Description
The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, intends to negotiate a commercial (FAR Part 12) sole source contract with Digital Tools Inc. under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Please refer to the Sole Source Justification. This is not a solicitation; it is notice of intent to sole source a requirement.Inquiries/information received after the established deadline shall not be considered. The submission of any data for review shall not impede award of this contract as planned. The Government does not intend to pay for information solicited. This synopsis is issued pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION 1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity: 523-10-1-6440-0003: This document constitutes a justification and approval for use of other than full and open competition for the acquisition described herein. It is executed on behalf of the CIDER Center VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain MA. 2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved. Sole Source Procurement of the Following: The CIDER Program of the VABHS, Jamaica Plain, MA proposes to acquire services for professional network administration to their VA network and databases & other files on their server. 3. The description of the supplies or services required to meet the agencys needs (including the estimated value). IFCAP #: 523-10-1-6440-0003 Total Estimated dollar Value of base and 4 opt years: $33,000.00 The intention of the procurement is to obtain, by means of a firm, fixed price contract, professional network administration. The contractor will provide all labor, supervision and management necessary to service the Center of Information Dissemination and Education Resources (CIDER) as followed: Troubleshooting and eliminating existing problems on the CIDER local area network. Administration of the system to maintain functionality and compliance with OIT policies. Addition of new and enhanced functionalities as CIDER/VHA warrants. Analysis of network for vulnerabilities and suggestion of appropriate course of action based upon analysis. Documentation of network to aid future development and troubleshooting All services will be conducted within VA OIT policies and procedures and in collaboration with local OIT staff. Services will be for one year with 4 one-year option periods. 4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. FAR 6.302-1, no other responsible source can be identified that meets the technical requirements of CIDER as well as the knowledge of the Boston VHA network and policies for this service. Contracting without providing for full and open competition for this acquisition may be accomplished pursuant to the authority of 10 USC 2304 (1). Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, as implemented by paragraph 6.302-1 (a) (2) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Because of the expertise and unique knowledge of the VA information technology (IT systems, architecture and policies), it is determined that only one source is available to provide this service 5. Demonstration of the contractors unique qualifications: The requirements for this acquisition require experience and expertise with NT-based local area network (LAN) administration, wide area networks (WAN), NT Server, NT workstation, Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, web hosting, and experience with the Veterans Administration information technology) IT system, architecture and policies) and four hour troubleshooting response to system problems (both hardware & software). Failure to obtain this expertise and experience would result in the inability to access files, data and applications critical to the day-to-day operations of the CIDER Program or cause loss of files and data critical to the mission of the Center. This could cause severe, irreparable damage to the Center. 6. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by subpart 5.2 (copy attached) and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies. No, based on the fact that the VA information security prohibits any non-VA employee from having access to IT closets & certain other functions and the proposed vendor is the only identifiable source that meets the technical requirements and OIT training for the project. 7. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. Cost shown to be fair and reasonable based on comparison of the standard rate of $110.00 per hour and the cost to the government of $82.50 showing a 25% discount given 8. Description of the market survey conducted (i.e., names of firms and date(s) the firms were contacted) and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted. No market survey was conducted FAR 6.302-1 9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition, such as an explanation why technical data packages, specifications, or engineering descriptions, statements of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed or are not available. None 10. A listing of the sources, if any that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. None 11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. Contracting Activity will continue to encourage full and open competition whenever possible