R--Medical Transcription Services FY09 (interim)CONTRACT

Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open competition 1. Contracting Activity: VISN 7 Network Logistics Contracting Office, 1 Freedom Way, Augusta, GA 30904. 2. Description of Action: Sole Source Procurement of Medical Transcription service for VISN 7 3. Description of Services: The contractor shall provide all facilities, labor, materials, insurance, licenses, and equipment required to provide medical transcription services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to include federal holidays for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers located within VISN 7. 4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is FAR 6.302-2, Unusual and compelling urgency. 5. Reason for Authority Cited: Solicitation VA-247-RP-09-0103 was issued on 10 February to provide medical transcription services for VISN 7. 14 proposals were received in response to the solicitation. Based on the results of the Source Selection Evaluation Board, two vendors were selected for award. A protest against the award was filed with GAO on 10 June 2009. Medical transcription services are directly related to patient health care and can not be interrupted. In accordance with FAR 33.104(c) and VAAR 833.104(c), a request for approval to continue services due to urgent and compelling circumstances was forwarded to the Deputy Senior Procurement Executive on 17 June 2009. The request to continue services was approved. 6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: No competition is being sought due to the urgent nature of this requirement. Additionally legal counsel has advised that a stay of performance is required when the agency receives notice from GAO within 10 days of contract award or within 5 days of a required debriefing. The stay with the incumbent contractor is automatic by operation of law. 7. Action to Increase Competition: There are numerous businesses that qualify for this requirement and responsible sources have been identified. 8. Market Research: Market research was conducted using the VetBiz registry, Central Contract Registry and contract files for similar services. 9. Interested Sources: There are numerous sources available however this requirement will be offered to the incumbent contractor in order to avoid a delay in services. 10. Other Facts: None 11. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the information contained in this justification is accurate and correct to the best of my knowledge: 12. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: The price for these services will be the same as those quoted on previous contracts. I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract will be fair and reasonable. APPROVED: DISAPPROVED Rufus Gates Jr. Contracting Oficer