Redacted Justification

General Services Administration Public Building Service Leasing Division Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (Redacted) For US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Project No. 4VI0021, Lease No. GS-02P-LVI19245, Ten (10) Years, Five (5) Years Firm Proposed Action: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently occupies space which is due to expire. EPA has requested that GSA commit to procuring an additional ten (10) years, with five (5) years firm, Succeeding Lease, at the current location. Notwithstanding, the difficulty in finding office space suitable to meet the requirements of the agency in Charlotte Amalie, at this time, the EPA has, concluded that remaining in place will hold to a location that is easily accessible by the public and private sectors, with which the office will require close coordination. Remaining in place will also provide the additional benefit of reducing its financial outlays in renovation and new furniture purchases while continuing to serve its original mission through the current office space as designed and constructed. In addition, EPA made a major expenditure at the beginning of the current Lease renewal term, which involved a reduction in Leased space or down-sizing and a remodeling to accommodate its current space design. Minimum to no tenant improvements are contemplated in the proposed Succeeding Lease procurement beyond periodic office painting and carpet/flooring repairs or replacement, to be negotiated with the Lessor at no additional cost to the Government. Description of Requirement: Prior to the expiration of the current Lease, on June 16, 2016, a one (1) year Lease Extension will be negotiated to permit the time needed to complete the proposed Succeeding Lease action being requested by the agency and provided to the GSA National Brokers for procurement action. Certification of Statutory Authority: 41 USCS - 3304(a)(1): Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Unique Qualifications: The current location is already constructed to meet the strategic needs of the EPA without the need for substantial additional TI improvements. Full TI improvements would be required if they were to relocate under a competitive lease procurement. Continued occupancy at the existing location also eliminates the costs associated with a physical move, including moving costs and the cost of replicating telecommunication and data installations (collectively with the costs of TI improvements, "Relocation Costs"). A Succeeding Lease will also protect the Governments occupancy during this process at anticipated costs that will be fair and reasonable. Efforts to Ensure Solicitation from Maximum Sources Practical: N/A Description of market survey result: See attached Market Research Report/10-Year Succeeding Lease Cost Benefit Analysis. Determination that Anticipated Costs will be Fair and Reasonable: The anticipated cost for the new Succeeding Lease period is fair and reasonable. Based upon a review of market data known to the Lease Contracting Officer and obtained from the internet and local Brokers, the total anticipated Succeeding Lease rent is within the market range. However, when relocation costs are added to the shell rent, operating cost and TI, the aggregate rental cost at a new location would increase. By staying at the current location and paying an aggregate rent, the Government would realize a substantial savings over the ten (10) years Succeeding Lease term. It has therefore determined that it is in the Government's best interest to secure continuing occupancy at the current premises. Future Actions to Overcome Barriers to Full and Open Competition: N/A. I hereby certify that the above information is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. Agency requirements supporting this justification for other than full and open competition are certified as accurate. Joseph A. Pena, LCO