Limited Source Justification - National Institute of Justice Peer Review Support Services

The National Institute of Justice, under the Office of Justice Programs within the Department of Justice, has issued a Limited Source Justification to award a temporary contract to BETAH Associates, Inc. for peer review support services, citing the critical need to maintain the integrity of the peer review process during a planned transition of knowledge and responsibilities to agency personnel. As the incumbent contractor with deep institutional familiarity with the workflows, data, and documentation systems, BETAH Associates, Inc. is uniquely positioned to ensure a seamless transfer of critical functions without disrupting ongoing operations or risking the accuracy, timeliness, and fairness of peer reviews essential to grant award decisions. The justification emphasizes that any delay or failure in this transition could result in serious consequences, including the dissemination of incorrect information to applicants, failure to meet FY26 review deadlines, improper data entry into JustGrants, and the loss of essential documentation, all of which would undermine the credibility of the funding process. This procurement is being conducted under the Federal Supply Schedule with a simplified acquisition threshold exception, utilizing the solicitation number 15PNJD26F00000001 and classified under NAICS code 541810 for advertising and marketing services. The contract is set to be performed in Washington, D.C., with primary point of contact Jamila A. Garrett providing oversight. The decision to limit the source to BETAH Associates, Inc. is based on the high risk associated with transitioning complex, mission-critical functions to new personnel without continuity, and the necessity of preserving the quality and reliability of peer review outcomes during this interim period. The agency recognizes that no other contractor possesses the same level of embedded expertise required to mitigate potential disruptions, making this limited-source award necessary for operational stability and mission success.