6515--VISN nitrile gloves covid-19 SDVOSB sole source, authorized by statute IAW vaar 819. 7007

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A)

For

Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C246-21-AP-2136

Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 6 Medical Centers. Purchase request (2237) 483-21-2-6005-0066.

Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Approved: The proposed action is for SDVOSB sole source Cardinal Esteem Gloves for multiple sizes (small, medium, large, and extra-large). This is a new requirement.

Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency s Needs: Esteem Blue Nitrile Exam Gloves, powder-free non-sterile chemo rated examination gloves. Benefits to the VISN 6 healthcare mission is the gloves are fully textured, can be used in medical center labs and with chemotherapy drugs, ambidextrous, power free, nominal fingertip thickness: 4.7 mil (.12mm), USP 800 compliant. Total cost of this requirement is $698,478.00 consisting of 23,100 boxes containing 150 gloves per box and 3,300 boxes of Extra Large containing 130 gloves per box. Partial delivery can be made immediately with the balance by 5/14/2021.

Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition: 41 USC §3304(a)(5), 38 U.S. Code § 8127(c), as implemented by FAR 6.302-5 (Authorized or Required by Statute). COs may use the non-competitive (sole source) procedures authorized in VAAR 819.7007 or 819.7008 up to $5,000,000. Check the specific VAAR clause used below:

( X ) 819.7007 Sole source awards to a verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business

Demonstration that the Contractor s Unique Qualifications and/or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): VAAR 819.7007

allows sole source awards to SDVOSB based on 38 U.S.C. 8127(c) and Awen Solutions Group LLC has been determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance. Additionally, Awen Solutions Group LLC is a small business under NAICS Code 339113 and is currently registered in VetBiz.

Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies: Per exception in FAR 5.202(a)(2) The award will be made using simplified acquisition procedures and there is unusual and compelling urgency. The VISN would lose this source of verified and evaluated chemo rated nitrile gloves which are in extremely high demand because of COVID-19.

Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The unsolicited proposal price for this order is $17.63 per 100 gloves. 36C24621P0170 was for $18.60 per 100 gloves and 36C24621P0385 was for $18.90 per 100 gloves. Based on recent orders, the price is determined to be fair and reasonable.

Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: The vendor met the eligibility criteria outlined in VAAR 819.7003, they are a verified SDVOSB in VIP and the action is below the $5M threshold. Availability of Chemo Rated Nitrile Gloves is extremely limited. VISN 6 received an unsolicited proposal for gloves that are readily available and approved a sample. Time is of the essence in order to get gloves since they are being sold as soon as they arrive and there is not enough time to go through the standard procedures for acquisition. VISN 6 has had to cancel two orders due to the vendors inability to honor the contract and had a third that took months longer than planned to deliver what was ordered. Awen Solutions Group LLC has a proven track record with the VA.

Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: This product was clinically tested and vetted through Salisbury clinical team. Awen Solutions Group LLC has the Cardinal Esteem Gloves on hand and ready for shipment to the VISN 6 storage location.

Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: None.

A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required: As the VISN catches up with demand and the Prime Vendor increases availability, nitrile gloves will be ordered through the Prime Vendor. Awarded contract 36C24621P0666 to AWEN SOLUTIONS GROUP, LLC for 698478.00000000 on 2021-03-03.