AN42--Henry M. Jackson Foundation

Effective Date: 02/01/2022 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION UNDER SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.5 Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C245-23-AP-2805 Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 5, DC VAMC Contracting Agency: Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Activity: Military environmental exposure expert staffing Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center in Washington, DC is a national post-deployment health resource for the Veterans Health Administration will contribute to the VHAs proactive response to outcomes of military exposures through science, policy, education and communication. To continue the development and dissemination of research that was built under the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, the DC WRIISC is requesting to extend the services to support new demands associated with the application of the PACT Act and support leadership reorganization associated with the newly created program devoted to possible health effects of military environmental exposures called Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME). The contracting agency is the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (hereafter HJF ), which is a global organization dedicated to advancing military medical research. The DC WRIISC seeks a contract with the expert staff of HJF to establish a rapid response infrastructure. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency s Needs: Associate Scientific Director (1) Position Description: Associate Scientific Director (ASD) will be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team with a focus on Data Science and Big Data studies. Provides guidance to WRIISC Scientists, Research Assistants, Research Fellows and Postdocs on cross-domain research studies and federal research, regulatory and logistical guidelines. Epidemiologist (1) Position Description: The Epidemiologist will serve as a lead data scientist and provides guidelines in designing study methodology, developing study protocol, interprets and applies data analytic tools both independently and in collaboration with WRIISC research team. Works directly with WRIISC leadership to foster grant funding and developing scientific projects. Designs, develops, executes, implements, and prepares scientific research reports and publications. Health Coach (1) Position Description: The Health Coach will function as a member of the interdisciplinary WRIISC team and will communicate in team meetings and in the medical record about the Veteran s progress and potential concerns. S/he will develop information materials and conduct workshops, seminars, and other meetings with different levels of staff to educate about integrative health coaching principles. 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): The WRIISC seeks to continue of services s were outlined in the existing contract, Henry Jackson Foundation. The contracting agency is the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (hereafter HJF ), which is a global organization dedicated to advancing military medical research. The DC WRIISC seeks a contract with the expert staff of HJF to establish a rapid response infrastructure.The success of such an important research plan that our department requires necessitates the skill and expertise of an interdisciplinary team experienced with clinical research in a military setting. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: A previous market survey for the original contract determined that Henry Jackson Foundation was the only source capable of providing this service. Based on the circumstances of the prior market research results, and the stated urgency in continuation of work with the vendor, only one responsible source will reach reasonably meet our needs. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: Government estimate was prepared and provided by the Contracting Officer s Representative (COR). The anticipated price to the Government for the items requested is approximately (6 months: $250,000). Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: Market Research was not presently conducted due to the clause for the continuation of work within the current fiscal year, as bidding or placing work with another vendor would disrupt the program s progress. Extending the contract for an additional period is crucial to ensure the availability of critical expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health coaching. Proceeding with HJF as the sole vendor will help to ensure uninterrupted support, reduces Government costs through eliminating the acquisition and training of new staff, and continuity of critical public health programs developed during the partnership. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: In order to satisfactorily meet the goals of the proposed work, the WRIISC requires the vendor provides the organizational support and administrative capabilities to allow WRIISC staff to maintain their scientific and clinical focus. The organization must have extensive experience managing clinical research in the military/veteran community with expertise in recruiting and hiring research personnel and knowledge of the Washington DC VA Medical Center. HJF is the only local organization we have found to offer this caliber of scientific and research expertise. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: No other sources formally expressed interest in this Acquisition. 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: No other actions are planned, given the specialty of HJF s expertise related to military medicine. Seeking other sources during the planned duration of the contract would result in increased costs to the government through loss of productivity and efficiency in accomplishing the goals described in section 5. 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.