V226--Cleveland and CBOC Wheelchair Transportation Services Bridge Contract: March 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A)

For

Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C250-23-AP-1986

Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN10, Network Contracting Office (NCO 10). The 2237s for this procurement are 541-23-2-509-0048 and 541-23-2-509-0049.

Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: This activity proposes to solicit with Apex Transit Solutions, a woman-owned small business, using sole source procurement procedures under NAICS Code 485991 to provide ambulette transportation services for the Cleveland VA Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS) for the period of March 1, 2023 June 30, 2023. This is a bridge contract to continue transportation services while a solicitation for a new contract is created.

Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency s Needs: The Cleveland VA Medical Center requires medical transportation service to transport beneficiaries including physically or mentally handicapped individuals in wheelchairs, aged and infirm persons, their attendants, and personal belongings between points in Ohio. Contractor shall provide all labor, materials and equipment necessary to transport VA beneficiaries by wheelchair van services for the Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition:

(X) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy

Agency Requirements per 41 USC §3304(a)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1;

( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per 41 USC §3304(a)(2) as implemented by FAR 6.302-2;

( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability

or Expert Services per 41 USC §3304(a)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3;

( ) (4) International Agreement per 41 USC §3304(a)(4) as implemented by FAR 6.302-4

( ) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute per 41 USC §3304(a)(5) as implemented by FAR 6.302-5;

( ) (6) National Security per 41 USC §3304(a)(6) as implemented by FAR 6.302-6;

( ) (7) Public Interest per 41 USC §3304(a)(7) as implemented by FAR 6.302-7;

Demonstration that the Contractor s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): Ambulette transportation is vital to the Cleveland VA Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Apex Transit Solutions is the current provider of ambulette transportation to both the Cleveland VA Medical Center and CBOCS, and for this short period of time, it is necessary to maintain continuity of services for the patients of ambulette service while the new requirement is solicited. If these services were to lapse due to lack of a contract, these services would be discontinued and patient care would be severely compromised, as patients could not be transported to the VA/CBOC to receive their medical care. Essentially, this bridge contract prevents serious injury to the VA s ability to care for veterans.

Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: Due to the urgent nature of the need for this service, minimal market research was conducted because it was not practicable under the circumstances. This is a bridge contract to ensure vital transportation services continue while a new requirement is put in place.

Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The CO determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable, as Apex Transit Solutions has agreed to keep unit prices the same as they were in contract 36C25023D0013, which is approaching its contract maximum. It is determined that this is the best value to the Government.

Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: Due to the urgent nature of the need for this service, minimal market research was conducted because it was not practicable under the circumstances. An SBA Vet Cert search using NAICS code 485991 returned 186 results. However, these vendors are located across the country and would not be in a position to get set up to provide these services in the short turnaround time required. Apex Transport Services is already set up and performing these services and this is simply a bridge contract to continue transportation services while the new contract is competed and awarded.

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: Apex Transit Solutions

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: Not applicable

Signatures on file Awarded contract 36C25023D0032 to APEX TRANSIT SOLUTIONS LLC for 583680.60000000 on 2023-02-28.