Description
JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL TO PROCURE USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION 1. Identification of Agency and Contracting Activity. This Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition is executed by the Center for Acquisition Innovation (CAI) Frederick, Frederick, MD. 2. Nature/Description of Action. This activity proposes to negotiate a noncompetitive award (sole source) with Working Knowledge-CSP, for the procurement of a knowledge management system framework solution for the VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA). The solution will include the development of a KM mission, KM strategy, KM roadmap, and KM recommendations based on assessments findings. 3. Description of Supplies/Services. The development of this framework solution will requires conducting a comprehensive KM needs baseline assessment and a KM operations baseline assessment. The assessments must be conducted by experienced and qualified personnel with expert knowledge in Federal Acquisition, Program Management, Knowledge Management, and Acquisition operations. 4. Identification of Statutory Authority. The statutory exception permitting other than full and open competition for this acquisition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(5), Authorized or Required by Statute as implemented by FAR 6.302-5. The applicable statute is Public Law 109-461, Veterans First Contracting Program. 5. Demonstration of Contractor's Unique Qualifications. Working Knowledge CSP is a verified SDVOSB with expert knowledge in Federal Acquisition, Program Management and Knowledge Management. Working knowledge has a broad and in depth understanding of the spectrum of the VAAA mission and how to get the results needed for a KM framework solution. Working Knowledge has demonstrated its ability to develop KM solutions for both public and private sector organizations. The Working Knowledge model uses proven KM practices and processes necessary for to achieve success. 6. Description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable. A notice of intent to sole source will be posted in the Federal Business Opportunity System pursuant to the Federal Register Vol. 74, No. 234 (Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Acquisition Regulation Supporting Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses) Final Rule #5. Future competition for award will be considered on a case-by-case basis for award. 7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Prices. No award shall be made until the Contracting Officer determines the costs to the Government to be fair and reasonable. This determination will be based on sources such as comparison of other contracts for same or similar services, the contractor's public price list, Internet Search Engines and Working Knowledge CSP's quote. 8. Description of Market Survey. Market Research was conducted on ProQuest to gain a better understanding of a knowledge management system. Industry professionals were contacted to discuss industry standard activities associated with the framework necessary to develop a successful knowledge management system. Market Research was conducting on GSA schedule 35. Six vendors were identified as having knowledge in KM. See vendor list below: Solute GS-35F-0372V Knowledge Management Inc GS-35F-0126W Management Support Technology GS-35F-0188K Herdt Consulting Inc. GS-35F-0536V Portal Dynamics, Inc. GS-35F-0310N Momentum Inc. GS-35F-0137T All the above vendors listed KM as a capability in GSA. As a result, all six vendors were sent a questionnaire to identify those with expert knowledge in Federal Acquisition, PM and KM in an acquisitions operations environment. Only one of the vendors provided a response to the market research, therefore not establishing competition required by FAR 8.405-1. Next, market research was conducted in Vetbiz. Five registered SDVOSB were identified as having working knowledge KM system frameworks. The following vendors' websites were reviewed: 3D Strategies, LLC Fairfax KTi Solutions, LLC Baltimore Millennium KI, LLC Fayetteville Topsarge Business Solutions Temple Working Knowledge CSP Great Falls It was determined that Working Knowledge-CSP is a responsible source with respect to this contracting opportunity. They are registered and verified in VetBiz.gov as a SDVOSB with the NAICS code for this requirement which in accordance with Public Law 109-461 Section 502(c) meets the requirements of this statute to sole source to a SDVOSB. 9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. PL109-461 Section 502(c) states: SOLE SOURCE CONTRACTS FOR CONTRACTS ABOVE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD. For purposes of meeting the goals under subsection (a), and in accordance with this section, a contracting officer of the Department may award a contract to a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures if: (1) Such concern is determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance of such contract opportunity; (2) The anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (as defined in section 4 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403)) but will not exceed $5,000,000; and (3) In the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. This procurement meets all of these conditions. 10. Listing of Interested Sources. Working Knowledge-CSP 11107 Corobon Lane, Great Falls, VA 22066 11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition. All future requirements will be handled on a case-by-case basis. CERTIFICATIONS Technical Representative Certification: I certify that the foregoing justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. ____________________ ____________ Stephen Crouse Date Technical Representative Contracting Officer Certification Pursuant to (FAR 6.303-2(a)(12)), I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. _______________________ ____________ James L. Boughner Date Contracting Officer