S208--60 Day Extension | North Atlantic District | Establish new contract for Western MY NATL CEM | Grounds Maintenance Services

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Justification and Approval For Other Than Full and Open Competition Acquisition Plan Action ID: Purchase Request # 36C78620D0119/F000936-23-0000011 Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: This is a justification and approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition to establish a follow-on contract for grounds maintenance services. The follow-on contract 36C78620D0119 will need to continue for 60 days until the new requirement is awarded on June 1, 2023. The follow-on contract will have a fixed priced extension of the contract for 60 days. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency s Needs: Western New York National Cemetery is in a rural area which has limited resources available. Lander Group has been preforming grounds maintenance services at the Western New York National Cemetery. Lander Group previously held a contract for this service requested with them under 36C78620D0119. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition: X (1) Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements per FAR 6.302-1; 1 (2) Unusual and compelling urgency per FAR 6.302-2; 1 (3) Industrial mobilization, engineering, developmental or research capability or expert services per FAR 6.302-3; 1 (4) International agreement per FAR 6.302-4 1 (5) Authorized or required by statute FAR 6.302-5; 1 (6) National security per FAR 6.302-6; 1 (7) Public interest per FAR 6.302-7; Demonstration that the Contractor s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): Lander Group has performed ground maintenance services at other NCA cemeteries. They have the necessary capabilities to perform this requirement. Grounds Maintenance services. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: Lander Group is a SDVOSB vendor specializes in grounds maintenance services and is familiar with the grounds/ turf requirement at Western New York National Cemetery. The solicitation will be issued for five years and will be set aside to Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and posted on SAM.gov in the next 15 days. The solicitation will have to be posted for a minimum of 15 days. The ground maintenance services will have to continue at Western New York National Cemetery during this time and services will have to continue due to Memorial Day services. Based on these findings, it is the contracting officer determination that this requirement will be awarded on a sole source basis to the SDVOSB, Lander Group as this award and vendor are in accordance with the authority provided in VAAR 819.7007. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The anticipated value of the contracted services is for 60 days is estimated at $92,265.00. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: As described in Section VI above, market research, in accordance with FAR Part 10, was conducted by synopsis of the proposed acquisition, advising industry of the pending acquisition and soliciting inquiries from interested parties. The rule of two Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or Veteran Owned Small Business (VSOB) can be met for the new acquisition, but not for the 60-day short term requirement. The new solicitation is set aside to SDVOSBs and posted to SAM.gov. The new solicitation will close on April 10, 2023. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition (PM/CO): No further information. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: Lander Group 36A E Chipmunk Lane Greenville, ME 0441 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: The VA will continue to conduct market research, including interacting with vendors at professional conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows, to identify alternative sources that could be considered for future acquisitions. 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.