AN42--Increase MOD - Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center in Washington DC, has sole-sourced a contract modification to the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine under FAR 6.302-1, citing the exclusive capability of this organization to provide critical epidemiological support for the Veteran Military Occupational & Environmental Exposure Assessment Tool (VMOAT) and the Complex Exposure Threats Center of Excellence. The modification adds a single Epidemiologist position and increases the contract value without recompetition, as market research determined no other responsible source exists with the required expertise in military veteran exposure science, VA systems integration, IRB/HRPP compliance, and prior performance under related VA contracts. The contract structure consists entirely of four non-guaranteed option years, priced at fixed rates with no cost adjustments permitted, spanning from April 30, 2026, through March 29, 2030, with total potential value estimated at $1,531,510.32, reflecting cumulative pricing across all option years. Performance is centered at the WRIISC facility in Washington, DC, where the contractor provides non-personal scientific and technical services under the authority of the PACT Act and VA’s HOME initiative, with no physical deliveries or FOB terms applicable. The Epidemiologist role is mission-critical, requiring incumbent personnel to maintain existing security clearances and deep institutional knowledge to ensure uninterrupted data governance, survey validation, and regulatory compliance. The award follows simplified acquisition procedures under FAR 13.5, with no solicitation of competitive proposals, and all pricing is locked in from the original base contract, preserving cost predictability. The contracting officer, Robert O’Keefe Jr., retains oversight authority, with oversight performed by VA personnel at the DC VAMC, and the award is justified by the foundation’s proven track record, exclusive familiarity with VA protocols, and the high risk of operational disruption or data integrity compromise if transitioned to another entity. The contract includes no formal packaging, marking, or invoicing specifications beyond administrative and compliance reporting tied to federal research standards and CPARS metrics.