U009--Gallup Clifton Strengths Talent Assessment and Gallup Full Catalog of Training and Webinars

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION UNDER SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.5

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C246-23-AP-6915

Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 6, 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton VA 23667 in support of VISN 6 - VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network, 3518 Westgate Drive Suite 200, Durham NC 27707. Purchase request (2237) number: 483-24-1-5405-0004.

Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: NCO 6 intends to award a new firm-fixed-price contract for CliftonStrengths assessments and training.

Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency s Needs:

StrengthsFinder materials/codes for TOP 34 assessments- 200

StrengthsFinder facilitator -led course -virtual-full day- 3

StrengthsFinder facilitator -led course -virtual-half day 3 (full catalog option)

StrengthsFinder facilitator -led course -in- person-full day- 1 (full catalog option)

Live Strengths-Based Webinar (configuration, max 50 participants) -7

CliftonStrengths Advisory -1

Gallup Global Strengths Coach (Virtual) -2

Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition: FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The statutory authority for applying the Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items of FAR 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and is implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(2) for restricting competition on this procurement.  Competition is restricted on this procurement for the reason below:

       ( x ) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

       ( ) Unusual and Compelling Urgency

       ( )  Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services

       ( ) International Agreement

       ( ) Authorized or Required by Statute

       ( ) National Security

       ( ) Public Interest

Demonstration that the Contractor s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): VISN 6 currently utilizes Gallup StrengthsFinder Suite of assessment and training tools in various areas to support the workforce and leverage their talents based on CliftonStrengths assessment in its leadership development institute program, Podcasts, and other modalities. The products and services align specifically with VHA All Employee Survey and VA Leadership Development Framework to support the workforce, competencies, and their professional development. VISN 6 uses CliftonStrengths to leverage their workforce talents in virtual teams, professional development, & insight to effective leadership abilities. Gallup CliftonStrengths is the sole proprietor of their training content. Their materials and products can only be facilitated by instructors who are certified by Gallup. The unique feature of Gallup CliftonStrengths is their ability to create specific content related to the CIiftonStrengths assessment.

Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable. Market research was conducted on 09.13.23 GSA Advantage elibrary & Google for potential servicers to offer full catalog of Gallup, CliftonStrengths. A request for information was emailed on 09.14.23 to vendors with one-week to return a response. Response that could offer full catalog was only received from Gallup, Inc.

Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: Price will be compared to the Gallup store at: https://store.gallup.com/h/en-us

Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: Market research was conducted on 09.13.23 GSA Advantage and Google for potential servicers to offer full catalog of Gallup, CliftonStrengths. A request for information was emailed on 09.14.23 to vendors with one-week to return a response. Response received that could offer full catalog was only received from Gallup, CliftonStrengths. SBA VetCert was quiried using NAICS 611430 and there were 3,224 results. This is a broad category. There are no authorized SDVOSB/VOSB that provide Gallup, CliftonStrengths. Gallup, Inc. provided a sole source letter.

Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: None.

Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: Gallup, Inc.

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: The Government will continue to conduct thorough market research to gauge the commercial marketplace capabilities for future requirements. No actions can be taken, at this time, to increase competition because the StrengthsFinder assessment and training is licensed by Gallup and they are the only provider.

Requirements Certification: I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a Bona Fide Need of the Department of Veterans Affairs and that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Awarded contract 36C24624P0250 to GALLUP, INC. for 130898.00000000 on 2023-11-15.