source under the Test Program for Certain Commercial Items (FAR 13.5). See posted J&A for further information.

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
FOR OTHER THEN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Agency: Southern Regional Contracting Office, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

2. Description of Action: Sole source acquisition for the purchase of training and consultation of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment modality therapy by the EMDR Institute. Directed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, the creator and proprietor of the treatment modality. This action will be accomplished through the use of a Firm Fixed Price contract and will include five day training (30 students) at or near Army Installation (Washington, DC).

3. Description of Products/Services: This contract will consist of training by direction of the creator and proprietor of EMDR treatment modality, Dr. Francine Shapiro. The trainer and two facilitators will provide guidance, education and knowledge in learning and application of EMDR with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder patients. During EMDR the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem, such as an intense combat situation where the individual witnessed significant injury or death to their fellow soldiers, the sound of an IED exploding, panic attacks, etc, that the client would like to be the focus of the treatment session. EMDR is utilized by Behavioral Health and Mental Health Providers for soldiers who decline to or cannot verbalize trauma that they have experienced.

4. Authority Cited: 10 USC 2304(c) as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), Soliciting from a single source. For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g. urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name or industrial mobilization).

5. Reason for Cited Authority: The Soldier and Family Support Branch (SFSB) of the Department of Behavioral Health Sciences has requested that we bypass competition and enter into negotiations with EMDR Institute, Dr. Shapiro, is the leading expert in training professionals in the use of this therapeutic approach. Changing to another protocol would cause extensive re-training, re-certifications, consultation coordination per student and additional cost in travel/accommodations. Dr. Shapiro is the sole proprietor and creator of EMDR, and is recognized throughout the field of psychology as the leading expert in the area of EMDR for the treatment of PTSD. Dr. Shapiro has been used expansively worldwide by the Military and Veteran Administration (VA) systems as a consultant and trainer to the Behavioral Health and Mental health Provider within the DOD.

6. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature: //ORIGINAL SIGNATURE// Date: 5/3/2012
Name: Melissa Oliva
Title: Contracting Officer