J&A To Exercise an Option to Extend Services - FAR 52.217-8

This contract modification exercises a three-month option under FAR 52.217-8 to extend program management support services for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of International Affairs, effective from May 8, 2026, through August 7, 2026, at a total cost of $451,117.77. The modification is being issued as a sole-source action under 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) and RFO 6.103-1 because Avid Core LLC is the only responsible source capable of delivering mission-critical services without unacceptable disruption. The incumbent contractor’s unique institutional knowledge, established relationships with key stakeholders, and fully cleared personnel are essential to sustaining international affairs operations, and transitioning to a new vendor would introduce prohibitive delays—potentially up to six months—for security clearances and onboarding. The original contract was awarded as an 8(a) direct award to this small disadvantaged business, and while the option to extend services was included, its pricing was never formally evaluated at time of award, creating an administrative oversight that necessitates this justification. Services are performed in Washington, D.C., with no physical deliveries or FOB terms applicable, and the contract remains firm fixed price. The government accepts performance based on consistent past success rather than formal inspection criteria, and key personnel with two years of uninterrupted service are integral to continuity. No competing proposals were solicited, and the action relies entirely on the contractor’s unique qualifications, with no new evaluation factors applied. Funding is derived from 2025–2026 Operations and Support appropriation 0530, and the contracting officer and technical representative have approved the modification with digital signatures dated May 14, 2026.